<![CDATA[model approach vs unit transfer method]]>hi


for parents who are familiar with both MA (model approach) and UTM (unit transfer mthd), at whch level ie p4 or p5 shd the child be taught UTM since in sch they only teach MA? will UTM confuse the child?

on the other hand, UTM seems easier cos no need to draw models and some kids may like.

i m asking this cos still contemplating between mathheurisitics (utm) and onsponge (primarily MA i think). prefer centres that teach a thinkg framework, not just normal centres just do n do tons of wksheet and at the end the child dontunderstand or forget the approach

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/topic/27197/model-approach-vs-unit-transfer-methodRSS for NodeTue, 21 Apr 2026 06:50:25 GMTSat, 22 Oct 2011 00:25:58 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to model approach vs unit transfer method on Sun, 23 Oct 2011 07:38:06 GMT]]>

24hr-mum:
not all kids are suitable for home schooling.

the mature ones yes, but for the whining or childish ones, they simply need the external push becos they seem to have the concept that HOME is a place to relax and enjoy, not a place to crack their brains like in school 😞
its much like some adults dont like to bring home their office work....
I know of many teachers who are unable to teach their own children. Maybe it is because some parents have very high expectations and less patience with their own children. But if the parent is able to guide his/her own child, it will be a lot more flexible in terms of time management compared to going for tuition at fixed time/date of the week.

I personally find the onsponge book quite self-explanatory and you can also post queries on their website. So if the kid has a good foundation in Maths, he/she should be able to go through the worked examples on his/her own.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/617071https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/617071Sun, 23 Oct 2011 07:38:06 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to model approach vs unit transfer method on Sun, 23 Oct 2011 06:26:16 GMT]]>not all kids are suitable for home schooling.

the mature ones yes, but for the whining or childish ones, they simply need the external push becos they seem to have the concept that HOME is a place to relax and enjoy, not a place to crack their brains like in school 😞
its much like some adults dont like to bring home their office work....

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/617046https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/617046Sun, 23 Oct 2011 06:26:16 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to model approach vs unit transfer method on Sun, 23 Oct 2011 06:06:21 GMT]]>

Chenonceau:
bebebub:

Are on sponge books available in popular? Between on sponge and maths heuristics, which is easier to use as a guide? I hope I can continue to teach my girl with the help of guidebooks.


Onsponge books are self-published. They know they have a good product and know that their books will sell, so they sell the books themselves. Publishers only give authors 10% to 15% of the retail price. 15% if you're lucky. You can get them here... http://www.onsponge.com/ They will mail you the books.


Math Heuristics Model Book is a good complement to Onsponge. This too is self-published. You need to go down to Goldhill Square to buy the books.... http://www.mathsheuristics.com/

Both books are excellent guidebooks. They are self-explanatory. I didn't even read them myself. I gave them to him and then we worked out a schedule (5 sub-units a day, and 2 questions per sub-unit)... and before we knew it, 2.5 weeks had passed, and we were done. Then we moved on to drilling with the Top School exams.

I have a wonderful time homeschooling my son. We are very close and for some reason, he has come to me every night the past 3 days before bed to sniff my hair and say \"You are the bestest Mommy in the world.\" It's almost worth it to sacrifice my career to hear these words. He knows I invest of myself in him and I am always there for him... and he is grateful.

It helps if you stop thinking of the competition and of how well he must do in exams. When I work with him, I focus on HIM and his needs... and push my desire for him to do better than others below my consciousness. I focus on where he is and where he can be in the next small step.

People don't realize that little steps can get you places. I focus on little steps and am contented with small step progress. Every small step is an occasion to celebrate. It doesn't matter how OTHER people are like... you are MY son and you are special in a way no one else is. Then one day, you lift your head up from your work... and hey, you've begun to hit the 90s.

I push him as far as HE can go... not as far as other people have gone. We were both of us VERY surprised that he has come as far as he has.

Chenonceau,
Your little boy is amazing. I'm sure you are a great mommy!

I told dd her job is to strive to improve from her last grades. My (secret) hope is that she maintain all subjects in band 1. 😂 But looking at how challenging the syllabus is getting, I tell myself I have to be realistic lah 😓 :scared:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/617036https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/617036Sun, 23 Oct 2011 06:06:21 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to model approach vs unit transfer method on Sun, 23 Oct 2011 05:45:28 GMT]]>

Chenonceau:
bebebub:

Are on sponge books available in popular? Between on sponge and maths heuristics, which is easier to use as a guide? I hope I can continue to teach my girl with the help of guidebooks.


Onsponge books are self-published. They know they have a good product and know that their books will sell, so they sell the books themselves. Publishers only give authors 10% to 15% of the retail price. 15% if you're lucky. You can get them here... http://www.onsponge.com/ They will mail you the books.


