FINAL LAP TO PSLE 2024: Math Tips & Tricks

As the PSLE approaches, the pressure mounts not just for students, but for parents as well. We spoke to Phua Kaiying, our Math HOD, on how best to support students through this stressful period.

Q: Hi Kaiying, we are just weeks away from the PSLE Math paper, what do you think parents should take note of in this period?

KY: Yes, this is the crucial final lap for PSLE. For Math, strategic preparation is key. Current practices often emphasise repetition and completing test papers, as these methods are easy to implement in large class sizes.

However, the most impactful preparation lies in being smart and strategic about addressing areas of weakness and focusing on high-weightage topics.

Q: Sounds super helpful to be strategic and focused with time being limited. What do you recommend students pay attention to?

KY: Definitely mastering heuristics! Heuristics are essential problem-solving techniques that can be categorised based on keywords in word problems. Instead of throwing an entire word problem at students and adopting a blanket technique, it's more effective to teach them how to apply heuristics. Specifically, to recognise certain keywords in word problems and apply the right strategy accordingly.

Word problems account for 55 out of 100 marks in the PSLE Math paper. These problems span across all topics, making it crucial for students to identify and use the appropriate heuristic to solve each problem accurately. Encouraging your child to practice categorising problems by keywords and applying the correct strategies can significantly improve their performance.

Q: Amazing, thanks for sharing that! In terms of specific topics, which would you say deserve the most attention?

KY: I would say Geometry. They are known to be highly visual in nature and hold the most significant weightage in the PSLE Math. Over the past five years, geometry has consistently contributed to securing at least 20 marks in the paper. Given its importance, a strong grasp of geometric concepts and problem-solving techniques is essential.

Our approach is to expose our students to interesting and non-conventional geometry properties that can expand their horizon and enhance their ability to effectively tackle the unique questions that will inevitably show up during PSLE.

This is helpful because a lot of the P6 geometry questions require students' ability to not just recall the properties, but to also label the properties in the diagram.

Q: That sounds really helpful, especially when its hard to practice for visual-based questions. To close off, any last tips for our PSLE parents and students? KY: Yes! Here are some pointers we share with our parents during our consultations:

1. Strategic Learning: With the final lap upon us, being strategic in learning is imperative. As revision intensifies, focus on targeted preparation rather than a broad approach.
2. Revision Mode: Schools typically emphasise continuous practice by doing papers after papers. While this is beneficial, ensure your child is also practising smartly.
3. Time Management: Help your child spend their revision time wisely. They should be aware of the weightage of each PSLE topic and tailor their study schedule to address this.
4. Assess Strengths and Weaknesses: Have your child assess their strengths and weaknesses in relation to each topic. Avoid spending excessive time on areas where they are already strong or on topics with minimal weightage. Instead, focus on shoring up weaknesses, especially in high-weightage areas like geometry.
5. Practice with Purpose: practising past PSLE Math papers can be incredibly beneficial. It familiarises students with the exam format, the types of questions they can expect, and the application of various heuristics.

Q: Thank you again Kai Ying, this has been very insightful!

By honing their problem-solving skills through heuristics, mastering high-weightage topics like geometry, and managing their revision time effectively, students can maximise their chances of success.

Our PSLE Booster Classes are built on this approach and serves as a supplement to what students are already going through in school.

Join us at our PSLE Booster Classes at Bishan CC this August 2024!

• 12 students per class
• 3hr in-person classes by expert educators
• Strategically tailored for PSLE 2024

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As your child embarks on the final stretch of their PSLE Math preparation, adopting a strategic and focused approach can make all the difference. Remember, your support and encouragement are crucial in helping them navigate this challenging period with confidence and resilience.