The boys were given a mock Maths exam on Tuesday and I have just completed corrections with them today. The paper will be filed in tomorrow and the file will be returned tomorrow for revision over the weekend. This paper follows the ATM syllabus very closely. Thus, it is important that you go through the questions with your child again when you are revising with him.
Here are my observations after marking the paper:
- Time management problem - When boys are "stuck" at a particular problem, they chose to linger on instead of moving on to attempt the other questions. Please remind your child: when they are "stuck", move on and answer all the other questions before coming back to the ones that they do not know. The clock will continue ticking and no extra time will be given if they cannot finish the paper. Therefore, remind your child that he must constantly keep track of how much time he has left so that he can answer all the questions within the stipulated time frame (1hr 15mins).
- Speed in calculation - The boys are still rather slow in calculation. Over the next few weeks, you need to train your child to count fast. Try getting him to count in your daily life (example ask him to help you to add/subtract simple numbers when you are shopping) or time him when he is counting so that he would have a sense of urgency. He needs to count fast so that he can finish the paper on time.
- Leaving blanks - Many boys left blanks when they do not know how to answer the questions. Tell your child DO NOT leave a single blank! Even if they really do not know the answer, at least try to write something. Who knows, they might earn a few marks (if they are lucky)!
- Number sentences for word problems - A handful of boys still do not have the habit of writing number sentences for their word problems. Number sentences are written to safeguard their marks. Though they might be able to count in their head, they may write the wrong answers due to carelessness. If number sentences are present, some marks may still be awarded even if the final answers are wrong. So PLEASE write number sentences to safeguard your marks!!
- Did not check through when paper is completed - Many boys do not have the habit of checking their papers. As a result, a few boys left 1 or 2 pages totally blank because they missed out that page. Please remind your child to CHECK when he as finished the paper and make sure that EVERY SINGLE question has an answer to it.
- Concepts - Many boys have forgotten the concepts taught in Term 1. Please make sure your child revises the topics that were taught in Term 1 as well. Re-do the ATM book (on another piece of paper) if necessary so that he can refresh his memory.
That's about all. Tough as it may seem, but I believe our little darlings will be able to pull through and rise to the occasion. The boys need a lot of encouragement because it is their first major exam. I'm sure they feel the jitters as much as we do. So please don't lose your temper when you are carrying out revision with your child (we don't want him to start hating Maths). Let's give them as much support as we can and please let them know that Miss Tan is here to help them, so don't be afraid to ask. Parents as well, if you have any queries, please feel free to call me. I will offer assistance to the best of my ability. Hopefully our little darlings will survive their first major exam "in one piece" (parents too) ;p
Regards,
Miss Joyce Tan
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