phtthp\" post_id=\"2104182\" time=\"1680591752\" user_id=\"35251:

sushi88,

You know
who will take the proactive step, of my proposal / suggestion written above?

I better clarify my stand, outfront here.


Definitely not you, if u do not have anymore kid sitting for PSLE. And Is also clearly not for any Tom, Dick or Harry who are in P6, too.

Why ?

Because

As mentioned much earlier before, those P6 students who DONT even grasp the concept of Algebra at all, inspite of being taught or exposed to this Algebra concept. Because their brain remain closed up, cannot see. Only those advanced students who are able to grasp the concept of x or y in their mind, then they can do this.

And also, at this point, I better clarify my definition of \"what do i mean by Algebra concept ? \"
Just in case u all don't know what am I talking about.

I am definitely NOT refering to the \"Units and Parts\" method, which is also a form of Algebra already ! Moreover, this \"Parts & Units\" method is DEFINITELY come under Primary School Maths. This \"Parts and Units\" : ALL P6 students, are expected to know, and expected to apply, because
it is WITHIN your P5 And P6 Maths syllabus.


No, No, No.
I am NOT referring to this \"Units and Parts\" Primary school Algebra method.


I am refering to the LOWER Secondary 1 Algebra method, where students can solve equations, using just one single x or combined both \"x and y\" method, depending on the question that came out in PSLE. Because this method is very powerful, especially. Under very tight time constraint exam condition. However, there is a drawback here. Because not every P6 student, is able to grasp this Algebra concept. Many still cannot. Only minority, can.

Because there are some P6 students, especially the GEP students or Top Mainstream students, who are very advanced in their Maths, and they often excel in Maths. They always do very well, in their school Maths tests, assessments. Like close to full marks, that type of calibre of students. As such, they always DSA into Top IP schools, using domain \"Maths\" DSA path.

Why ?

Because in their GEP Mathematics curriculum, being advanced, they have been taught some of the Lower Secondary 1 concepts, inside their GEP Maths curriculum.

So please hor, all parents out here, who have read my proposal. You all know your own P6 child very well, because you are the one, that give birth to your own kid.

Because every child is different ! Some kids are just average, while others are faster, in learning. You ought to know your own child very well. Where is he or she exactly, in learning P6 Maths ?

If your son or daughter is already or still struggling with \"Parts and Units\" Algebra concept or still struggling with the core, basic, fundamental Maths concepts, please exercise discernment. Do NOT add un-necessary burden or stress, to your poor kid.
Kindly ignore my proposal.
You can treat it as nonsense written, because it doesn't apply to your child at all.


My proposal, is for those :-


1) whose P6 child Is able to follow or able to understand the \"x\" or \"the x and y\" form of Algebra equations, in their mind. Because they are advanced, in their Maths learning.


2) for those parents, who are also able to understand Lower Secondary 1 Algebra equation

AND

Their P6 children are also able to comprehend. And these parents can guide their children.

So, I hope I have made myself clear now.

For those who up to now, still DONT understand what I am trying to say. Never mind. Treat it that I am writing or babbling nonsense. Pls ignore me, totally.

Thank you, for your understanding.

phtthp, I know you are doing this out of good intent but you are barking up the wrong tree.
Kids very well-versed in the higher order algebra are not going to simulate that scenario deliberately.

I actually can understand why the teacher/HOD is so strict in this and start to see their POV as I reply in this thread.
And if MOE/SEAB is of the same stance, I can understand why.

zac's mum\" post_id=\"2104168\" time=\"1680584796\" user_id=\"53606:[quote=\"zac's mum\" post_id=2104168 time=1680584796 user_id=53606]
Normal (Technical) students can use laptops for one section in basic mother tongue language exams

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/parenting-education/normal-technical-students-can-use-laptops-instead-of-manually-writing-in-basic-mother-tongue-language-exams

Hi sushi88, there is an English article in today’s ST (above) on this topic.

I believe the students will have opportunities to practise on their own PLDs at home and in school. If worried about any sudden glitches, maybe parent or teacher can simulate such a scenario for them to practise how to handle also.[/quote]

Thank you zac's mum. Good idea!

phtthp\" post_id=\"2104163\" time=\"1680582507\" user_id=\"35251:

Proposal / suggestion
===================

to all parents with kids sitting for Psle this year 2023, next year 2024 or in subsequent, future years :-
============================


1) dig out all those past year PSLE Maths qns that you think can be solved, using Algebra method.

You provide the step by step solution(s) clearly,

using either one unknown x or 2 unknown (x and y), depending on how the qn asked.

Don't just dig out and practise merely one qn only.
But,
dig out as many past year qns as possible, that can be solved, using this Algebra method.

Then ,
collate ALL these qns solved using the Algebra method at one shot and email to 2 different group of people, for help.


1) email to your own primary school.

Email and show to your kid's primary school Maths HOD, at the same time also cc your kid's class Maths Teacher

+

2) email also to
that specific SEAB Officer in charge, or the Head of Invigilation overall in marking thousands of P6 students' PSLE scripts.

Ask them this qn :-

If my P6 son or daughter were to use Algebra method (x or y), to solve this qn coming this year 2023 PSLE Maths, can u please help to mark his answer, and let us (parents) know how many marks will he get ?

Be concise, be specific in your question. And wait for these 2 group of people, to reply you.

Once u get the answers, u may come to this forum, share your findings or post your findings, into Straits Times, so that other p6 parents and children, can also benefit from your sharing / finding.

