Is Algebra allowed for PSLE Math?
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Zeal mummy\" post_id=\"2105509\" time=\"1681486317\" user_id=\"58173:[quote=\"Zeal mummy\" post_id=2105509 time=1681486317 user_id=58173]
“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?”
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]
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. -
lee_yl\" post_id=\"2105515\" time=\"1681488142\" user_id=\"17023:
Read carefully. It is her own interpretation that there are only 2 outcomes. When we say that the final answer is wrong, it is more likely that the method was applied wrongly. However, I could be wrong too.. but this is my interpretation.
“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. -
\"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.\"
Above paragraph was quoted from the parent.
If student wrote:
Let X be oranges and Y be bananas
2X + 3Y = 50
Assume the above workings are correct but final answer is wrong, student will not get any method marks as only answer marks given if final answer is correct. -
lee_yl\" post_id=\"2105519\" time=\"1681489572\" user_id=\"17023:
I believe this was what the P5 teacher said. And at P5 they are teaching model methods.. do we really want to glorify the methods taught in tuition centers or learn at the school?
\"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.\"
Above paragraph was quoted from the parent.
If student wrote:
Let X be oranges and Y be bananas
2X + 3Y = 50
Assume the above workings are correct but final answer is wrong, student will not get any method marks as only answer marks given if final answer is correct. -
Zeal mummy\" post_id=\"2105520\" time=\"1681489853\" user_id=\"58173:[quote=\"Zeal mummy\" post_id=2105520 time=1681489853 user_id=58173]
It’s not about glorifying other methods taught in tuition centre.
I believe this was what the P5 teacher said. And at P5 they are teaching model methods.. do we really want to glorify the methods taught in tuition centers or learn at the school?[/quote]
Do you realize parents here all have their own interpretations. That’s why a group of parents went to confront their HOD whether is it true their kids are either awarded full marks or zero mark if one chooses to use Algebra.
It is not up to us to interpret for her because all of us have different interpretations. Best to seek from the horse’s mouth with SEAB what their school teacher and HOD’s claim is indeed true. -
lee_yl\" post_id=\"2105535\" time=\"1681523009\" user_id=\"17023:
:goodpost:
It’s not about glorifying other methods taught in tuition centre.
Do you realize parents here all have their own interpretations. That’s why a group of parents went to confront their HOD whether is it true their kids are either awarded full marks or zero mark if one chooses to use Algebra.
It is not up to us to interpret for her because all of us have different interpretations. Best to seek from the horse’s mouth with SEAB what their school teacher and HOD’s claim is indeed true.
lee_yl,
Keep up all the good posts u have written, because you have nailed the issue (problem ) !
:salute: -
lee_yl\" post_id=\"2105535\" time=\"1681523009\" user_id=\"17023:
It is quite clear that they should ask their school for clarification. Again, a lot of it stem from the fact that her child is only primary 5. And p5 classes have not learned algebra. If she has misinterpreted, she could write in to find out and then let us know the outcome.
It’s not about glorifying other methods taught in tuition centre.
Do you realize parents here all have their own interpretations. That’s why a group of parents went to confront their HOD whether is it true their kids are either awarded full marks or zero mark if one chooses to use Algebra.
It is not up to us to interpret for her because all of us have different interpretations. Best to seek from the horse’s mouth with SEAB what their school teacher and HOD’s claim is indeed true. -
I was also advised by my tuition tch from another tuition center to use model method rather than algebra as no method marks will be awarded if final answer is wrong. My schoolteacher didn’t mention this yet though. This is really confusing sighs!
-
fionachia0034\" post_id=\"2103726\" time=\"1680362237\" user_id=\"201257:
Fiona,
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?
You are the author, for this thread.
So,
let us all
refer back to your original posting, found on page 1, word by word.
You mentioned formulating this equation, yourself :-
2x + 3y = 50
Inside your comments, above.
However,
when u start introducing 2 variables (x and y), do u realize that
this is called \"SIMULTANEOUS\" equation ?
No longer just simply called or known as a
simple Algebra equation ?
Take note.
