Is Algebra allowed for PSLE Math?

[phtthp]

lee_yl\" post_id=\"2104527\" time=\"1680864987\" user_id=\"17023:

So is it common knowledge among the majority of the PSLE parents that one either scores FULL marks or ZERO mark if one chooses to use algebra?

What kind of Algebra, are u refering to ?

If you use

1) the PRIMARY school Algebra method \"Units and parts\" method,

And

show your steps clearly, step by step logically,
SEAB will still award u some marks, even if u made mistake, cannot get the final answer correct.

\"Units and Parts\" method, after all, still fall under Upper primary school Maths Moe syllabus.


2) But,
if use the Lower SECONDARY school Algebra method,

if u did not get the final answer correct,
this part not too clear, how SEAB marked. Because all these while, SEAB has been quiet about this.

So,
GEP students who have been taught in advance some of the Lower Secondary school Algebra concepts, inside their GEP curriculum, have to the careful.


But, take note.
NOT every year, PSLE is going to set questions on Algebra.


Example
=======

In that year 2019 PSLE Maths paper, there wasn't any question set on Algebra, inside Section C.
Those qns, that carry heavily 5 marks.
Instead,
what came out were more on \"visualisation\" questions.
Eg.
That question, about semi-circle.
Either u can visualize it or u cannot, under tight exam condition.

So,
DON'T be so up-tight, thinking that every year, bound to have some question set on Algebra, in Section C. Every year, the PSLE Maths questions come out, differed. In some past year, the entire PSLE Maths paper set, was so simple.

[lee_yl]

phtthp\" post_id=\"2104534\" time=\"1680871516\" user_id=\"35251:

What kind of Algebra, are u refering to ?

If you use

1) the PRIMARY school Algebra method \"Units and parts\" method,

And

show your steps clearly, step by step logically,
SEAB will still award u some marks, even if u made mistake, cannot get the final answer correct.

\"Units and Parts\" method, after all, still fall under Upper primary school Maths Moe syllabus.


2) But,
if use the Lower SECONDARY school Algebra method,

if u did not get the final answer correct,
this part not too clear, how SEAB marked. Because all these while, SEAB has been quiet about this.

So,
GEP students who have been taught in advance some of the Lower Secondary school Algebra concepts, inside their GEP curriculum, have to the careful.


But, take note.
NOT every year, PSLE is going to set questions on Algebra.


Example
=======

In that year 2019 PSLE Maths paper, there wasn't any question set on Algebra, inside Section B.
Those qns, that carry heavy 5 marks.
Instead,
what came out were more on \"visualisation\" questions.
Eg.
That question, about semi-circle.

So,
DON'T be so up-tight, thinking that every year, bound to have some question set on Algebra, in Section C. Every year, the PSLE Maths questions come out, differed. In some past year, the entire PSLE Maths paper set, was so simple.

Fundamental question: do PSLE parents know that the marking rubric for using Algebra is either full marks or zero mark?

[tinker_bell]

I see https://www.gifted-school.com/ selling books teaching the IB and IGCSE O level secondary math syllabus to P5 & P6 kids to help them get AL1 in the psle.


So secondary school algebra method confirmed is accepted in the psle.

In fact you need to use secondary school algebra method to guarantee an AL1 in psle. Or else why would gifted and talented education centre sell such books.

https://i.imgur.com/ypEMzlF.png\">

https://i.imgur.com/JH9vc5t.png\">

[kaisuism]

tinker_bell\" post_id=\"2104351\" time=\"1680760600\" user_id=\"194652:

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?

Could be. Since the parents mentioned their children are \"very good\" in math, which means most likely they use algebra as a technique to solve math problems. So SEAB mentioned it to alleviate the concerns of parents. The key sentence is \".....any solution which demonstrates the correct understanding and application of mathematical concepts and skills as requested by the question will be given full credit\" It could be the students did not show correct understanding and therefore did not receive any marks for it.

[kaisuism]

lee_yl\" post_id=\"2104354\" time=\"1680761749\" user_id=\"17023:

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.

I assume what the teacher means is that if the student use any other approved method like algebra and come up with the correct answer, it will be mark correctly. If the answer is wrong, no method marks will be awarded because the method used is not model method but some other method which is not applicable for awarding marks.

[san20sg]

so what is the conclusion sighs? SEAB’s reply seems to suggest that algebraic method will be accepted and marks will be awarded accordingly if applied correctly. It didn’t say method marks will not be awarded if answer is wrong leh.

[kaisuism]

san20sg\" post_id=\"2104682\" time=\"1681038392\" user_id=\"76391:

so what is the conclusion sighs? SEAB's reply seems to suggest that algebraic method will be accepted and marks will be awarded accordingly if applied correctly. It didn't say method marks will not be awarded if answer is wrong leh.

Yah. Still need SEAB to come out and clarify.

[Smartiepants55]

There is no need for SEAB to clarify. They have stated Categorially whichever methods that is Logical and Reasonsable shall be given all Credits. Yes, Alegbra is an acceptable way that will be given full credits…… Anyway, the p6 kids are taught simple Algebra too….

[lee_yl]

Smartiepants55\" post_id=\"2105476\" time=\"1681465946\" user_id=\"197279:

There is no need for SEAB to clarify. They have stated Categorially whichever methods that is Logical and Reasonsable shall be given all Credits. Yes, Alegbra is an acceptable way that will be given full credits….. Anyway, the p6 kids are taught simple Algebra too….

So can we interpret SEAB statement that if the final answer using Algebra method is wrong, it means the mathematical concept applied is not properly understood, thus zero mark will be awarded?

The SEAB statement is either crafted by a lawyer or a bureaucrat, open to different interpretations whereas what we need is a simple yes or no answer. Will marks be awarded for the section C working using a method other than the model method even when the final answer is wrong?

[Zeal mummy]

I guess it’s not so easy to tell you a yes or no, as the algebraic equation/answer could be wrong at the start… Or, child could have gotten it wrong in the middle, showing a lack of understanding of the method used. There are too many scenarios to take into account as the questions are never the same. So it is best that the child learns the method that is being taught in school. My understanding is the same as smartypants55… but I do empathize with those who prefers using algebra. If you use algebra, do make sure it is the most efficient method before you use it and be super careful so it is used correctly.