Is Algebra allowed for PSLE Math?

[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.

[lee_yl]

Zeal mummy\" post_id=\"2105501\" time=\"1681481609\" user_id=\"58173:[quote=\"Zeal mummy\" post_id=2105501 time=1681481609 user_id=58173]
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.[/quote]

Wrong from the very beginning, of cos no mark will be given.

But if working is correct until the very last part, will student get any working marks or zero mark just because final answer is wrong?

[Zeal mummy]

According to my interpretation, if working is correct but you wrote the wrong answer (transfer error?) then it will be marked like how a model method will be marked with a wrong answer. However, (I feel) most schools discourage the use of it as it is more likely the application is wrong from the start and it shows a lack of understanding of the algebraic methods.

[lee_yl]

Zeal mummy\" post_id=\"2105506\" time=\"1681483218\" user_id=\"58173:[quote=\"Zeal mummy\" post_id=2105506 time=1681483218 user_id=58173]
According to my interpretation, if working is correct but you wrote the wrong answer (transfer error?) then it will be marked like how a model method will be marked with a wrong answer. However, (I feel) most schools discourage the use of it as it is more likely the application is wrong from the start and it shows a lack of understanding of the algebraic methods.[/quote]

So you feel marks will be awarded if working is correct just like how examiners mark questions solved by the model method.

But this is not what the person who started this thread says as she claimed her school HOD told her no working marks will be given if final answer is wrong when the problem is solved using algebra.

Still need SEAB, as the final arbiter to state in simple layman language the policy.

[Zeal mummy]

The person who started this thread says her son is only in P5 and that his teacher wanted him to learn and be tested using the model method. I think his teacher is right, this is so that her son can learn the methods that is taught in school.


And regarding the comment on, “no working marks will be given if final answer is wrong when the problem is solved using algebra.” We are assuming that the method was used wrongly and thus wrong answer. She did not say that all the workings was done correctly and final answer was wrong.

[lee_yl]

Zeal mummy\" post_id=\"2105509\" time=\"1681486317\" user_id=\"58173:[quote=\"Zeal mummy\" post_id=2105509 time=1681486317 user_id=58173]

And regarding the comment on, “no working marks will be given if final answer is wrong when the problem is solved using algebra.” We are assuming that the method was used wrongly and thus wrong answer. She did not say that all the workings was done correctly and final answer was wrong.[/quote]

“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?”

The above was quoted from the parent’s first post. Her post was very clear, only 2 outcomes when using algebra, either full marks or zero marks. No method marks given even if working is correct but wrong answer.

If I were the HOD, I will also ask the P6 students to think twice before using Algebra. Unless one is very sure his/her final answer is correct, or else straight away zero mark.