After reading 8 modules of maths and obtaining a Maths minor, I taught I have proved my proficiency in Mathematics. However, even maths degree holders are not exempted from this SMMT for maths teacher-to-be so I should have no complains about taking this test. Afterall this test should be a stroll in the park ensuring that we remember the basics of algebra, geometry and calculus right? The sample questions they provided for reference seems to suggest so.
Sample Questions (More here)
Consider the following 9 numbers
0.4, 2/3, sqrt(2), pi, 5, 9, 17, 40, 121.
Write down (a) the prime numbers, (b) the square numbers, (c) the irrational numbers.
Anyone with some basic maths knowledge will be able to pick out the numbers almost immediately from the pack. It says the test will comprise of 20 such questions of varying length and we will be given 2 hours to finish it. We would be expected to score a distinction to pass the test otherwise there will be a
Well, we were in for a surprise during the test, below are some examples of the actual test.
Actual Questions (Well, similar ones at least)
Prove or disprove that the sum of 2 irrational numbers is also irrational. Can the root of an irrational number be rational, prove?
Show that lines of bisection of 2 external angles of a triangle will intercept at the line of bisection of the 3rd interior angle.
Granted that the questions may not be that difficult and given sufficient time I believe we could solve them one by one. But time is a luxury we couldn't afford. So there we are struggling to finish this simple test of 19 questions and as far as I know, even my friends with maths degree, couldn't complete this paper. (Perhaps Wilber Lim would be able to finish this in time)
Coincidentally, one of the NIE maths lecturer in charge of this mastery test was my F. Maths lecturer many years ago. He once said before the 'A' levels exam that he will work on the F Maths paper with us and try to finish it in 2 hours so if he spots any problem with the paper he will clarify it for us. He is also the same lecturer who taught us Numerical Analysis, an optional topic that even the top JCs shunned away from and can be found in NUS 2nd year maths modules.
So perhaps we are expected to do our maths computation faster than a speeding bullet with accuracy better than Arsenal's offensive records. Be afraid, be very afraid teachers-to-be.
Nowadays to be a teacher is not easy, must get degree, must pass English Proficiency Tests and score distinction in your School Maths Mastery Tests. Wonder what's next.
Mastermind prays that he can pass the SMMT and not go for the
Tagged: singapore education teaching
1 comments:
- At 4:44 am L'oiseau rebelle said...
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Ahh... the deceptively simple proofs. Can't think of a proof offhand but field theory is ringing in my head for the first question.
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