Forum Letter
ST 12/2/2007

Some parents of primary school pupils seem to be confused about their children’s mathematics as taught by some teachers. From comments I gathered when tutoring Primary 6 pupils, it appears that model drawing methods have to be used in order to score more marks in the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE).

The use of algebra methods may lead to loss of marks as it is not encouraged nor recommended. However, algebra is part of the Primary 6 Maths syllabus. Some parents are not even aware that algebra questions have been set in past PSLE Maths papers.

Can the Ministry of Education clarify the following doubts:

Can students use different maths techniques like algebra if they prefer it to model-drawing?

An example of a question in which both methods can be used:

At a funfair, two-fifths of the visitors were women. There were three times as many men as children. If there were 90 more women than children, how many visitors were there at the funfair?

Will there be loss of marks if algebra is used instead of model-drawing methods?

Are model-drawing methods so important that they continue to be highly used in secondary schools?

Should we not teach students to be more creative by using different approaches in maths if these can help them understand the subject better and more easily?

Lim Boon Tong

*****

Forum Letter Reply
ST 17/2/2007

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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