PSLE - New Format for Maths

[MrsLow]

[quote]Any parent feels that your child is like what I discuss?[/quote]
Its true that the Pri.5/6 students became very dependent on calculators. Its important that parents must councel and guide the child about the do's and don't.

Teachers also play a very important role to educate the children for the proper use.

I saw similar problem surface as what you have mentioned, its still important to remind the students all the time.

[david59]

MrsLow:

In any exam, the child must be taught the syllabus, time-management and stress management... In Singapore probably this is what the ministry wants too.. know, be inform and be prepare... as I have mention before one must know the topic well and must not depend on memorise concepts. .. in every questions there are clue... or clues... student must know and be taught... even so..not many can readily receive this information unless they know the application of the formula well.


Its true that PSLE maths is tough but this is also part of the process to know the future scholar. We must remember the fact that this is Singapore, if one wants to survive in out education system, all must go through this.

In my opinion, the ministry wants our students to be a thinker, practical person and have alot of drive in this subject. ...\"only the fittest will survive\" ..this is how I see the situation...

In other words, there can only be a certain quota of A* in every subject. If the questions set are too easy, it will become meaningless when too many students score A*.
Then there will be too many parents complaining why their kids couldn't get into the top schools when they got 3 or 4A*. :stupid:

[MrsLow]

YGmama:

I can feel their frustations, anger, disappointment. After months of preparations and revision, it is still not enough to concur paper. Perhaps the teachers need to reflect too, is there missing skills which is not impart to the students

I agree to a certain extend.... but do take note that the lecturer who taught all those teachers will definitely not impart all the skills and knowledge to al these teachers.... hence its greatly dependable on the teachers whether they will upgrade their knowledge by finding means and ways to guide the P6 students...

cannot point out finger at the teachers too, they also won't know what will come out for PSLE... they are given a guideline only.

All these questions greatly depends on the students knowledge and formula application .... from my observation, many students memorise concept rather than knowing it and its application.

[MrsLow]

david59:

In other words, there can only be a certain quota of A* in every subject. If the questions set are too easy, it will become meaningless when too many students score A*.

Then there will be too many parents complaining why their kids couldn't get into the top schools when they got 3 or 4A*. :stupid:

totally agree. I hear complained for ever PSLE maths paper... and this year its the same.

[enoawng]

[quote]
PSLE Maths - some of the questions
Mei and Lin were in a bicycle race. Mei was travelling at a constant speed of 20km/hr and they both did not change their speed. When Lin completed half the race, Mei was 3.5km ahead. Mei completed the race at 10.45am. What time did Lin complete the race? Ans: 11.06am

Suggested Answer:
3.5 x 2 = 7km(how much ahead is mei if she keep cycling when Lin finish the race)

speed= 20km/h
7km= 7/20 X 1
=0.35 hr
=21 mins (time needed to be 7km ahead for mei)
Time when Lin complete the race = 10.45am+ 21mins
= 11.06am[/quote]There is too much ambiguity in this question and there are also too many assumptions one need to assume.

The total distance of the race could have been 7km. Hence Mei could have crossed the fnishing line and waiting there which is 3.5km from midway where Lin is.
These are the assumptions in this question
a) both start the race together and at the same time
b) Mei still did not finish the race when Lin is halfway
c) Both are travelling at constant speed
d) Lin's constant speed is slower than Mei

To me this is not a maths question. It is a more an IQ or a MENSA question;-)

[cutebabys]

enoawng:

There is too much ambiguity in this question and there are also too many assumptions one need to assume.


The total distance of the race could have been 7km. Hence Mei could have crossed the fnishing line and waiting there which is 3.5km from midway where Lin is.
These are the assumptions in this question
a) both start the race together and at the same time
b) Mei still did not finish the race when Lin is halfway
c) Both are travelling at constant speed

To me this is not a maths question. It is a more an IQ or a MENSA question;-)

I agree with your second. b). But for a), it's a race. Races tend to mean they start at the same time, right? For c), they are traveling at a constant speed. After all, the question says: they both did not change their speed.

[cutebabys]

MrsLow:

totally agree. I hear complained for ever PSLE maths paper... and this year its the same.

Erm... I though A* isn't above 91... I think it's top 10% of the nation... I think. Or some other percentage I don't know.

[MrsLow]

cutebabys:

MrsLow:

totally agree. I hear complained for ever PSLE maths paper... and this year its the same.

Erm... I though A* isn't above 91... I think it's top 10% of the nation... I think. Or some other percentage I don't know.

ya...should be ...a ...percenta

[enoawng]

cutebabys:

I agree with your second. b). But for a), it's a race. Races tend to mean they start at the same time, right? For c), they are traveling at a constant speed. After all, the question says: they both did not change their speed.

Ok we don't know the exact wording of the question but maybe you are right about a) and c).
Yes races tend to start at the same time but for this question, the answer is very different if they don't.
Also there are 2 more for assumptions.
e) The total distance of the race must be more than 7km otherwise Mei would have finished the race when Lin was halfway.
f) If e) is true than Mei's speed must be greater than Lin's. If race distance is less than 7km, then it is possible that Lin's speed could be more than Mei's.

[MadMum]

There’s a news article on CNA on how tough the Math paper was this year, and the typical MOE response