Is Algebra allowed for PSLE Math?

[ChiefKiasu]

Sigh... I was about to go to sleep... didn't know that this topic can generate so much hot discussions. Please cool down and stick to the topic instead of each other, or I would be forced to remove posts despite its useful contents.


PS: Action taken to remove unhelpful posts.

[bbbay]

On why modelling:


https://www.schoolbag.edu.sg/story/does-maths-have-to-be-so-difficult

[kaisuism]

fionachia0034\" post_id=\"2103726\" time=\"1680362237\" user_id=\"201257:

My son's Pri.5 teacher told the class that Algebra is strictly NOT allowed in her class, or else else no marks will be awarded for the workings.

I quote the teacher :

\"If I see let 'x' be oranges and 'y' be bananas, no method mark. If I see equations '2x + 3y = 50' also no method mark. If you use Algebra and you get correct, only answer marks will be given.\"

Is this true? I have been teaching my son Algebra since young and his Pri.3 and Pri.4 teacher did not make any such comment previously.

A few parents complained to the school, but the HOD backed the teacher. The HOD said that MOE officially accepts Algebra for use in the PSLE Math exam, but during the marking of the PSLE Math paper, no method marks will be credited if the final answer is wrong. In other words, the student has only 2 possible outcomes if they use Algebra, either get full marks or zero marks for the question. That is why the HOD set a policy to blanket ban Algebra.

Should we make an official complaint to MOE?

Some school teachers will enforce this rule because they are trying to get the students to learn model method but fear not, Algebra is allowed in PSLE. You just have to respect the teacher's wish and just make sure your child uses model method when it comes to this teacher's school or homework. In the meantime you can get your child to use algebra to check the answers. You make a big hooha will not help your child at all. We are all from older generation of course we prefer algebra. My child prefers algebra too. FYI I learn model method from my child and I find it useful and I did incorporate into helping my child solving math problem. So it is good to learn as many methods because same as in real life, sometimes we need more than one way to solve problem.

[magically]

My child acquired knowledge of algebra since P2. Her teacher did not penalize her, but instead advised her to apply the methods that were taught in class. Subsequently, she was accepted into GEP, and since then, she was allowed to apply any methods that she found comfortable. The use of the algebraic method was not uncommon in her class.

[lee_yl]

Anyone knows the marking rubric for solving section C questions using algebra?


If indeed either full marks for correct answer or zero mark if final answer is wrong, then I think better to use model method unless the P6 kid is very, very sure the final answer is correct!

Or else I suppose model method would be better because 2-3 marks may be awarded (for workings) even if the final answer is wrong?

[kaisuism]

Maybe that’s what happen to Nan Hua and some other students in last year’s PSLE where their math dropped below their expected level.

[tinker_bell]

kaisuism\" post_id=\"2104337\" time=\"1680757356\" user_id=\"199574:

Maybe that's what happen to Nan Hua and some other students in last year's PSLE where their math dropped below their expected level.

Ya, some parents in one of the parents chatgroup claimed that the entire group of 11 nan hua students used secondary school algebra for their psle mathematics paper, so that is why all did so badly.

\"https://www.zaobao.com.sg/forum/talk/story20221201-1339038\"

I found it very odd that SEAB immediately identified the algebra issue as something they have to address, when the zaobao forum letter from the nan hua students parents made no mention of methods used in the exam or even algebra techniques specifically.

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/psle-maths-algebra-full-credit-nan-hua-primary-forum-letter-seab-3131246

SEAB knows something that we don't?

[tinker_bell]

MOE very rigid, forcing everyone to learn the mathematical modeling method just make everyone's life difficult. As if all students are robots waiting to be programmed.


No wonder why all the PSLE math tuition centres come out with their own methods.

https://www.oodleslearning.com/

https://nicklebeetutors.com/

https://www.ammielwan.com.sg/

https://www.conceptmath.com/

https://www.sakamoto.net/

[lee_yl]

kaisuism\" post_id=\"2104337\" time=\"1680757356\" user_id=\"199574:

Maybe that's what happen to Nan Hua and some other students in last year's PSLE where their math dropped below their expected level.

Possible if indeed a section C question has been marked based on either full marks or zero mark if students chose to use the Algebra method.

Too bad NH parents who appealed, did not get to see their kids’ papers, so they don’t even know where went wrong.

If MOE accepts Algebra/Sakamoto/Unit Transfer and whatever methods out there, then should it award children marks for their working along the way even if the final answer may not be correct?

However, since MOE only teaches the Model method, and PSLE is a standard exam, then it is also fair to MOE that the marking rubric is only based on the Model Method taught in schools but MOE has to be clear on that lah.

No one knows the marking rubric for using Algebra right? I would say MOE is at fault if most parents only know that using other methods are acceptable but not aware that zero mark will be awarded if the final answer is wrong. MOE needs to be clear and upfront about this cos it will affect those taking PSLE.

[Zeal mummy]

Moral of the story, do not go for tuition to learn algebra! It is better to learn and follow the school syllabus closely; basic algebra is taught in p6. Our students need to pay attention in class! Ask their teachers if they don’t understand.