<\/p>\n Explore the PSLE Companion microsite for more insights and tips.<\/b><\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n SINGAPORE \u2013 When a child struggles with a maths problem, parents often step in to solve it and then explain the solution. <\/p>\n While common during PSLE revision, this approach is unlikely to help the child and may even set him or her back. <\/p>\n \u201cIf a child is kind of struggling to understand a problem, explaining will probably not be the best technique,\u201d said Dr Yeap Ban Har, a mathematics expert who frequently conducts workshops on Singapore\u2019s approach to maths for teachers overseas.<\/p>\n He suggests that parents adopt the \u201cscaffolding method\u201d, which involves asking questions to help the child work out each step.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Registration is free for subscribers to ST\u2019s PSLE Companion and $35 for each attendee they bring.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n He hopes to help parents understand the changes that MOE has been making to reduce an overemphasis on academic results.<\/p>\n \u201cWe want to reduce fine differentiation of students\u2019 exam results from a young age, and to recognise that they have different strengths and interests,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Mr Ong will also discuss the full subject-based banding system that was fully implemented in secondary schools in 2024.<\/p>\n Mr Ong (right) will give parents an overview of the current PSLE scoring system that was introduced in 2021, and share insights on what markers look for.<\/p>\n ST PHOTO: KELVIN CHNG<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n He said it is intended to give students greater flexibility in learning subjects at a level that suits their strengths, interests and learning needs.<\/p>\n He will also address parents\u2019 questions on topics such as what to consider when choosing a secondary school for their children.<\/p>\n \u201cI want to help parents understand that the best school is not always the same school for all our children,\u201d he said, highlighting that different students flourish in different environments.<\/p>\n A 120-minute English masterclass will run alongside the forum, offering attendees an opportunity to learn from Ms Jennifer Looi, founder of tuition centre English by Jen and assessment book author.<\/p>\n With 30 years of teaching experience at MOE, Ms Looi will guide participants on how to use ST stories to strengthen their English, including vocabulary, sentence structure and descriptive writing.<\/p>\n She said students can expect to become more aware of grammar rules and learn strategies to tackle certain sections of the PSLE English paper.<\/p>\n The registration fee is $55 per person.<\/p>\n Ms Looi said that honing English skills is important for the learning and development of pupils beyond PSLE.<\/p>\n \u201cWith new technologies emerging quickly and tools such as large language models becoming more common, students need to be able to read carefully, evaluate information and think for themselves,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n \u201cDeveloping good English proficiency prepares students not only for academic success, but also for the challenges of a technology-driven and unpredictable world.\u201d<\/p>\n Date: April 4, Saturday<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Time: 10am to 12.30pm<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Venue: SPH Auditorium<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n Free for PSLE Companion subscribers<\/p>\n<\/li>\n $35 for every additional attendee<\/p>\n<\/li>\n $55 for English masterclass<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n Sign up at <\/p>\n str.sg\/psle-signup<\/p>\n <\/a> or scan the QR code below before March 31, while vacancies last. For inquiries, e-mail <\/p>\n stevents@sph.com.sg<\/p>\n <\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/picture><\/div>
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