<![CDATA[Do we need to use modelling to solve all math problem sums?]]>Hi , parents,


My first child just attended P1 this year. I was wondering weather our kifd will be penalised if he/she does not draw a model to solve problem sums? I do not know how to solve using models, so not able to teach.

My child is also like me ,can solve without drawing. If it is compulsory. then I will have to consider a search for tuition centre. 😄

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/topic/22450/do-we-need-to-use-modelling-to-solve-all-math-problem-sumsRSS for NodeMon, 11 May 2026 03:14:01 GMTTue, 24 May 2011 00:16:02 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to Do we need to use modelling to solve all math problem sums? on Tue, 11 Mar 2014 02:32:39 GMT]]>Tks SmallMedLarge

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1235503https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1235503Tue, 11 Mar 2014 02:32:39 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Do we need to use modelling to solve all math problem sums? on Wed, 07 Sep 2011 03:59:06 GMT]]>Is this book still available at Popular, I went down the other day to the one at Bishan and could not find any.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/577839https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/577839Wed, 07 Sep 2011 03:59:06 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Do we need to use modelling to solve all math problem sums? on Wed, 31 Aug 2011 06:43:45 GMT]]>I have a p4 and p1 child…


While I agree that many problem sums can be solved without model drawing, I would say that drawing models is a good habit … start from P1. Learn basics and then can practice.

Then when they go to upper primary - they already know how to make use of basic models to solve problem sums which are more complex.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/571031https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/571031Wed, 31 Aug 2011 06:43:45 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Do we need to use modelling to solve all math problem sums? on Tue, 30 Aug 2011 05:22:37 GMT]]>

SmallMedLarge:
I use this book


The Singapore Model Method for Learning Mathematics was available from the Marshall Cavendish (http://smartt.wordpress.com/page/2/)

The book outlines the very basic types of model drawing - suitable for P1 and P2. Upper primary, the children can use these basic models to solve more difficult sums.

Bought the book from Popular.
Hi Maple leaf

Recently, i just attended a P1 math workshop organised by my son's school. They also recommend this book to us. At P1/P2 level, problem sums can be solved without model drawing but as they progress to P3/P4 or even P5/P6, they will find model drawing useful. It's quite easy to pick up, you may want to try learning them and teach your kid first?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/569932https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/569932Tue, 30 Aug 2011 05:22:37 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Do we need to use modelling to solve all math problem sums? on Tue, 30 Aug 2011 04:21:35 GMT]]>I use this book


The Singapore Model Method for Learning Mathematics was available from the Marshall Cavendish (http://smartt.wordpress.com/page/2/)

The book outlines the very basic types of model drawing - suitable for P1 and P2. Upper primary, the children can use these basic models to solve more difficult sums.

Bought the book from Popular.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/569912https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/569912Tue, 30 Aug 2011 04:21:35 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Do we need to use modelling to solve all math problem sums? on Thu, 07 Jul 2011 03:26:04 GMT]]>Hi

would like to find out which is better for p5 math. will it b concept math / jei math?

pls share

tia

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/474779https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/474779Thu, 07 Jul 2011 03:26:04 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Do we need to use modelling to solve all math problem sums? on Tue, 28 Jun 2011 14:27:35 GMT]]>Hi junling,


Sorry, not too sure if you know but do you think JE1 PSLE Maths or Conceptmath is better for lower primary?

Thanks!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/460646https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/460646Tue, 28 Jun 2011 14:27:35 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Do we need to use modelling to solve all math problem sums? on Tue, 28 Jun 2011 14:11:54 GMT]]>post was deleted.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/460641https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/460641Tue, 28 Jun 2011 14:11:54 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Do we need to use modelling to solve all math problem sums? on Mon, 27 Jun 2011 15:09:19 GMT]]>Modelling is just one of a vast number of heuristics that one uses to solve maths problems.

There is the working backwards heuristic, the guess and check, the logical reasoning, the drawing heuristic, the identify the pattern heuristic, the number of legs type of problems, and so on.

I think the question is phrased wrongly. I think it should be " For questions that uses modelling heuristics, is it necessary to use the modelling approach ?"
I think it depends. With some questions, you can solve it easily with algebra, with others, the modelling approach is better. So it is best to be familiar with both approaches and know when to use either method.

As for algebra, don’t believe the educators when they say algebra is not required. All those problems with squares, circle symbols are thinly disguised algebra problems. True, they don’t require advanced algebra knowledge, but it’s still basic algebra.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/459093https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/459093Mon, 27 Jun 2011 15:09:19 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Do we need to use modelling to solve all math problem sums? on Fri, 24 Jun 2011 19:27:26 GMT]]>Hi.

