Correcting common errors in PSLE Mathematics
By Max Loo Pin Mok · 16 Jun 2026
I read the 15 June 2026 Straits Times article "PSLE mathematics: Common errors and how to avoid them" with interest (the full article is on the Straits Times website; a subscription may be required). The article states that students commonly encounter 5 errors when answering Maths questions: transfer errors, calculation mistakes, misinterpretation of questions, unit conversion errors, and applying the wrong concept.
Most of these errors come down to practice
In fact, transfer errors, calculation mistakes and unit conversion errors can be easily overcome by the diligent student, simply by just one approach: doing more practice questions and having the right tutor to guide him or her when they encounter problems. Even errors from misinterpretation of questions and applying the wrong concept can be overcome in this way within the limits of the language and mental development of the student.
The STAR problem-solving approach
The article proposes a process with the acronym STAR as a problem solving approach to answer Maths questions. I would recommend that this process be applied only for questions students have difficulty with. If the student had done the preparatory work of practising on many different Maths questions before taking the PSLE examination, he or she would have no difficulty with the common questions. Time should be spent studying a difficult question, thinking of and acting on a plan to answer it, and then reviewing and reflecting upon the outcome, only when there is enough of it.
The NTUC verification check
The article also proposes a second acronym NTUC for verification purposes, and is an extension of the review stage of the STAR process. This basically tries to correct for the previously stated mistakes that students who have not had enough practice would make.
Advice for parents
For the concerned parents of PSLE taking students who are reading all these, I would suggest that as long as their children have done sufficient Maths practice questions at the PSLE level with help from knowledgeable Maths tutors, they should do well for their Maths PSLE.