Confucian Education Ideology and Its Impact on Chinese Mathematics Teaching and Learning

Abstract

The chapter discusses the core ideas of Confucianism in thinking, learning and teaching, and how Chinese mathematics scholars practice Confucianism to integrate Chinese traditions and Western education theories. The paper also discusses major distinctions in Chinese mathematics teaching and learning. The key aspects of Chinese mathematics education comprise integration of Western education theories and Chinese education ideology, Chinese heuristic teaching methods and the “two basics” in teaching and learning. Finally, the chapter identifies similarities and differences between Chinese and Western mathematics teaching and learning. Because of the influence of Confucianism, Chinese mathematics education uses a special model that supports students’ achievement. This study also aims to help scholars understand Confucian theories in learning and teaching and develop robust learning theories.