Don't ask parents to go on a wild goose chase when they do not understand the issue at hand in detail. Their kids may not have encountered the same issue and the samples they produce could return with the same answer from both parties and that may leave a ?? in their heads why you ask them to do something like that and waste everyone's time to simulate something their kids do not even know how to and confuse them? And the fact that you can suggest them to do something like that means you are not understanding the issue parent fionachia0034 has described. :slapshead:

Let parent fionachia0034 make her query because she has a specific situation encountered with real experiences and examples of solutions together with some of the parents in the same school. It is sufficient for them to make a case of query and I believe in MOE/SEAB to address this clearly with a rationale as PSLE is a major national exam.

Also, I re-read Ms Ho Peng's reply from MOE:
\"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.\"

chenlaoshi\" post_id=\"2104156\" time=\"1680579401\" user_id=\"162894:

sushi,

I think it's generally a positive move.

Instead of having to remember how to write the words, the focus will be on how to recognize and read (so as to enter the han yu pin yin). These skills/knowledge will be more applicable to daily life needs since the students will seldom/rarely have to write in Chinese and instead just have to type them out when needed. One potential pitfall though, will be 错别字, esp. if the students type (and select) word by word instead of phrase by phrase.

For students with special needs/ cases with technical issues, I think there should probably be special dispensation being given. Besides, this is the only component (worth 10%) in NT Basic Chinese exam that currently requires writing - the remaining are all MCQ/verbal, and the required length of the \"email\" is 75 words and above. So weightage and task wise, the impact is not that significant.

Ah I see the point of using hanyu pinyin and making it easier.
Then I hope the technical support is robust enough to ensure no negative experience for the special needs kids. For some, once they have a bad experience, it may deter them from wanting to use the platform for exam again.

Thanks for your reply.

Veyron\" post_id=\"2104113\" time=\"1680518178\" user_id=\"30663:

Actually, our education system already permits that because students in Singapore, no matter how bad the PSLE result, will still be able to continue their studies and no one will ever be left behind.

So parents and students do have a choice to take PSLE lightly and cruise into secondary education. The only thing which bothers parents is secondary school posting because they know that if PSLE result is not good, they can't get into good schools.

So the problem here is not so much about the education system or MOE, it has got to do with parents' unrealistic expectations and wants.

Affiliation kids do have competition and stress too. In the case of ACS, they are all racing to get into ACS(I) AL13 COP, and IB programs AL7 COP, if they could. If you don't believe just take a look at the number of ACS, SJI boys at United Square or Bukit Timah enrichment schools.

I think its the parents who need thinking not MOE.

I would think you read every post more intently than others since you make this thread.
Parents are only one dimension, there are other reasons, obviously you have overlooked the post it was stated. And even if parents are the reason, there are varying situations how they contribute, not just unrealistic expectations and wants.

Why would I not believe you about how severe or competitive the tuition situation is for those who want to race in the affiliated group? Of course I believe. Also, where is the real stress for this group? Can't get into IP/IB can still get into the affiliated 'O' track. You are the one not believing :lol: there could be a group of kids who do not want to race but are being dragged into this race when they are not ready and not willing. I know some of these kids, just not sure how many nationally.

Veyron\" post_id=\"2104080\" time=\"1680504947\" user_id=\"30663:

\"Better\" is subjective, different families and students find fulfillment, motivation, and purpose in different things.
So who are we to say who is right or who is wrong or conjecture about how other students study to get good grades or how should we live?

The only thing I know is the common here is the desire in parents to send their kids to good schools.

Better here is for those kids who maybe suffering in the system through no fault of theirs but drag along in the system just because 30-40% of the kids want to aim high.

We can always find a way to let the 30-40% soar and let the other remaining % decide if they want to join in the rat race at 12yo or later. The affiliation kids are given this choice, they join the race later. It's something MOE can think about.

Veyron\" post_id=\"2104036\" time=\"1680502081\" user_id=\"30663:

If you haven't noticed, the underlying interest or concern about PSLE, TT or affiliation is still centered around secondary school posting, about parent desire to send their kids into good sec schools without PSLE, or PSLE remains the most relevant exam to facilitate secondary school posting, be it IP or mainstream.

Like it or not PSLE = academic studies, so I think there is no point in going OT to discuss other matters since most agree that PSLE is here to stay, or debating if fish can climb trees.

pirate is not OT la...he is just creative and has a good sense of humour.
He is actually on point than most.

Academic studies is the de facto path for all kids as at least primary school is compulsory education but it is not the be all and end all as pirate has stated.

ChiefKiasu\" post_id=\"2104086\" time=\"1680513120\" user_id=\"3:

I can only solve problems with algebra :oops:
If I'm born into today's school system, I will :faint:

Chief, If you are born into today's school system, you will just ace it, I am quite sure of that.

fionachia0034\" post_id=\"2104085\" time=\"1680511102\" user_id=\"201257:

I wish this were a theoretical question bandied about as a philosophical exercise.

This is actually affecting my son's and some of his classmates' learning.

I will refrain from sharing too many details as we are considering bringing this to the attention of MOE.

Fair enough. Wish you all the best in your query and let us know the reply and rationale.

Meanwhile, there is really no need to fret over this point too much. Whichever method is used, the checking method is the most important to ensure that the answer is correct. If the checked answer is correct, it is highly unlikely the algebra method applied can be conceptually wrong unless there are coincidences of answers which would be very rare.

Just want to point out that the 2 methods are not that much different, except one has one variable and the other has two or more variables. Both are essentially using algebra.

chenlaoshi\" post_id=\"2104041\" time=\"1680503717\" user_id=\"162894:

https://www.zaobao.com.sg/news/singapore/story20230403-1378889

NT Basic Chinese students to begin answering Paper 1's 实用文 through computer input w.e.f. 2024.

chenlaoshi, what are your thoughts on answering on the computer for NT students? Some of them are special needs students. It can be quite challenging ba especially if there is any tech glitch, would it cause panic? :scratchhead: