model approach vs unit transfer method

[corneyAmber]

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.

[bebebub]

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!!

[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?

[corneyAmber]

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

[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？

[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.

[corneyAmber]

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.

[sleepy]

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?

[SAHM_TAN]

kaypo abit, here's the link


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

[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.