2012 PSLE Discussions and Strategy

[HAPPYH]

Chenonceau:

HAPPYH:

[quote=\"Chenonceau\"]Does anyone know whether PSLE markers will accept comprehension answers that are phrased in multiple short sentences, instead of a single long sentence?

Not so sure about PSLE. But in my DD's school, the teachers don't accept multiple sentences.

Would you happen to know why?[/quote]No, I am not sure why. I believe the teachers may think that the students can include two or 3 answers for the same question if given the liberty of multiple sentences. But I may not be true.

[Chenonceau]

HAPPYH:

No, I am not sure why. I believe the teachers may think that the students can include two or 3 answers for the same question if given the liberty of multiple sentences. But I may not be true.

:thankyou: This is most helpful already.

[MummySTay]

Chenonceau:

Does anyone know whether PSLE markers will accept comprehension answers that are phrased in multiple short sentences, instead of a single long sentence?

Hi Chenonceau,
Answers are preferably written in one sentence. (usu the teachers' preference)

BUT, and this is a very important but, no where in the PSLE marking scheme does it state that answers cannot be written in more than 1 sentence. :evil:

Marks for comprehension OE are only deducted for the following areas:
1. Minor grammatical/spelling mistakes which do not interfere with meaning;
2. Major language error (that interferes with meaning);
3. Incomplete sentence

[Chenonceau]

MummySTay:

Chenonceau:

Does anyone know whether PSLE markers will accept comprehension answers that are phrased in multiple short sentences, instead of a single long sentence?

Hi Chenonceau,
Answers are preferably written in one sentence. (usu the teachers' preference)

BUT, and this is a very important but, no where in the PSLE marking scheme does it state that answers cannot be written in more than 1 sentence. :evil:

Marks for comprehension OE are only deducted for the following areas:
1. Minor grammatical/spelling mistakes which do not interfere with meaning;
2. Major language error (that interferes with meaning);
3. Incomplete sentence

:thankyou: :thankyou: This is even more helpful!

[anneshirleygilbert]

It seems different schools advise the students differently on this matter of multiple sentences for English Compre OE questions.


My daughter says her English teachers from P4 till now allow multiple sentences if a single-sentence answer appears awkward and clumsy, though grammatically correct. The markers have always awarded her two marks for correct answers that she gave in 2 sentences.

Some input from school teachers would really be appreciated.

[Essential]

Hi anyone here to share science tutor or enrichment centre for p6 beside newton apple as is FULL

[24hr_mum]

beanbear:

I sense many of us are really struggling with prioritising the time for our children in this critical year. I'd like to share what I've tried to do with DS this year.


I asked myself: What's really my priority for my child? I used to procrastinate making decisions about the use of my son's time until the cost was too high. I just allowed the school to determine how my son's time is used. My son was staying back in school 4 times a week for supplementary & CCA for 3years from Pri 3-5. On top of that, he had enrichment classes for Maths, Science & English Compo. Plus he had flute lessons. What was the result last year at P5 SA2? He failed Maths miserably, was borderline for English & Chinese. Science was in 70s range. His confidence was shaken and I felt terrible about not monitoring him close enough and observing the warning signs earlier.

Last year before school reopened, I spoke with DS about the plan for this year and we worked out a schedule for this year based on his time commitment for school and a timetable for homework, revision, playtime.

My TOP priority was building DS confidence in his own ability. Where there were gaps in terms of knowledge or skills, I personally observe how he does his work and analyze where is he struggling with. If he already has the knowledge & skills, then it's critical to PRACTISE to ensure what he has learnt is committed into long-term memory. I now monitor every piece of homework my DS brings home, makes sure he does every piece of work with quality. This has made a huge difference because every piece of work has been marked so far DS makes very few mistakes and he has won praises from his teacher for good work and he now feels more confident. I feel really happy that these 1.5 months of effort has paid off. My belief is my child must experience SUCCESS in order to feel confident. Tasting SUCCESS in the short term will motivate him to study. We need to build momentum towards the PSLE. Each piece of homework is treated as opportunities to build strengths and plug gaps.

