Why tutoring P6 maths is harder than sec 1

Mr Tan gave sweets to every pupil in his class. If he gave each pupil 11 sweets, he would have 7 sweets left. If he gave 6 sweets to each pupil, he would have 192 sweets left. How many pupils were there in Mr Tan's class? (Stay tuned for answers)

If this question came out in a sec 1 paper, then most tutors will have no problem teaching their students how to solve it. Let x be the total number of pupils in Mr Tan's class. Form a simple algebraic equation. And solve for x.

However, the question becomes a little trickier if it came out in a P6 exam. This is because primary school students are not taught the basics of algebraic manipulation. Sure, they can add, subtract, multiply and divide simple algebra, but that's about it. They do not learn, for example, how to assign a variable, form an algebraic equation and finally, manipulate the equation to solve for the unknown.

How then can primary school students solve such a question? The answer (as inefficient as it may seem), by drawing models or trial & error. And this is where inexperienced tutors can stumble. They can solve it in 2 minutes by using algebra. But when it comes to drawing models and trial & error, coming up with a solution and being articulate enough for the student to understand is another problem in itself. As a tutor, you curse your luck and you wonder how come our education system is so rigid.

Some tutors then make the mistake of teaching their students algebraic manipulation, and instructing them to use that method for future questions. School teachers will then feedback to students (or worse still, parents) that the tutor's methods are inappropriate. That doesn't do a lot of good for your reputation if you're the tutor.

I've tutored P6 maths for several years and when I encounter such problems, I teach them two ways to solve the problem. The first method is ALWAYS by models or trial & error. And this is the method that they must know. The second optional method would be via algebraic manipulation.

At the end of the day, I feel that there is no shortcut. If they must learn how to solve questions by models or trial & error, then it is your job as a tutor to teach them. It is part of the whole learning process. Students need to know both the hard way and the easy way to solve certain questions so as to aid in their appreciation of future topics.