Math Heuristics Model Book is a good complement to Onsponge. This too is self-published. You need to go down to Goldhill Square to buy the books.... http://www.mathsheuristics.com/

Both books are excellent guidebooks. They are self-explanatory. I didn't even read them myself. I gave them to him and then we worked out a schedule (5 sub-units a day, and 2 questions per sub-unit)... and before we knew it, 2.5 weeks had passed, and we were done. Then we moved on to drilling with the Top School exams.

I have a wonderful time homeschooling my son. We are very close and for some reason, he has come to me every night the past 3 days before bed to sniff my hair and say \"You are the bestest Mommy in the world.\" It's almost worth it to sacrifice my career to hear these words. He knows I invest of myself in him and I am always there for him... and he is grateful.

It helps if you stop thinking of the competition and of how well he must do in exams. When I work with him, I focus on HIM and his needs... and push my desire for him to do better than others below my consciousness. I focus on where he is and where he can be in the next small step.

People don't realize that little steps can get you places. I focus on little steps and am contented with small step progress. Every small step is an occasion to celebrate. It doesn't matter how OTHER people are like... you are MY son and you are special in a way no one else is. Then one day, you lift your head up from your work... and hey, you've begun to hit the 90s.

I push him as far as HE can go... not as far as other people have gone. We were both of us VERY surprised that he has come as far as he has.

:goodpost:

I also enjoy coaching my boys and be there for them. We grow closer in the process.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/617033https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/617033Sun, 23 Oct 2011 05:45:28 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to model approach vs unit transfer method on Sun, 23 Oct 2011 05:11:21 GMT]]>my dilemma now is to try mathheuristics or onsponge tuition.

both ard the same price. mathheuristic 485 per 10 lesson for p4; onsponge 180
mathheuristic more convenient; onsponge depends on where.
but onsponge seem closer to sch topics but i like mathheuristics too

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/617028https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/617028Sun, 23 Oct 2011 05:11:21 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to model approach vs unit transfer method on Sun, 23 Oct 2011 03:02:32 GMT]]>

warriortemujin:
I think it is best to get some1 good to teach ur child. No point trying to save $ but ended up teaching the wrong things. At the end of the day, ur child suffers.

My dd is doing alright with her Maths at the moment (no idea how her grades will be as she progresses to higher level). Therefore, I am looking for a good guide so that mummy can learn along and guide her with the more complex questions. The guide serve to help me to explain to her at her level.
With limited $$ to go around, tuition is not an option unless it's beyond hb n me to teach, or if dd ask for it. One big advantage to teach on my own is that I can identify and work on her weak areas before things get snowballed.

And yes, at times my patience are tested. Gotta keep my cool :imcool:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/617001https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/617001Sun, 23 Oct 2011 03:02:32 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to model approach vs unit transfer method on Sun, 23 Oct 2011 03:00:30 GMT]]>

bebebub:
Are on sponge books available in popular? Between on sponge and maths heuristics, which is easier to use as a guide? I hope I can continue to teach my girl with the help of guidebooks.

Onsponge books are self-published. They know they have a good product and know that their books will sell, so they sell the books themselves. Publishers only give authors 10% to 15% of the retail price. 15% if you're lucky. You can get them here... http://www.onsponge.com/ They will mail you the books.


Math Heuristics Model Book is a good complement to Onsponge. This too is self-published. You need to go down to Goldhill Square to buy the books.... http://www.mathsheuristics.com/

Both books are excellent guidebooks. They are self-explanatory. I didn't even read them myself. I gave them to him and then we worked out a schedule (5 sub-units a day, and 2 questions per sub-unit)... and before we knew it, 2.5 weeks had passed, and we were done. Then we moved on to drilling with the Top School exams.

I have a wonderful time homeschooling my son. We are very close and for some reason, he has come to me every night the past 3 days before bed to sniff my hair and say \"You are the bestest Mommy in the world.\" It's almost worth it to sacrifice my career to hear these words. He knows I invest of myself in him and I am always there for him... and he is grateful.

It helps if you stop thinking of the competition and of how well he must do in exams. When I work with him, I focus on HIM and his needs... and push my desire for him to do better than others below my consciousness. I focus on where he is and where he can be in the next small step.

People don't realize that little steps can get you places. I focus on little steps and am contented with small step progress. Every small step is an occasion to celebrate. It doesn't matter how OTHER people are like... you are MY son and you are special in a way no one else is. Then one day, you lift your head up from your work... and hey, you've begun to hit the 90s.

I push him as far as HE can go... not as far as other people have gone. We were both of us VERY surprised that he has come as far as he has.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/617000https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/617000Sun, 23 Oct 2011 03:00:30 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to model approach vs unit transfer method on Sun, 23 Oct 2011 02:39:12 GMT]]>

CMF:
bebebub:

Are on sponge books available in popular?.


