The education system and teaching style differ from country to country, but the set of academic disciplines is more or less the same all over the world.
The approach, scope of classes, assessment, and learning outcomes in terms of mathematical knowledge and the ability to apply it in real life are very different from similar experiences abroad. For example, in most countries, math is traditionally taught by men, where more than half of them are male, and in Japan – even more than 70%.
How is math taught in England?
British students have a broad mathematical outlook. Children go to school at the age of 4 and immediately start doing math. To prevent them from getting bored, classes are held in a playful way: kids divide pizza, spread Lego bricks. By the age of 6, they are already working with fractions and know that half, 50%, ½, and even a 180-degree angle are the same thing. And these are not rote terms, but a practice-based understanding.
Mathematics is closely connected to real life, and the tasks do not wander from one edition to another from time immemorial, but are adapted to current realities, what children face every day or will face in the near future. This is currency conversion or a shopping budget. The basics of geometry are presented through a house, a plot. For example, how much paint is needed to make repairs.
How is math taught in China?
In Chinese schools, the emphasis is on interactive learning, in which the whole class participates – such exercises take up three quarters of the lesson. Everything is explained in a playful way and based on interdisciplinary connections. For example, a teacher can use the class to play a game of checkers on an interactive whiteboard with the help of a computer, and then show them a geographic map and explain that the coordinates of their city in the form of a pair of numbers and, in general, the GPS system are organized on the same principle as the moves in the game. Trigonometry exercises for older children help them draw the McDonald’s logo, and there are many similar tasks in Chinese schools.
Teachers are also held to a high standard. In addition, in China, the strongest teachers do not work with the most talented children, but with the weakest and most problematic ones, which levels the overall level of training. Education here is the main way to climb the social ladder. Strict discipline reigns in the classroom, everything is scheduled to the minute.
How do they teach math in Singapore?
Singapore is an exotic country for many people, but its economy and education have made a powerful leap over the past half century and are therefore worthy of serious study. The Singaporean system uses a heuristic approach, moving from the particular to the general. At first, they choose many practical tasks without theory, and then, based on personal experience, draw conclusions and generalize.
The main goal is the joint activity of the teacher and children. The topic of the lesson is not announced by the teacher – it is developed together through problem situations and dialog. The Singaporean system is good at developing communication skills, critical thinking, and creativity, as it is based on teamwork and creating a psychologically comfortable, safe environment for students.