Concrete-Representational-Abstract (CRA) Model
Concrete-Representational-Abstract (CRA) Model
The Concrete-Representational-Abstract (CRA) Model is a structured instructive system aimed at improving the mathematical understanding of learners by shifting from concrete experiences to abstract reasoning. It gives importance to the use of manipulatives and other visual aids for efficient learning and retention of mathematical concepts.
What are the main stages of the CRA model?
The CRA model, which is irrevocably composed of three phases, Concrete, Representational, and Abstract, is basically a cyclical process. In the initial stage, Concrete, the pupils utilize real physical objects or manipulatives for tactile exploration of the mathematical principles. Afterward, in the Representational stage, the learners shift to line drawings or diagrams to visually illustrate what they have understood. Lastly, in the Abstract stage, they only deal with symbols and numbers independently, without any physical aids, thus making them generalize knowledge and solve problems by themselves.
How can teachers implement the CRA model in the classroom?
The CRA model can be implemented by teachers beginning with the introduction of a math concept through the use of manipulatives, for instance, blocks for addition or subtraction. As soon as the students have learned the concept through the practical activities, the teachers can Proceed to the Representational stage in which the students can draw pictures or use diagrams to show their calculations. At last teachers can lead students to the Abstract stage where they solve problems by means of numerical equations, hence, the students are sure of the underlying principles before they move to use abstract symbols.
What are the benefits of using the CRA model for teaching mathematics?
The CRA model has many advantages such as the increase in comprehension, the enhancement of retention of concepts, and making it possible for different learnerguide. Beginning with tangible experiences, students are able to create and actively engage the concepts of abstractionism. This three-step approach facilitates students throughout learning mathematics which becomes a predecessor of their better problem-solving and reasoning skills.
Can the CRA model be applied to subjects other than mathematics?
Definitely, the CRA model can also find application in different across all disciplines, not only mathematics but also in science and language arts. For illustration, in science, learners could initially use tangible models of molecules (Concrete), and then they could illustrate chemical reactions through diagrams (Representational), and finally, chemical equations could be used to describe the reactions (Abstract). Likewise, in language arts, learners can perform a plot of a story (Concrete), create story maps (Representational) and analyze themes or characters using literary terms (Abstract).