Low Math Scores

Paper Summary:

This paper considers the problem of low math scores for American elementary students and looks at how there are considerable differences between Chinese and American teachers and how these differences account for the poor performance of American students. It also analyzes how the problem goes beyond the teachers themselves, with the base cause being the American approach to mathematics.
Outline
Possible Explanations for Low Math Scores
Comparing Elementary Mathematics Teachers
The Problem with American Mathematics
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Ma argues that the American approach to teaching mathematics is based on teaching procedurally, not conceptually. According to Ma mathematics is approached as a collection of facts and rules where mathematics means following set procedures step-by-step to arrive at answers. This American approach appears to be a correct definition of how mathematics is seen. Unlike subjects like English and geography, the emphasis is not on understanding, but on remembering. Students do not have to know why a certain number is the area of a shape. Instead, all they have to do is remember the formula for calculating the area."

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