PSLE - New Format for Maths

[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.

[vlim]

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

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.[/quote]haaaaaaa.. ha u are right.. then my son is dame lucky.. his first check answer given to us is 68.. :lol:

[tamarind]

One day when I was very free, I emailed my solution to MOE :


Assume Ken has s sweets.
Assume Jim has c chocolates.
7(0.5s - 12) = 0.5c
4(0.5s) = 0.5c - 18
2s + 18 = 7(0.5s - 12)
s = 68

The next day I got a reply from SEAB :

All mathematically correct solutions will be awarded marks accordingly.

Why are people still so scared of using Algebra ?

Next time if the maths teacher marked my kids' answers wrong, I will pull out this email and show them.

When in doubt, always ask the relevant authorities.

I have encountered many students who passed their O level maths, but they have very poor understanding of algebra and equations. As a result, they do very badly when learning higher mathematics like Calculus, Laplace Transforms, etc. I wonder if heavy emphasis of the model drawing method, instead of algebra, is to be blamed.