Onsponge books can be bought online : http://www.onsponge.com/shop/thinkingmathshop.html or at some school bookshops.

Thanks. Wanna get my hands on a copy to browse before making purchase. Any idea if they have any copies for browsing at any of their centre?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/616987https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/616987Sun, 23 Oct 2011 02:39:12 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to model approach vs unit transfer method on Sun, 23 Oct 2011 02:38:44 GMT]]>

Jeantan:
i used to think that I can teach my girl, using assessment and guide books. At the end i gave up. I was so frustrated that i ended up scolding her, everyday was like war between us. Everyday we ended up hving this strain between us.

I keep telling myself, relationship before results but I don't always succeed 😂

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/616986https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/616986Sun, 23 Oct 2011 02:38:44 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to model approach vs unit transfer method on Sun, 23 Oct 2011 02:25:15 GMT]]>

bebebub:
Are on sponge books available in popular?.

Onsponge books can be bought online : http://www.onsponge.com/shop/thinkingmathshop.html or at some school bookshops.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/616972https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/616972Sun, 23 Oct 2011 02:25:15 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to model approach vs unit transfer method on Sun, 23 Oct 2011 02:16:57 GMT]]>i used to think that I can teach my girl, using assessment and guide books. At the end i gave up. I was so frustrated that i ended up scolding her, everyday was like war between us. Everyday we ended up hving this strain between us.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/616968https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/616968Sun, 23 Oct 2011 02:16:57 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to model approach vs unit transfer method on Sun, 23 Oct 2011 02:11:52 GMT]]>I think it is best to get some1 good to teach ur child. No point trying to save $ but ended up teaching the wrong things. At the end of the day, ur child suffers.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/616965https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/616965Sun, 23 Oct 2011 02:11:52 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to model approach vs unit transfer method on Sun, 23 Oct 2011 02:11:42 GMT]]>Are on sponge books available in popular? Between on sponge and maths heuristics, which is easier to use as a guide? I hope I can continue to teach my girl with the help of guidebooks.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/616964https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/616964Sun, 23 Oct 2011 02:11:42 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to model approach vs unit transfer method on Sun, 23 Oct 2011 01:46:38 GMT]]>kaypo abit, here's the link


http://www.mathsheuristics.com/?cat=5

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/616949https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/616949Sun, 23 Oct 2011 01:46:38 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to model approach vs unit transfer method on Sun, 23 Oct 2011 01:43:15 GMT]]>

Chenonceau:
24hr-mum:


chenonceau - the math heuristic book u bought is it the one by sunny tan？

Yup! He has another book but I thought the other overlapped with Onsponge and since I had already bought Onsponge, I didn't buy that.

Where to buy this book by Sunny Tan?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/616946https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/616946Sun, 23 Oct 2011 01:43:15 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to model approach vs unit transfer method on Sun, 23 Oct 2011 01:22:52 GMT]]>

24hr-mum:
hi


my girl p3. the sch only teach MA but very simple ones -
part-whole model
comparison model
multiplication model
division model
even then she dun really know the name of the model and when to use what.
her drilling in model drawing comes more from existing tuition, even then she is only good at those involving repeated identity and the first two basic models. so she sometimes try to avoid model drawing.

and i find that some problems, on her own, she sometimes dont realise it can be solved by model drawing. whc means she cant realise the strategy on her own but if u tel her the mthd is model drawing, she sometimes can. the sch stimes teach them to draw two models for some questions, the before and the after models but she cant reconcile the two. or she draw but cant interpret and make use of it


that is why i m contemplating sending her to mathheurisitc whc teach more advanced models eg stack model, split model and utm and other heuristic but this plc is an enrichment ctr， they dont realy follow sch syllabus in terms of sequence. i think onsponge follow closer but i m not sure if utm and other type of heuristc are cover in p4. the location is also not as convenient as mathheuristc


chenonceau - the math heuristic book u bought is it the one by sunny tan？
Sounds like a 1-1 tutor will help her better for a start.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/616944https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/616944Sun, 23 Oct 2011 01:22:52 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to model approach vs unit transfer method on Sun, 23 Oct 2011 01:21:00 GMT]]>

24hr-mum:

chenonceau - the math heuristic book u bought is it the one by sunny tan？
Yup! He has another book but I thought the other overlapped with Onsponge and since I had already bought Onsponge, I didn't buy that.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/616943https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/616943Sun, 23 Oct 2011 01:21:00 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to model approach vs unit transfer method on Sun, 23 Oct 2011 01:04:00 GMT]]>hi


my girl p3. the sch only teach MA but very simple ones -
part-whole model
comparison model
multiplication model
division model
even then she dun really know the name of the model and when to use what.
her drilling in model drawing comes more from existing tuition, even then she is only good at those involving repeated identity and the first two basic models. so she sometimes try to avoid model drawing.

