Use Algebra to solve problems for PSLE Maths
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lizawa:
[/quote]Hi lizawa[quote]
After 1st term in school, my son (P6) can decide for himself what questions he can solve easier with models, ratios or algebra. The main thing is, they must be clear how to use all these different methods.
Thank you for the insightful reply.
You are right, let the student decides. Eventually, he/she will sit for PSLE without anyone’s help. What’s more important is that he/she understands the concept and is able to apply the skills to solve similar problem should he come across it in examinations.
Judging from the methodology you used to answer the questions, I guess you are geared towards using Algebra to solve such problems. Just curious, is your son taught similar way of answering these questions in his school or are the teachers using Model Drawing and Heuristics? -
[quote]Just curious, is your son taught similar way of answering these questions in his school or are the teachers using Model Drawing and Heuristics?[/quote]
For these types of questions, he will use the same method I used. He has been taught all these by the school. He will also use model drawing and heuristics, as and when needed. And as and when he thinks is easier or more appropriate. Some questions on fractions are more difficult to be solved by algebra, in his opinion. So he will use ratio or model drawing.
You will be surprised, after so many years of training in model drawing, our kids are quite expert already.
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Unless you’re prepared to teach your kid algebra, using algebra will further confuse the kid as they are not taught to use this method. Besides, most model questions are set in such a way for using models to solve. Using other methods likely takes a longer time.
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lizawa:
For those of us who are trained in Algebra, I think we have internalized the method and using it comes very naturally...so much so that we are resistant to other methods. Sometimes, we have to un-learn in order to help our children.Algebra, in a way, is very mechanical. Using process skills or models, help the child to visualize and think a little deeper into the question. I think it's good training for the child.
matrix0405:
I totally agree here. I was skeptical and tried to teach my children simultaneous equations when they started learning modeling. My P6 boy has become so proficient with modelling that he will solve his question while I am still resolving the first variable. Mind you, while I had not been a gifted child, I am at least an \"A\" student when it comes to Maths.Unless you're prepared to teach your kid algebra, using algebra will further confuse the kid as they are not taught to use this method. Besides, most model questions are set in such a way for using models to solve. Using other methods likely takes a longer time.
So personally, I have to say that Algebra may be our thing in the past. We should let the children decide which method they are more comfortable with. -
What is model drawing in our time? We had never ever use model drawing but yet we passed through our PSLE in using algebra method. And it does not mean that model drawing would be useful for them in Secondary school and they do not use it at all! Another words, model drawing is only applicable for Primary levels which I feel. :roll:
Most Secondary level is using mostly algebra method to solve maths problem. So it made no difference of using algebra method now in P6 and Secondary level. -
My P4 son has problem doing model drawing. The more he draw, the more mistake and usually he will get zero for all model drawing. So I have no choice but to teach him units method and algebra which he find it much easier to comprehen. If without the skills of model drawing, will he face lots of problem in P5 and P6?
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I can understand the frustration some parents face when using model drawing to solve primary school maths problems.
I belong to the era where model drawing was taught and was NOT taught any algebra until secondary school. The concept of model drawing is deeply entrenched in my mind, thus when my dd1 started model drawing, it was easy for me to teach her model drawing since I learnt it before. However, my DH had problems as he belongs to the era where only algebra was taught in primary school. I observed that he tended to use algebra to explain and I could see his frustration with model drawing so I ended up teaching my DD and DH about model drawing.
After some time, DH got the hang of model drawing and is now able to use it proficiently to help the children. In DH's view, model drawing is a good way to introduce abstract concepts to children and helps them to effectively visualize mathematical problems.
For example, the statement about child A having 3 times as many sweets as child B is abstract for a 9 year old kid but will be easy to visualize by drawing out the model.
Just have to be prepared to unlearn algebra and learn about model drawing from scratch. -
The beauty of MOE syabullus is learn Models for Primary School Maths n then when you enter Sec School, throw it back to your Primary School teachers n start learning Algebra becos you don't need to use Models anymore.
To me, MOE only think of short term n not long term. I really do not understand what is their rationale to make kids learn Models only for Primary School n then unlearn n relearn Alegbra.
Oh well, MOE hires scholars to design the syabullus for PSLE, rite?
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zbear:
:hi5:The beauty of MOE syabullus is learn Models for Primary School Maths n then when you enter Sec School, throw it back to your Primary School teachers n start learning Algebra becos you don't need to use Models anymore.
To me, MOE only think of short term n not long term. I really do not understand what is their rationale to make kids learn Models only for Primary School n then unlearn n relearn Alegbra.
Oh well, MOE hires scholars to design the syabullus for PSLE, rite?
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Perhaps we can try to stop viewing model drawing and algebra as separate and unrelated methods. Model drawing simplifies the introduction of abstract concepts (such as let the unknown variable be x) and could be viewed as an introduction to algebra. Model drawing makes it easy for lower primary school children to visualize about unknowns as well as break down a complex problem into simpler parts.
Drawing models and having to work with units will ease the transition to the next step of stating "let the unknown variable be x". Moreover the habit of drawing to visualize a mathematical problem is a good habit and will come in useful when handling more abstract mathematics like vectorial calculus.
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