Tuesday, March 3, 2020

Primary 1 girl's answers to math question sparks heated debate online on creativity

PHOTO: The question was asked in picture format for ducks or dogs, rather than explicitly writing "ducks" or "dogs".
Picture from Facebook/Siying Tan
Picture posted by Jia Ling, theAsianparent on 03 March 2020
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaFv61sgHmjRWztTWjpVq-QW2Bsi8lfPqmMIH5iAckE5Zg_X6jhI0LsdlHJVbhWFmCzgqAoSZG1HDZcLPQ-BMAOaj2AkRHBHWppWkldTn3WVnlk5AYTUPsW9S9T7QBTMAfuEbI_jbDcjE/s1600/20200303_maths_tap.jpg
https://www.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_main_image/public/original_images/Mar2020/20200303_maths_tap.jpg?itok=M6i7QFNB
https://www.asiaone.com/lifestyle/primary-1-girls-answers-math-question-sparks-heated-debate-online-creativity


Education in Singapore is unlike the past with the primary focus on exam results. In this 21st century, we are moving into a progressive education - it is not just about academic smarts to be considered as competent.

Students now are encouraged to think out of the box in approaching problems. The Ministry of Education has geared up on efforts to encourage holistic development, as young as in the preschool level.

Skills like self-discovery, engaged learning, curiosity and creativity are skills/qualities makes an individual successful and employable, in addition to hard skills and the know-how.

So when this post surfaced on Facebook, it got netizens on a heated debate.

Facebook user Siying Tan, shared her niece's Primary 1 schoolwork that her brother sent over.

Along with the image, he asked Tan about what she thought about the questions. He also seemed to imply that they were crafted wrongly.

The question was asked in picture format for ducks or dogs, rather than explicitly writing "ducks" or "dogs".


The questions seemed to be crafted wrongly.
PHOTO: The questions seemed to be crafted wrongly. This P1 girl matched the number of ducks and dogs exactly as how they looked in the picture given.
Picture from Facebook/Siying Tan
Picture posted by Jia Ling, theAsianparent on 03 March 2020
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ZV22bymksNWRiXjY3i7GW8FPYrfgcSuv8DFRZZiLGi_RXZrKgpJuQ0RO96Xi-p9V6ROwcx8JnMU4Co30HqgO9NlpaFnrKDXF07SGs7A0hFwUMbctHEGC2v_WtFXzxQvh3e9djPrk0Xw/s1600/20200303_qn_tap.png
https://www.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/20200303_qn_tap.png
https://www.asiaone.com/lifestyle/primary-1-girls-answers-math-question-sparks-heated-debate-online-creativity


While some of us would count the number of animals as they are without even thinking, but not for this P1 girl. She matched the number of ducks and dogs exactly as how they looked in the picture given.

"Yes, most of you may think that my niece doesn't know how to count, but the fact is that she is a creative girl! (at least in my opinion!) 👍👍I am so surprised that this little girl sees things from a different point of view! 👍👍" Tan wrote in her post.

And many Facebook users agreed with what Tan spoke of her niece.


And many Facebook users agreed with what Tan spoke of her niece.
PHOTO: Another parent has also commented that their child had the same answers.
Picture from Facebook
Picture posted by Jia Ling, theAsianparent on 03 March 2020
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOUSwNV_mGIUSDX_lWNP1-Jfxw1WT_RgCTWLy-_DYO69JBI7NxlBFIEHcNip5vlPB6cKCkFXH2Fy3FisK7VQc7ZVkbcDsIbiFfZzcULkQfXQGkPSb7dasYmSSLpqNOyCRJvv3fAr600po/s1600/20200303_comment3_tap.png
https://www.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/20200303_comment3_tap.png
https://www.asiaone.com/lifestyle/primary-1-girls-answers-math-question-sparks-heated-debate-online-creativity


NOT AN ISSUE OF CREATIVITY BUT BASIC UNDERSTANDING
While many sang praises of the girl, there are others who argue that it is not a matter about creativity but grasping the fundamental concepts.


