2021 PSLE Discussions and Strategies (Children born in 2009)

[douzi]

User1234567891011\" post_id=\"2040184\" time=\"1633092308\" user_id=\"195180:

phtthp\" post_id=\"2040182\" time=\"1633091637\" user_id=\"35251:

so far, based on above discussion, only 1 question is deemed difficult, out of the entire two Maths papers (1 and 2), because don't see students bring out other challenging Maths questions.

If is only just 1 difficult question, then cannot conclude that Maths is tough, because in order to segregate out the (AL 1 vs. AL 2) students, definitely they have to set some tough questions. Otherwise, everyone will score AL 1, for today Maths

There is definitely more than 1 question that is difficult. In fact, there are numerous. It just isn't brought out yet as the students forgot how the question was.

If students in Singapore came out of the exam crying, it can't be over just one question.

As mentioned by other parents before, there are always kids going to cry. You can't possibly please everyone. If an easy paper is set, everyone gets AL1. Later will cry over tie-breaker balloting perhaps.

[dumbbells]

Move on and stop looking back . Carry on the discussions will only make the kids feel bad and affect them mentally . They can google and read what you all were discussing.

There are 2 more papers to go .

[Zeal mummy]

putien\" post_id=\"2040188\" time=\"1633093252\" user_id=\"29927:

For the use of Algebra in PSLE Math, check out this post:
https://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/forum/viewtopic.php?t=52326&start=3390

Putien, Thank you for sharing!

Extract from the link above as shared on 15 September 2013:

I was the one who posted earlier on my experience on the usage of Algebra in PSLE Math. I dug out my email correspondence and will be reproducing it here. I have a correction to make. While I wrote directly to MOE, MOE forwarded my query to SEAB (Singapore Examinations & Assessment Board) to handle. So, the replies given were from SEAB.

Please read and judge for yourselves:

MY EMAIL TO MOE

I was informed by the school that while Algebra is accepted as a method for solving PSLE Math questions, no \"method\" marks (or marks for showing correct working), will be awarded. Full marks will be awarded only for final correct answers. This means that it is a \"do-or-die\" if you choose to use Algebra. However, if a student uses the Model Method, this can earn him method marks even if the final answer is incorrect.

I would like to seek clarification on whether the information above is accurate. And if so, the rationale behind it?

I find the preference for Model Method puzzling, all the more so because after PSLE, the secondary curriculum rarely mentions the Model Method. Instead, Algebra is taught. I know this because I have an elder son in Secondary school.

While the Model Method has its merits, I believe the examination process should give the child the choice to use other effective methods. This is more so for Algebra -- a problem-solving method which is fundamental to Mathematics and for which he or she will be using anyway in a few more months.

Both Algebra and Model Methods, therefore, could be accorded method marks. Answer sheets for standardized PSLE marking could include Algebra as well as Model solutions so as to ensure fairness in the marking process.

MOE FORWARDED MY QUESTION TO SEAB. SEAB'S REPLY:

SEAB can only provide broad guidelines as marking at the PSLE is a confidential exercise. The broad guideline to your query is “All solutions presented in a clear and systematic manner which demonstrate the candidate’s correct understanding of mathematical knowledge and application of skills will be given credit in the PSLE marking exercise.”

MY CLARIFICATION REPLY TO SEAB

I take it that since \"all solutions\" are accepted, Algebra is also accepted alongside any other solution and will be awarded method marks, not just for the final solution?

I believe answering this question will not entail reveal specific details in the marking process.

SEAB’S FINAL REPLY TO ME

We regret we are unable to reveal specific details in the marking of PSLE as it is a confidential exercise. In general, all solutions presented in a clear and systematic manner which demonstrate the candidate’s correct understanding of mathematical knowledge and application of skills will be given credit in the PSLE marking exercise.

As you can see, SEAB stopped short of saying Algebra is acceptable, preferring to give general, un-committal answers. But I personally take it that Algebra will also be awarded method marks.

Hope this clarifies, rather than confuses.

[Zeal mummy]

dumbbells\" post_id=\"2040194\" time=\"1633095047\" user_id=\"189634:

Move on and stop looking back . Carry on the discussions will only make the kids feel bad and affect them mentally . They can google and read what you all were discussing.
There are 2 more papers to go .

Thanks for the reminder! Indeed these days kids are v savvy!

[Zeal mummy]

douzi\" post_id=\"2040193\" time=\"1633094538\" user_id=\"7361:

User1234567891011\" post_id=\"2040184\" time=\"1633092308\" user_id=\"195180:

[quote=phtthp post_id=2040182 time=1633091637 user_id=35251]so far, based on above discussion, only 1 question is deemed difficult, out of the entire two Maths papers (1 and 2), because don't see students bring out other challenging Maths questions.

If is only just 1 difficult question, then cannot conclude that Maths is tough, because in order to segregate out the (AL 1 vs. AL 2) students, definitely they have to set some tough questions. Otherwise, everyone will score AL 1, for today Maths

There is definitely more than 1 question that is difficult. In fact, there are numerous. It just isn't brought out yet as the students forgot how the question was.

If students in Singapore came out of the exam crying, it can't be over just one question.

As mentioned by other parents before, there are always kids going to cry. You can't possibly please everyone. If an easy paper is set, everyone gets AL1. Later will cry over tie-breaker balloting perhaps.[/quote]You made a good point.

[macncheese]

Zeal mummy\" post_id=\"2040185\" time=\"1633092512\" user_id=\"58173:[quote=\"Zeal mummy\" post_id=2040185 time=1633092512 user_id=58173]

happydaddy\" post_id=\"2040158\" time=\"1633086702\" user_id=\"5470:

Algebra is allowed, it's in the syllabus

It is strictly not allow in problem solving. you will get only answer mark but not working mark.

I believe the all the P6 teacher has highlight this issue to the students many times. Strictly NO algebra allow, else no mark will be given for the working.

Perhaps this is only for your school exam papers. For psle, as long as the algebra is used correctly, it is acceptable.[/quote]That was what I was told back in 2012. Algebra is accepted in the PSLE examination.

For usage within the school setting, it depends on the HOD.

[Pinkfellow]

Yes. Algebra is acceptable and taught in P6.


The issue here is the type of Algebra working that is used.

Simple algebra is just using a variable to represent a unit/part of a bar model. This method is acceptable and taught in schools.

Of course if the kid starts to do factorisation or solving it using simultaneous equations (substitution or elimination method), or changing the signs/mode of operation of the variables when carrying across the = sign, then it is clearly beyond P6 syllabus and he wont get the method marks

[ddmamee]

hi my DD asking if anyone remember the answer to the cube qn in paper 1 booklet b coz he said some of his friends put 5 but he put 6… something like how many cubes maximum can be added so that front view and side view do not change

[ddmamee]

hi my DD asking if anyone remember the answer to the cube qn in paper 1 booklet b coz he said some of his friends put 5 but he put 6… something like how many cubes maximum can be added so that front view and side view do not change

[james_zyf]

my son answer is 7

ddmamee\" post_id=\"2040214\" time=\"1633098880\" user_id=\"195177:

hi my DD asking if anyone remember the answer to the cube qn in paper 1 booklet b coz he said some of his friends put 5 but he put 6... something like how many cubes maximum can be added so that front view and side view do not change