PSLE - New Format for Maths
-
Yes I agree. My girl’s teacher also did not teach her much on algebra. I am the one trying to teach her to solve using algebra but am afraid will confuse her so dare not teach too much. For kids whose parents are secondary school maths teachers, i am sure it is a breeze for them to learn to solve using algebra. certainly some unfairness here but really, no one is stopping anyone from teaching the kids any method so long it will lead to problem solving…
-
[quote]MOE must make it clear to encourage or disallow in future[/quote]
MOE cannot disallow the use of algebra because algebra is one of the topics (in fact the first topics) to be taught in P6 maths. Just that the pupils only learn how to form algebraic expressions.
regarding the question whether algebra can be used in PSLE maths, MOE had given an official reply responding to one of the ST forum letter in 2007.
17 Feb 2007
Different Approaches Taught for Mathematics Techniques
1.\tMr Lim Boon Tong had sought clarification on whether mathematics techniques like algebra, other than the model drawing method, could be used in the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) Mathematics. (“Can algebra be used to solve PSLE maths problems”, The Straits Times, 12/2).
2.\tThe model drawing method is a powerful approach for problem solving and learning mathematical concepts. By drawing models, pupils can represent the mathematical relationships in a problem pictorially. This helps them understand the problem and plan the steps for the solution.
3.\tThe pictorial form also helps pupils visualise what could otherwise be abstract concepts. In this way, model drawing supports the learning of fractions, ratio and percentages. Pupils will find model drawing useful when they solve problems involving these concepts in Primary Five and Six.
4.\tThe model drawing method is thus a developmentally sound approach for young children. It is recognised internationally as an effective way for young children to learn problem solving and to have early exposure to algebraic concepts. At Primary Six and Secondary One, pupils can draw upon their earlier experience of using models to help them understand algebraic relationships in problems.
5.\tOther than the model drawing approach, pupils are also taught different problem solving methods. They are encouraged to try different approaches and have the flexibility to choose the method that works best for them in solving the problems. They are also encouraged to present their solutions clearly so that these can be understood.
6.\tWhile pupils are not required to use algebra to solve word problems in the PSLE Mathematics, they are also not restricted to the use of any one particular method. In the marking of PSLE Mathematics, all mathematically correct solutions are acceptable and there is no loss of marks if a correct algebraic method is used.
7.\tWe thank Mr Lim for his feedback.
Ho Peng (Ms)
Director, Curriculum Planning and Development
Ministry of Education
Tan Yap Kwang
Chief Executive
Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board -
To p5 parents, train your kids algebra if he or she a high-ability learner !
-
luckystar:
To p5 parents, train your kids algebra if he or she a high-ability learner !
Yes this is the best advice I have heard. We should not disadvantage any child with the wrong equipment for \"war\".
If MOE wants to set questions that makes it very difficult to solve without algebra, then why should the P6 students be penalized.
Also in Secondary schools you need algebra anyway. What I have heard is that some students who were good at model found algebra difficult in secondary schools.
Correct me if I am wrong. For those difficult questions if you use model/heuristics, you almost need to know half the answer before you can start to solve it. For algebra, you can start with statements very close to the questions. -
Normally, before the middle of the year, the school principal / HOD Maths will brief parents of all P6 pupils, that for PSLE Mathematics, ALL mathematically correct solutions (including the algebraic method) are acceptable.
The Model Method is simply Algebra in pictorial form.
Algebra simply present the model method in abstract form.
Hope this helps. -
I can sense the algebra-solving-maths-tuition blooming soon, Singapore kids will be train algebra since p1.
Kiasuparents are always kiasu. They will do what ever to help the kids. -
luckystar:
I can sense the algebra-solving-maths-tuition blooming soon, Singapore kids will be train algebra since p1.
Kiasuparents are always kiasu. They will do what ever to help the kids.
Nothing wrong in that. If we go through the chat here it obviously that \" The most difficult problem\" - stated like that in many Blogs (a cite from the http://www.psle2010.blogspot.com/, this for Jim and Ken and their Sweets and Chocolates can be solved very easy, in few steps using algebra and that fact can not surprise me at all. But poor children, how to solve problem like this, using simple cross multiplication, for example, if they have seen this method once or two times for the whole year? In few cases when I was trying to teach my gal in mentioned cross multiplication, the answer was \"Don't make me confuse, mum? We do not solve like this at school?\" -
luckystar:
To p5 parents, train your kids algebra if he or she a high-ability learner !
Fully agreed. However, please don't condemn \"model\" completely to the dungeon. It is a very powerful tool for solving question with minimum information. -
david59:
All the more they need to be working hard practising the use of models. I see models as the visual expression of the question in pictorial form. I know some students can visual the qn mentally but most kids need to see it clearly in written form.atutor2001:
[quote=\"endingteen\"]actually i hae no idea why they introduced the use of calculators into the PSLE. i mean i do not see the point in making tough questions to cater for the use of the calculator. i remember my psle being a test for us to use your mental calculations and the 'model' method to solve questions. calculators are actually only needed in the upper secondary years.
Some people children cannot count mentally, so must help them lah :oops:
As for calculator, as I have shared earlier, it makes the students lazy to think and analysize complex questions. They would rathe tikam n tikam until they feel that a certain answer looks reasonable correct. :?: :?: :?:[/quote]precisely my point. the calculations they are solving does not require the use of the calculator. they are only taught addition subtraction multiplication and division. which only requires their mental calculations or if need be some form of working like the long division etc. i am sure over the course of 6 years this skill can be easily acquired. using the calculator for simple problems like 4X4 makes the child lazy and it actually wastes time. compare two kids. one who knows that 4X4 gives 16 while the other needs to use the calculator to figure it out. the kid who knows the answer can write it down instantly instead of wasting time pressing the calculator hence saving a few seconds. if you can save this time from every simple question, it will free up an extra minute or so to tackle a harder question and hence maybe give the kid an extra mark or so. -
personally i think it would be much easier if the kids were taught algebra instead of the model method. simply because it is more applicable in secondary school. secondary 1 math is largely similar to pri 6 math just that it does not use the model method instead it uses algebra. yes the model method is easier to use but it does not ensure that the kids understand what they are doing. with algebra you get a clearer picture of what they are doing.
Hello! It looks like you're interested in this conversation, but you don't have an account yet.
Getting fed up of having to scroll through the same posts each visit? When you register for an account, you'll always come back to exactly where you were before, and choose to be notified of new replies (either via email, or push notification). You'll also be able to save bookmarks and upvote posts to show your appreciation to other community members.
With your input, this post could be even better 💗
Register Login