Explore the PSLE Companion microsite for more insights and tips.
SINGAPORE – When a child struggles with a maths problem, parents often step in to solve it and then explain the solution.
While common during PSLE revision, this approach is unlikely to help the child and may even set him or her back.
“If a child is kind of struggling to understand a problem, explaining will probably not be the best technique,” said Dr Yeap Ban Har, a mathematics expert who frequently conducts workshops on Singapore’s approach to maths for teachers overseas.
He suggests that parents adopt the “scaffolding method”, which involves asking questions to help the child work out each step.
Scaffolding is a common strategy used in schools and parents who are not school teachers may not be aware of it, said the textbook author and former National Institute of Education lecturer.
Dr Yeap will be speaking at The Straits Times PSLE Prep Forum on April 4, where he will share the scaffolding method, as well as other tips and strategies to help parents better support their children in Primary School Leaving Examination maths.
Registration is free for subscribers to ST’s PSLE Companion and $35 for each attendee they bring.
The event will also have a plenary session helmed by Mr Ong Kong Hong, divisional director of Curriculum Planning and Development Division 1 at the Ministry of Education (MOE). It will be moderated by ST senior education correspondent Sandra Davie. Parents will have the chance to ask additional questions during a question-and-answer segment.
Mr Ong will give parents an overview of the current PSLE scoring system that was introduced in 2021, and share insights on what markers look for.
He hopes to help parents understand the changes that MOE has been making to reduce an overemphasis on academic results.
“We want to reduce fine differentiation of students’ exam results from a young age, and to recognise that they have different strengths and interests,” he said.