and i find that some problems, on her own, she sometimes dont realise it can be solved by model drawing. whc means she cant realise the strategy on her own but if u tel her the mthd is model drawing, she sometimes can. the sch stimes teach them to draw two models for some questions, the before and the after models but she cant reconcile the two. or she draw but cant interpret and make use of it


that is why i m contemplating sending her to mathheurisitc whc teach more advanced models eg stack model, split model and utm and other heuristic but this plc is an enrichment ctr， they dont realy follow sch syllabus in terms of sequence. i think onsponge follow closer but i m not sure if utm and other type of heuristc are cover in p4. the location is also not as convenient as mathheuristc


chenonceau - the math heuristic book u bought is it the one by sunny tan？

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/616939https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/616939Sun, 23 Oct 2011 01:04:00 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to model approach vs unit transfer method on Sat, 22 Oct 2011 15:49:12 GMT]]>

Chenonceau:
I read somewhere that if use algebra then MUST get answer right because they will not give working marks if answer is wrong. But for other methods, can still get method marks if answer is wrong.


Is that true?
I would say someone has interpreted this wrongly and given you the wrong impression.

Algebra method is such that if the equations are written wrongly as a start, it is wrong and hence cannot be awarded method marks.

As for other methods, when the diagram is drawn, usually part of the diagram will be right if it follows the questions closely so easier to award marks.

It does not make sense for MOE to discriminate algebra method especially when it is a method widely used in sec school.


Here's the official statement from MOE:

http://www.moe.gov.sg/media/forum/2007/20070217.htm

Different Approaches Taught for Mathematics Techniques

1.Mr 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. The 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. The 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. The 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. Other 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. While 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. We 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

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/616886https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/616886Sat, 22 Oct 2011 15:49:12 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to model approach vs unit transfer method on Sat, 22 Oct 2011 14:32:09 GMT]]>I read somewhere that if use algebra then MUST get answer right because they will not give working marks if answer is wrong. But for other methods, can still get method marks if answer is wrong.


Is that true?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/616865https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/616865Sat, 22 Oct 2011 14:32:09 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to model approach vs unit transfer method on Sat, 22 Oct 2011 14:08:46 GMT]]>

ksi:
bebebub:

Sorry, allow me to OT abit as I'm getting a bit confused......


At PSLE, are students allowed/suppose to use any appropriate method/strategy to solve a word problem? Say, if the Q can be solved using either MA or UTM, student can choose whichever method, as long as the problem is solved?

So if school only teach the MA method, then it is up to student to learn the other methods - UTM, algebra, whatever.....

Sorry for being such a clueless mummy.

Yes, PSLE accepts any method as long as it logically leads to the answer.

Thanks a bunch!!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/616851https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/616851Sat, 22 Oct 2011 14:08:46 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to model approach vs unit transfer method on Sat, 22 Oct 2011 13:28:54 GMT]]>

bebebub:
Sorry, allow me to OT abit as I'm getting a bit confused......


At PSLE, are students allowed/suppose to use any appropriate method/strategy to solve a word problem? Say, if the Q can be solved using either MA or UTM, student can choose whichever method, as long as the problem is solved?

So if school only teach the MA method, then it is up to student to learn the other methods - UTM, algebra, whatever.....

Sorry for being such a clueless mummy.
Yes, PSLE accepts any method as long as it logically leads to the answer.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/616841https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/616841Sat, 22 Oct 2011 13:28:54 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to model approach vs unit transfer method on Sat, 22 Oct 2011 13:17:15 GMT]]>Sorry, allow me to OT abit as I’m getting a bit confused…


At PSLE, are students allowed/suppose to use any appropriate method/strategy to solve a word problem? Say, if the Q can be solved using either MA or UTM, student can choose whichever method, as long as the problem is solved?

So if school only teach the MA method, then it is up to student to learn the other methods - UTM, algebra, whatever…

Sorry for being such a clueless mummy.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/616838https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/616838Sat, 22 Oct 2011 13:17:15 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to model approach vs unit transfer method on Sat, 22 Oct 2011 12:53:41 GMT]]>

ksi:
24hr-mum:

ya, schools wont teach (anything, sigh). i m contemplating whether to send my girl to tuition ctr that teach Ma OR utm OR BOTH


School teaches MA.

Hi 24hr-mum, you mean your DS' school never teach the Model Approach at all? Thot most schools will introduce MA to pupils from P2 onwards (simple ones)? My DS is in P3 this year and his school has taught them both the MA and Unit Transfer Method.
Btw, what primary level is your child in this year?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/616831https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/616831Sat, 22 Oct 2011 12:53:41 GMT