While many sang praises of the girl, there are others who argue that it is not a matter about creativity but grasping the fundamental concepts.
PHOTO: While many sang praises of the girl, there are others who argue that it is not a matter about creativity but grasping the fundamental concepts.
Picture from Facebook
Picture posted by Jia Ling, theAsianparent on 03 March 2020
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQYdUj1xRWX6gGDBT0qK8uJKG6_2Qn5fdFTp4YvuntEy33okYQv3y1WEbbW1XxBAL7F_Kxp8ImqUoVBE2_mHgfxgQR9e511FR-22VJWsSEeZ000tos806ZmQmtCGxkVfrcSof1ReJRcbI/s1600/20200303_comment4_tap.png
https://www.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/20200303_comment4_tap.png
https://www.asiaone.com/lifestyle/primary-1-girls-answers-math-question-sparks-heated-debate-online-creativity

Nathalie said that there needs to be a balance of both, but there are "rules of the game" that the child still needs to abide by.


Nathalie said that there needs to be a balance of both, but there are
PHOTO: Nathalie said that there needs to be a balance of both, but there are "rules of the game" that the child still needs to abide by.
Picture from Facebook
Picture posted by Jia Ling, theAsianparent on 03 March 2020
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiSacAe-81vtr7jnxyGQBkMr_XVE-bx5QVIH7y2zn4k7GZQmLDJgrBY_XPTAXchz4FXmnPobAZETNvD6VUn1V-8j4z1cDGn5qJ1EBwBUqdWAxrD5oL2UaiHDBmj3p6YeO54N80v-uGSuM/s1600/20200303_comment5_tap.png
https://www.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/20200303_comment5_tap.png
https://www.asiaone.com/lifestyle/primary-1-girls-answers-math-question-sparks-heated-debate-online-creativity


Another netizen argues that it is not about the issue of creativity, but basic understanding as it is impossible to plan a foolproof question that satisfies every single person.


Another netizen argues that it is not about the issue of creativity, but basic understanding as it is impossible to plan a foolproof question that satisfies every single person.
PHOTO: Another netizen argues that it is not about the issue of creativity, but basic understanding as it is impossible to plan a foolproof question that satisfies every single person.
Picture from Facebook
Picture posted by Jia Ling, theAsianparent on 03 March 2020
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMda8SHzc8VMfN_2zKQ7K8RSNAiyn80uyqC5OtQAV8WzNRu5ypRn2dj-5Pg_FcPoyMHunxSAT9TldDHwPZM2bRdPu5bDrvujrkYDqgiHv-Ud8bwBjKTT02W7i9RRCNqEl3UdlTX-k-gf0/s1600/20200303_comment6_tap.png
https://www.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/20200303_comment6_tap.png
https://www.asiaone.com/lifestyle/primary-1-girls-answers-math-question-sparks-heated-debate-online-creativity


A strong foundation is still needed, no matter what, Loon Tze Tan agrees.

GIRL HAS GREAT OBSERVATIONAL SKILLS HOWEVER
Despite the varying opinions, one thing that is indisputable: the girl's meticulous nature.


Despite the varying opinions, one thing that is indisputable: the girl's meticulous nature.
PHOTO: Despite the varying opinions, one thing that is indisputable: the girl's meticulous nature.
Picture from Facebook
Picture posted by Jia Ling, theAsianparent on 03 March 2020
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAtNcOHhzt2Segw_4CqcTqHV133G2iaVdZ1gBUBH1dJfFZ2iu5YpsS1Tj0T-BX4_ByDVe97l_mi9aIAZr_ruADn7MvG7n7RB-cS8K7wULXOyowBigXzt2nwtt0eQFppzwTYXeZs6fTz6U/s1600/20200303_comment7_tap.png
https://www.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/20200303_comment7_tap.png
https://www.asiaone.com/lifestyle/primary-1-girls-answers-math-question-sparks-heated-debate-online-creativity


MEANT TO BE A TRICK QUESTION?
Many of the comments pointed towards the wrong structuring of the question, and that it was misleading.


