PSLE - New Format for Maths

[david59]

ameryeducation:

David,


MOE's stand is actually very clear. Whilst they recommend the use of Model Drawing Method in problem solving, they will not penalise students who use Algebra or any other mathematically sound method to derive the solution.

David and Rason,

The problem is, yes, algebra can be effective in solving questions, but MOE recommends the Model Drawing Method as opposed to algebra because it is also concerned with students' learning. This takes time, effort and patience, but I believe, as surely does the MOE, that it pays off eventually. Algebra can probably get quicker results, but switching to algebra too quickly and abruptly may be bad for a child's mathematical understanding in the long run.

As I have shared before, I know what Moe stands for in regard to using Algebra. However, there is no level playing field since most schools would always frawn at their students for using Algebra to solve qns. I personally think that one who is not good with model method might be capable of solving tough questions using Algebra.

Personally, I have always insisted n preferred students to appreciate the logical process of solving qns using models. But then, if the need calls for helping a kid in P6 to perform better with Algebra, I won't hestitate to help him achieve it. Afterall, he will be using a great deals of Algebra and a whole lots of abstract mathematical equations once he steps into secondary school. So, how can it be bad for a child's mathematical understanding in the long run if he starts using Algebra in P6? :?

[atutor2001]

Not sure if anybody remembers a report in ST in 2008 on \"Teaching of Mathematics - Students learn better with symbols\"


In the report, US researchers carried out several experiments: teaching maths using \"abstract symbols and various formulae\" against teaching math using \"real-world examples such as story problems\"

An example cited in the article was teaching students commutativity - that you can switch the order of elements and still get the same answer, as in 3 + 2 or 2 + 3 equals 5.

Some students learned the concepts using generic symbols. Others were taught with examples such as pictures of measuring cups filled with liquid or slices of pizzas in a container.

Their finding :

While all of the students were able to master these concepts easily, the students who first learned maths concepts using abstract symbols were better able to transfer the learning to other problems when tested. The danger with teaching using measuring cups as example is that many students only learn how to solve the problem if the questions involves measuring cups or related objects.

Which is better? You decide

[atutor2001]

Model method is unique to Singapore. The feeling I get is that our educators are very proud of it believing that they have come out with an ingenious method.


Whenever I think of Model method, it reminds me of the handheld "grass cutting machines in the early days (which I think some of us here may have forgotten)

In those days, such machines came with a rotating blade. There were many accidents involving flying blades or stone sent flying by the rotating blades, injuring passer-bys.

Many great inventors came out with many ideas. One even patented his collapsible blades. There were much fanfare and the invention was published in the paper and the inventor interviewed on TV.

Today we don’t see any collapsible blades. All that is needed is a plastic strip (for tying wires) to solve the problem. The strip is strong enough to cut the grass but not strong enough to send a stone flying at great speed. When the strip breaks change a new one, it costs only a few cents.

The moral of the story is, we like to make things very complicated where the simple solution is already there.

[harini]

atutor2001:

The moral of the story is, we like to make things very complicated where the simple solution is already there.

Bravo!!! Could'nt have said it better. :celebrate:

[Rason]

david59:

...there is no level playing field since most schools would always frown at their students for using Algebra to solve qns...

So a directive from MOE is required after all. Anyway we should have no worries regarding the intrinsic results once Algebra is given the go to be taught in schools alongside model drawing.

[simmisai]

What is MOE’s to set tough maths paper? Sieving out A* candidates for future ministers?


I remembered that I was among the last in the class when I was in P4, but because of a good teacher in P5, I began to like studying and especially I love maths, even till now. Within 1 year, I topped the school in maths. To me, maths is fun 'cause it challenges my thinking.

Ok, don’t hao lian anymore, but my point is that this tough exam will kill many children’s interest in maths, and this is serious, we may lose many potential auditors, accountants, mathematicians, statisticians, lecturers, and other professions.

Shouldn’t moe make maths more interesting, if not fun, so that more will love it?

For an adult, who would like a job that is only challenging but not interesting?

So don’t kill maths. Think clearly again, think of consequences, moe.

[Edisonchew]

I have known a friend who obtained a B in PSLE Mathematics. However, he managed to obtain a Bronze award in the SMO(Open section) when he was in secondary four. Any discussion?

[Tharun270]

[quote]This is strictly from memory and the names may be incorrect. I cannot guarantee the info from my DH's memory is absolutely correct but for those who are interested, these are the qns:


1. 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?

2. Joe bot some chocolates and gave some to Ken. Ken bot some sweets and gave some to Joe.

Joe ate 12 sweets and Ken ate 18 chocolates. The ratio of sweets to chocolates Joe had became 1:7 and the ratio of sweets to chocolates Ken had became 1:4[/quote]
Well. I know the solution for the second.

the answer is 68.

:stupid:

[vlim]

I had let my p4 kid try the choc and sweet qtn. He manage to give the answer which is 68 but he is using 'guess and check' method. Wonder is it ok to use the method or not :?

[HoSayLiao]

[quote]I had let my p4 kid try the choc and sweet qtn. He manage to give the answer which is 68 but he is using 'guess and check' method. Wonder is it ok to use the method or not [/quote]

Of course u can. U can first guess if the answer is 100. If not, u next guess 99, follow by 98 and so on. By the time u reach 68, u will get the answer.