Solving \"SIMULTANEOUS\" equations,
is definitely
WAY BEYOND
our MOE PRIMARY school syllabus !
And
in order to solve \"SIMULTANEOUS\" equation, you will need to formulate not just one, but Total 2 equations, in order to solve your x and y.
Why ?
Because
there are 2 unknowns, here.
Not just one unknown.
Many of us, who had studied Secondary school Mathematics before, will know this.
===========================
For Primary school level up to P6 level -
when formulating an Algebra equation, only one variable \"x\" is involved. This is up to PSLE level, in primary schools.
Only when enter into
Mainstream Secondary schools,
then
SECONDARY school students get to be exposed to start learning Simultaneous equations, that involved 2 variables (x and y) now.
In other words, when is \"SIMULTANEOUS\" equation taught ?
Answer -
only at the
SECONDARY school level !
However, in your own words,
refer back to your original posting -
you mentioned that
u have already taught your child at LOWER primary 3 and 4 : x and y.
Therefore, I don't even believe u !
Why ?
BECAUSE
At Primary 3, nine years old,
many young kids / children mind haven't even opened up,
to be able to understand what one variable \"x\", alone means. Let alone, what's more, you mentioned u teach your P3 kid not just 1 variable only, but introduced 2 variables some more ( x and y ) !
How can a young student at only LOWER primary 3, his (her) brain,
even able to conceptualise, comprehend or understand
what is the meaning of \"SIMULTANEOUS\" equation, in the first case ?
whereby
\"SIMULTANEOUS\" equation is not even taught in primary school. But taught only at the SECONDARY school level.
Therefore,
not surprised that PRIMARY school students will get
ZERO mark,
if they
attempt to solve Maths,
using method(s) not even taught,
at their PRIMARY school level by MOE school teachers,
within the MOE syllabus !
Go back and use the
correct age APPROPRIATE method taught in primary schools, to teach your child. -
phtthp\" post_id=\"2105615\" time=\"1681596891\" user_id=\"35251:
100% Strongly Agreed! Solving \"Simultaneous\" equations, should definitely be way beyond our MOE Primary school syllabus!
Solving \"SIMULTANEOUS\" equations,
is definitely
WAY BEYOND
our MOE PRIMARY school syllabus !
And
in order to solve \"SIMULTANEOUS\" equation, you will need to formulate not just one, but Total 2 equations, in order to solve your x and y.
Why ?
Because
there are 2 unknowns, here.
Not just one unknown.
Many of us, who had studied Secondary school Mathematics before, will know this.
===========================
For Primary school level up to P6 level -
when formulating an Algebra equation, only one variable \"x\" is involved. This is up to PSLE level, in primary schools.
Only when enter into
Mainstream Secondary schools,
then
SECONDARY school students get to be exposed to start learning Simultaneous equations, that involved 2 variables (x and y) now.
In other words, when is \"SIMULTANEOUS\" equation taught ?
Answer -
only at the
SECONDARY school level !
So if it is true as you said that for Primary school level up to P6 level - when formulating an Algebra equation, only one variable \"x\" is involved.
Then why is MOE forcing our children to start doing \"Simultaneous\" type questions that involved 2 variables (x and y) from Primary 3 onwards?
Let me share some Primary School questions INVOLVING 2 VARIABLES (x and y) from my son's school file.
Question from my son's school Primary 3 worksheet with his solution :
Kumar went to a department store and bought 3 plates and 4 cups for $60. Each plate costs twice as much as a cup. Find the cost of a cup.
Let cost of a cup be x and cost of a plate be y.
3y + 4x = 60
y = 2x
3y = 6x
6x + 4x = 60
10x = 60
x = 60 / 10 = 6
The cost of a cup is $6.
Question from my son's school Primary 4 Term Assessment with his solution :
2 Apples and 3 Oranges cost $13. 1 Apple and 1 Orange costs $5.
How much does an Orange cost?
Let cost of an orange be x and cost of an apple be y.
2y + 3x = 13
y + x = 5
2y + 2x = 10
(2y + 3x) - (2y + 2x) = 13 - 10
2y + 3x - 2y - 2x = 3
x = 3
Cost of an orange is $3.
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