Many of the comments pointed towards the wrong structuring of the question, and that it was misleading.<br>Picture from Facebook
PHOTO: Many of the comments pointed towards the wrong structuring of the question, and that it was misleading.
Picture from Facebook
Picture posted by Jia Ling, theAsianparent on 03 March 2020
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoPzVZ3O1E3MSwVfWfcjSeNIMBTVevkRO00aobFRfGFRnACS_JfkCr2hu9IqCzK2OcmYFV5fkPOPpn7hEn7uX-u9YCU5L61ea25SgXtDIp8aJxqRc5VbFG0eLlyIpwqdt8Vhw9UlMFPfU/s1600/20200303_comment8_tap.png
https://www.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/20200303_comment8_tap.png
https://www.asiaone.com/lifestyle/primary-1-girls-answers-math-question-sparks-heated-debate-online-creativity


While some of the suggestions were to use words to ask the question rather than using pictures, there are differing viewpoints.


While some of the suggestions were to use words to ask the question rather than using pictures, there are differing viewpoints.
PHOTO: AN INDICATOR OF HIGH IQ?
Picture from Facebook
Picture posted by Jia Ling, theAsianparent on 03 March 2020
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFAiNgy2BLuTuwy85nI1MLfUlv6QoAS5iUJEa3WsIHb9kVNKKTtfTqjJ0SaxaL2UT-ZQb2kq9VJ1YCdRXy4LKOjCYWgdMXI8LXCW3ZbIFmGxS451nD6Lj0KBYQK-QWBSUb-9VHtP-HTI0/s1600/20200303_comment11_tap.png
https://www.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/20200303_comment11_tap.png
https://www.asiaone.com/lifestyle/primary-1-girls-answers-math-question-sparks-heated-debate-online-creativity

Is it truly possible to determine what smart or being brilliant is? While there are no clear answers, and this is just one example out of many, studies have shown that curiosity in a child is one of the strongest markers of academic success.

So parents, perhaps the conversations shared is something to think about.

You can view Siying Tan's full post here.



Posted by Siying Tan on 25 February 2020 at 10:29 PM
https://www.facebook.com/viviansiyingtan/posts/10157915988085140


Teaching is a hard job. A lot goes into the prep and presentation.
PHOTO: Teaching is a hard job. A lot goes into the prep and presentation. Show appreciation to an educator or a little encouragement.
"We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your[a] faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach;" (Romans 12:6-7).

“In everything set them an example by doing what is good.  In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.” (Titus 2:7-8).

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” (James 1:5).
Beautiful Digital Illustration Art by I Chen Lin – I.D. 43
Picture posted by Design Press on 02 August 2010
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnSTows438wHc9_btxI-NB9S_X_vBe8U7hZbFwt7kFn_tSPq3Cuefiexaja1Vrz3brehhrq7pdINnZzwFVQ1aSNGxq_KXjID9UQQ2I3aZTvW_m-tXpUoS6wQ4285VljqxjDnicmoDALP4/s1600/58736__468x_lin-i-chen-eat-037.jpg
https://designpress-10674.kxcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/i-chen-lin/58736__468x_lin-i-chen-eat-037.jpg
https://designpress.com/inspiration/beautiful-digital-illustration-art-by-i-chen-lin/

By Jia Ling, theAsianparent, 03 March 2020
This article was first published in theAsianparent.



Reference
[1] Jia Ling, theAsianparent, Primary 1 girl's answers to math question sparks heated debate online on creativity, posted on 03 March 2020, https://www.asiaone.com/lifestyle/primary-1-girls-answers-math-question-sparks-heated-debate-online-creativity


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