Are Chinese better at maths than the rest of us?

  • 📰 mailandguardian
  • ⏱ Reading Time:
  • 75 sec. here
  • 3 min. at publisher
  • 📊 Quality Score:
  • News: 33%
  • Publisher: 92%

South Africa Headlines News

South Africa Latest News,South Africa Headlines

The fact that Chinese parents invest heavily in their children’s education -– and the learners themselves are driven to achieve — contributes to their facility

Lost your password? Please enter your username or email address. You will receive a link to create a new password via email.Lost your password? Please enter your username or email address. You will receive a link to create a new password via email.Because maths is difficult and the curriculum is heavy, a clearer focus and reinforced practice seem to work better for producing a good result, at least in the short run.

In the 18th century, maths was offered at the senior level of secondary schools and vocational training but only for upper social strata. In the second half of the 20th century, maths education was extended to lower secondary and primary schools, as well as to girls and those with low social status.

Underneath the surface difference, we notice commonality between the two countries. For example, both have had long traditions with maths. In South Africa, maths concepts and patterns are embedded in beadwork and decorative geometric patterns. We also looked into the practice in the foundation phase. It is well known that early numeracy and later maths achievements are correlated. So, we selected samples of different kinds of schools: public no fee, public fee charging and private schools in South Africa, and public and private schools in China . We approached teachers, parents and officials in education departments.

Again, all parents assist with homework, but some South African parents report this to be challenging, both in terms of content and competing commitments or responsibilities, so they often incorporate maths concepts more informally, for example during shopping. What is more interesting, however, is our discovery of the similarity between South African private schools and Chinese schools. Teachers do not shy away from control and do not insist that students figure out solutions themselves. They are less concerned about making maths fun.

Source: Education Headlines (educationheadlines.net)

 

Thank you for your comment. Your comment will be published after being reviewed.
Please try again later.
We have summarized this news so that you can read it quickly. If you are interested in the news, you can read the full text here. Read more:

 /  🏆 2. in ZA

South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Ukraine peace talks should include Russia, Chinese diplomat says - SABC NewsBeijing supports a peace conference on Ukraine war that would see equal participation of all parties
Source: SABC News Online - 🏆 32. / 51 Read more »

Chinese mill blamed for turning Serbia village red with pollutionIn the eight years since Chinese company HBIS bought a steel mill near the eastern Serbian city of Smederevo, locals say they have been plagued by heavy air pollution and thick red dust.
Source: brieflyza - 🏆 10. / 68 Read more »

Pakistan says attack on Chinese engineers plotted in Afghanistan - SABC NewsChina has stressed to the Taliban the importance of security in the region.
Source: SABC News Online - 🏆 32. / 51 Read more »

Luxury brands lure Chinese shoppers despite slowdownSipping champagne and nibbling fried dumplings, Shanghai's rich and influential posed by Louis Vuitton signs at a runway afterparty –- a lavish affair designed to win customers in China's crucial market.
Source: brieflyza - 🏆 10. / 68 Read more »

Ford launches Chinese-sourced Territory SUV in SAFord launches Chinese-sourced Territory SUV in SA
Source: News24 - 🏆 4. / 80 Read more »

Anglo bid: Chinese miners expected to step inAnglo bid: Chinese miners expected to step in
Source: Fin24 - 🏆 21. / 63 Read more »