2011 PSLE Discussions and Strategy

[Augmum]

Verysuperkiasu:

So far, my ds has been using more algebra than model and his teacher says it's fine. So I think it's true can use any method so long as it leads to the correct answer. I've also attended the math workshop for parents - the guy there also said no need to use one particular method - he said it's better to use one method to do and use another method to check. If answers by using the 2 different methods the same, then likely answer is correct. My ds also prefers to use algebra, he said it's faster.

yes, my gal told me that she used Algebra for at least 4 Qs for her PSLE 2009 Maths paper.....(that killer maths paper )
partically for 1 Q , first, she tried using model drawing,
but she encountered some problems with it......
she then cancelled the whole working and replaced it by algebra, within minutes her answer was out.....
for those kids who can grasp algebra concepts well, using algebra approach is much faster.....

oh yes, remember \"to confine\" yr 1 st working to the first half of the page,
so as u will have enough space for the 2nd working........

[Sun_2010]

Verysuperkiasu:

vlim:

I am curious to know, for maths qns, your kids usually use algebra tp solve or model ?.. My ds said he likes to use algebra to solve unless the qn stated to use model.. But he said they will not be asked to use only a particular method to solve such as model. Is tt true?

So far, my ds has been using more algebra than model and his teacher says it's fine. So I think it's true can use any method so long as it leads to the correct answer. I've also attended the math workshop for parents - the guy there also said no need to use one particular method - he said it's better to use one method to do and use another method to check. If answers by using the 2 different methods the same, then likely answer is correct. My ds also prefers to use algebra, he said it's faster.

Yes verysuperkiasu is right, vlim.

For PSLe the focus is on problem solving . Children are taught various hueristics but what is also critical is learning which is the best fit for a given problem and use it appropriately.

For algebra no method marks given. Its just that no marks are given if answer is wrong - say if equations are right but there was some error while solving the equation , then no marks.

If your ds is confidant of algebra then he can use it. That said some questions are solved faster by other hueristics. That is why it is better to introduce algebra to kids early , so by P6 they have this knack of knowing which hueristics to use for the problem to solve it faster . I guess your ds has reached this stage .

Most teachers do not encourage algebra bcos most kids do not do algebra confidantly. I was worried for DD as the teacher tolds us during PT briefing to avoid using algebra - as iDD too prefered to use it. But when i met the teacher one to one she assured me that DD was quite good in algebra and knew when to use it so could use it to her advantage.

[Brenda10]

Augmum:

yes, my gal told me that she used Algebra for at least 4 Qs for her PSLE 2009 Maths paper.....(that killer maths paper )
partically for 1 Q , first, she tried using model drawing,
but she encountered some problems with it......
she then cancelled the whole working and replaced it by algebra, within minutes her answer was out.....
for those kids who can grasp algebra concepts well, using algebra approach is much faster.....

oh yes, remember \"to confine\" yr 1 st working to the first half of the page,
so as u will have enough space for the 2nd working........

Hi augmum

Thank you for sharing.

Would need your advise is 'Simultaneous Concept' simialr to algebra?

I notice DD is also using simultaneous equation (I heard her mentioned) when sovling some problem sums.

[ppnqq]

I need to check something with experienced parents and parents who are good in Maths.


My child was marked wrong for a question in the prelim papers although the answer was correct. Teacher said it was due to the method used.

Would like to check, in PSLE, is method an important factor? Will the same thing happen as above as in a different method or working (or probably not the one they are looking for?) but answer correct and will still mark it as wrong, not even a single mark will be given?

[TwaTau]

meimeitan:

Huh! miss out the PSLE exam! Why? What reason?

Sick, accident that causes temporary disability, like broken hand.

[vlim]

TwaTau:

meimeitan:

Huh! miss out the PSLE exam! Why? What reason?

Sick, accident that causes temporary disability, like broken hand.

Chow chow !... Touch wood touch wood ...

[vlim]

ppnqq:

I need to check something with experienced parents and parents who are good in Maths.


My child was marked wrong for a question in the prelim papers although the answer was correct. Teacher said it was due to the method used.

Would like to check, in PSLE, is method an important factor? Will the same thing happen as above as in a different method or working (or probably not the one they are looking for?) but answer correct and will still mark it as wrong, not even a single mark will be given?

Maybe you can scan a copy of your ds working here together with the qn ... Inorder for experienced parents to advice u correctly ..

[Brenda10]

Verysuperkiasu:

meimeitan:

Hi!


Anyone will buy the 2011 p6 prelim paper from Jeremy? Are they the true copies?

I just ordered. Coz after reading on this thread that the kids generally find math paper tough, i better prepare my ds and expose him to more difficult questions. But the guy said will delivery only first week of sept? thinking dunno whether got time to do. Anyway order liao.

Hi,

I also place the order through Jeremy!

Heard is about 8 sets, as such I think should have enough time for practice.

[Augmum]

Brenda10:

Augmum:

yes, my gal told me that she used Algebra for at least 4 Qs for her PSLE 2009 Maths paper.....
(that killer maths paper )
especially for 1 Q , first, she tried using model drawing,
but she encountered some problems with it......
she then cancelled the whole working and replaced it by algebra, within minutes her answer was out.....
for those kids who can grasp algebra concepts well, using algebra approach is much faster.....

oh yes, remember \"to confine\" yr 1 st working to the first half of the page,
so as u will have enough space for the 2nd working........

Hi augmum

Thank you for sharing.

Would need your advise is 'Simultaneous Concept' simialr to algebra?

I notice DD is also using simultaneous equation (I heard her mentioned) when sovling some problem sums.

u're welcome, brenda.
yes, simultaneous equations is under Algebra, they are sets of equations containing multiple variables.....
juz by forming algebraic equations w/o knowing how to solve them simultaneously, is of no use.....
(unless, that Q is asked to form algebraic expressions)

actually for simple ones, schools do teach them using simultaneous equations
by substituting the variables with pictures......easier for kids to visualise

[TwaTau]

vlim:

TwaTau:

[quote=\"meimeitan\"]Huh! miss out the PSLE exam! Why? What reason?

Sick, accident that causes temporary disability, like broken hand.

Chow chow !... Touch wood touch wood ... [/quote]My point is in such a case, what can the secondary school use as a reference for admission. I know it is pandang thing, but just curious.