The Concrete, Pictorial, Abstract approach (CPA) is a highly effective approach to teaching that develops a deep and sustainable understanding of maths in pupils. Often referred to as the concrete, representational, abstract framework, CPA was developed by American psychologist Jerome Bruner. It is an essential technique within the Singapore method of teaching maths for mastery.
At a glance
An essential technique of maths mastery that builds on a child’s existing understanding
A highly effective framework for progressing pupils to abstract concepts like fractions
Involves concrete materials and pictorial/representational diagrams
Based on research by psychologist Jerome Bruner
Along with bar modelling and number bonds, it is an essential maths mastery strategy
and multi-link cubes are more commonly used in the UK. However, concrete materials are frequently shelved by the time children reach KS2 — many teachers believe them to be too childish or distracting. Removing concrete materials exposes children to abstract concepts too early. As a result, they miss out on the opportunity to build a conceptual mathematical understanding that can propel them through their education.
It is important to recognise that the CPA model is a progression. By the end of KS1, children need to be able to go beyond the use of concrete equipment to access learning using either pictorial representations or abstract understanding. What is important, therefore, is that all learners, however young, can see the connections between each representation.