Is The Concrete Pictorial Abstract Approach The Most Effect Form Of Pedagogy?

Across schools in England, mathematics is taught using a ‘Concrete, Pictorial, Abstract’ (CPA) approach.

The CPA approach is a technique where

- The first stage of teaching is to use physical objects as an aid to learning,

- The second stage is through the use of pictures to help learning,

- The third stage is through the use of abstract mathematical symbols.

The CPA approach is the technique that is almost exclusively implemented within English state schools, and is employed consecutively, in order, rather than simultaneously.

The following discourse draws together the research carried out on the implementation of CPA in the three educational phases of primary, secondary and tertiary schooling.

Analysis will be made as to what extent CPA is utilised and how art is used in the ‘concrete’ stage to promote learning and an interest in mathematics.

The advantages and disadvantages of a CPA approach is explored, with particular reference to cognitive duality.

Four art works, produced by the author, will be used to show how art can be used to illustrate higher mathematical concepts.

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