Chinese Teaching and Learning of Mathematics

Abstract

Exam-driven rewards, educational resources and academic beliefs drive Chinese students’ high scores on international tests of mathematics but reduce their willingness to take risks, as shown in analyses of Chinese exams, curricula and classroom observations. As scoring high on Chinese government exams yields economic, social and political rewards for both students and their families, extensive family and school resources are allocated to improve student learning. Family members encourage their children to study hard and spend heavily on books and other educational resources. Chinese societies create challenging, national curricula with standardized textbooks and teacher training. Instruction is teacher-centered and focused on basic mathematics concepts and skills via refined lectures and repeated practice. Exposed to this instruction, Chinese students often understand abstract mathematics ideas, recognize routine problems, recall many suitable strategies and apply them successfully. However, this emphasis on mastery discourages Chinese students from taking risks and attempting non-routine problems.