Nope, it is not necessarily to use model drawings to solve all the maths problems. For instance, if the number involved is fairly large, it will be difficult and tedious for the student to draw so many units of boxes. In fact, the use of model drawings is only one of the few techniques that the child has to know. Other techniques include:
1. Use Before & After
2. Look for Patterns
3. Work Backwards
4. Use Guess & Check etc.
Personally, I have always preferred the use of ratios over modelling. As for speed-related questions, it is advisable for the student to "draw out’’ the question, since a picture speaks a thousand words.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/455696https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/455696Fri, 24 Jun 2011 19:27:26 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Do we need to use modelling to solve all math problem sums? on Thu, 26 May 2011 06:03:15 GMT]]>Many assessment books comes with solutions, complete with models. That was how I learn to teach my dd when she was in P1 n P2. she also finds model drawing troublesome, and often bargain her way out of drawing the models. Now at P3, I allow her to solve the straight forward problem sums without the models, but she will attempt to draw models for those that she faces difficulty. I always like that look on her face when she realize the solution after drawing the model :lol:


If your child is doing fine in maths, no need to search for tuition centre just for that. It is rather easy for parents to pick up model drawing by looking at the examples (at least for lower primary), n teach accordingly. There is also a Model Drawing Guide published by MOE, available in Popular. I think it's for P1 to P6. HTH.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/430701https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/430701Thu, 26 May 2011 06:03:15 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Do we need to use modelling to solve all math problem sums? on Thu, 26 May 2011 05:27:53 GMT]]>Usually questions for p1 & p2 are too simple, 1-2 steps and so many children, usually the better ones will question the need to draw models.


1 of the reason why for many type of psle questions it is better to use other methods (like ratio , branching or units or whatever they are called) is because the numbers used make drawing a model very cumbersome. However those methods are often derived based on an understanding of using the model to solve. They are not different methods, merely different ways of doing the same question based on same underlying principles.

If i recall correctly, when I was in p6, when I see a question I just draw a model. My view is that drawing a model is simply a way to consolidate all the data and make sense of the problem, see relationships /critical properties that allow me to solve the question via any other method.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/430669https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/430669Thu, 26 May 2011 05:27:53 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Do we need to use modelling to solve all math problem sums? on Thu, 26 May 2011 04:34:03 GMT]]>Hi Sall, lizawa and chiefkiasu,


Thank you very much for the reply. Now I have a better picture of what's goinf on. At my schooling tjme, we solved problems without drawing models;so this concept is quite new to me. DH was very sure that it contribute to points.I am a bit worried cos' DS can solve problems(lower prinary) without models. In fact, he made mistakes when he fill in the numbers, as he is more confuse with \"pictures\" He is currently doing well in Maths.

After reading all of your replies; Guess I have to read up the techniques so that I can guide him or fimd some help for him.
:thankyou:
for all your replies. I really appreciate yr help. 😄 Will take note of your useful tips.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/430617https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/430617Thu, 26 May 2011 04:34:03 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Do we need to use modelling to solve all math problem sums? on Wed, 25 May 2011 10:38:04 GMT]]>Actually, psle maths is not so daunting. After doing lots of problem sums, the students should be able to identity what type of model for what type of qn. Just stay calm, break the long qn into parts, put down the information into the model, draw a tidy model so it’s easier to see the solution. For some students, their models are so untidy that they start making careless mistakes.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/429996https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/429996Wed, 25 May 2011 10:38:04 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Do we need to use modelling to solve all math problem sums? on Wed, 25 May 2011 06:47:22 GMT]]>

sall:
At higher levels, from P4, problems sums get more difficult. Students must draw models to solve the solution. Actually, model-drawing helps the students to see the solution. It is like putting the information given into a picture.

Totally agree... but at times, drawing out the model itself can be a challenge. :scratchhead: Certain questions are very tough and it takes us parents a while (when coaching kids) to think how to draw the model compared to using our auto method of using Algebra.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/429689https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/429689Wed, 25 May 2011 06:47:22 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Do we need to use modelling to solve all math problem sums? on Wed, 25 May 2011 05:14:00 GMT]]>There are many cases where using algebra may not even be possible while using a model can uncover the answer almost immediately. The student must learn to identify which method to use under examination conditions.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/429595https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/429595Wed, 25 May 2011 05:14:00 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Do we need to use modelling to solve all math problem sums? on Wed, 25 May 2011 05:07:47 GMT]]>Students are not penalised for using other methods, like Algebra. But Algebra is only taught in P6 and only very basic Algebra is taught. Most of the time, the problems are solved using models. If students draw the correct model, it is very easy for them to get the answer. I feel that, for most of the questions, model is the fastest way to solve the problem.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/429591https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/429591Wed, 25 May 2011 05:07:47 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Do we need to use modelling to solve all math problem sums? on Wed, 25 May 2011 01:52:00 GMT]]>It’s not a "MUST" but it helps the child to visualize the problems and with the right technique and solve them easily. Most problems will be solved easily with modelling method at P3 and P4 levels. Come P5 and P6, the students are exposed to other ways of solving the same question. Depending on how comfortable the student is with each type of method, he can choose to use whatever he likes. You will not be penalized if you do not use "modelling method" in answering your question. The important thing is, the marker must be able to see your lines of thoughts in solving the problem, then marks can be awarded.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/429282https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/429282Wed, 25 May 2011 01:52:00 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Do we need to use modelling to solve all math problem sums? on Tue, 24 May 2011 07:07:24 GMT]]>At higher levels, from P4, problems sums get more difficult. Students must draw models to solve the solution. Actually, model-drawing helps the students to see the solution. It is like putting the information given into a picture.

Some questions are quite easy, so can solve using other methods. It’s important to train students to start with model-drawing so they are familiar and can do so at higher levels.
I have students who refused to draw model in lower primary and when I taught them in P4, they had so much problems because they can’t even draw the most basic models.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/428653https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/428653Tue, 24 May 2011 07:07:24 GMT