2nd TOP Priority - Time to Relax, Play and Minimum 8 hours of sleep every night. DS gets to play 45mins of computer once a week, 45mins of iphone or ipad once per week. He gets 30mins TV about 4 times a week. Exercise/playground time - 45mins at least 4 times a week. Brain research has shown children who exercise & sleep adequately think and learn better so I'm totally committed to this. I also believe Play is rewarding for my child and I want him to feel happy doing what he enjoys.

How did we manage to do all this in a regular week? Firstly, I made a FIRM decision - DS only stays back ONCE a week this year. This one day is his CCA & supplementary class day. He's supposed to stay back on 2 other days but I've told the teachers he will not attend. Freeing up this time has made it possible for DS to achieve all this. It's worked for 1.5 months so far. He looks happy, tired on a couple of days but most days, he is able to focus and pay attention and we manage to squeeze in revision on 2 days of the week. I don't aim to do alot - sometimes it's just 2 problem sums from a past exam paper, sometimes it's 3 pages from a Science exam paper, sometimes, it's 2 pages of cloze passage, etc. It's bite-size revision. I aim for 30mins or 45mins and I give him dedicated teaching and focused skills. I spend alot of time just observing him doing the work because I pick up alot of information about where he is struggling and what help he really needs.

How you make your child to follow your schedule closely.
I also prefer to sit by my dd side to observe what she is doing bcos I can pick up where she is weak in. Since begining of this year she refuse to let me sit by her when she is doing homework.

[janet88]

Essential:

Hi anyone here to share science tutor or enrichment centre for p6 beside newton apple as is FULL

Have you checked out this centre called bumblebee ? Someone called me yest...but i am not very keen. Don't know exact name of centre though. Heard newton apple science is full as principal himself and other senior teachers are teaching. Maybe you can also check out science buddies.

[Champion]

janet_lee88:

Essential:

Hi anyone here to share science tutor or enrichment centre for p6 beside newton apple as is FULL

Have you checked out this centre called bumblebee ? Someone called me yest...but i am not very keen. Don't know exact name of centre though. Heard newton apple science is full as principal himself and other senior teachers are teaching. Maybe you can also check out science buddies.

Janet,
Is this the one that you referring to?
http://www.bee.com.sg/
Bumble Bee Learning Hive is a certified service provider of the People’s Association (PA) and our courses are conducted by our Ministry of Education (MOE) certified teaching faculty to ensure that your child receives the best-quality learning experience possible.

[beanbear]

24hr_mum:

How you make your child to follow your schedule closely.
I also prefer to sit by my dd side to observe what she is doing bcos I can pick up where she is weak in. Since begining of this year she refuse to let me sit by her when she is doing homework.

Hi 24_mum, Yes, when I'm not working, I do sit next to DS to observe him doing his work so that I can see his thinking process. I would look through the homework first to see whether there's a need for me to sit next to DS. If it's straight-forward, I don't sit next to him. I sit next him if I'm teaching - ie I'm demonstrating a method or giving him tips on how to do a certain task eg composition. After observing a while, I leave DS to do the work himself. I believe children want a sense of independence also.

What do you think caused the change in your DD's attitude? Does she want to be more independent? Does she feel \"intimidated\" by your presence?

My children comply with my schedule because my parenting style is very much based on setting Clear Expectations, Clear Rewards, Clear Consequences. It's not just a schedule alone but also a whole approach/system that I set in place. Once the child knows how the system works, why the system is there, what happens if they comply or don't comply, it's quite easy to get it going. But a lot of discipline is required from the parents. It's about consistency and follow-through. Because the system also incorporates the \"fun\" and \"relaxation\" stuff, children comply because they see it's a fair system. I always tell my children, I always give them uninterrupted playtime, tv time, computer time, etc. I deliver on my promises of fun hence I expect them to deliver on their commitment to work.

I also work although my work is flexible but there are weeks where I'm out of the house the whole day just like other regular working parents. During those times, I rely on my maids to follow-through on my system. Children and maids are briefed on what's expected. When I return from work, I hold maids & children accountable for the work to be done. If work is not done, consequences are meted out immediately. Rewards are also given immediately if children have complied.