Chapter 5: Problem 7

What are some reasons why children who attend schools in East Asia generally do better on math tests than students who attend schools in other countries?

Short Answer

Expert verified

Students in East Asia generally perform better on math tests compared to their counterparts in other countries due to a combination of factors: a rigorous education system that emphasizes math as a core subject, cultural values that promote the importance of education and hard work, effective teaching methods that focus on problem-solving and logical thinking, ample access to additional math resources and support, and a competitive environment with high-stakes testing that drives students to excel in their studies.

Step by step solution

1. Education System in East Asia

East Asian countries, such as China, South Korea, and Japan, have highly competitive and rigorous education systems. The education system emphasizes the importance of math as a core subject and allocates ample time to teaching and practicing math concepts. This provides students with a strong foundation in math from an early age.

2. Cultural Values and Attitudes

The cultural values of East Asian countries also play a significant role in why students perform well in math. Many East Asian cultures, such as Chinese and Japanese, place a strong emphasis on the importance of education and hard work, with parents instilling these beliefs in their children from a young age. Consequently, students are more likely to strive for academic excellence, particularly in subjects like math.

3. Teaching Methods

The teaching methods employed in East Asia are often more focused on developing a deep understanding of the subject matter. This means that students in East Asia are often exposed to a more systematic and structured approach to math, with an emphasis on problem-solving, logical thinking, and the mastery of fundamental concepts. These teaching methods equip students with better skills to tackle math problems compared to their counterparts in other countries.

4. Additional Resources and Support

Students in East Asia often have access to a wealth of additional resources to help them excel in math. This can include tutoring, extra classes, and extensive practice exercises both at home and in school. This level of support and practice allows students to build a strong foundation in math and encourages continuous improvement.

5. High-stakes Testing and Competition

East Asia is known for its high-stakes testing and competitive environment in education. Students in these countries face intense pressure to perform well on exams, including math tests. This competitive climate drives students to work harder and devote more time to mastering the skills needed to excel in math. In conclusion, the strong performance of students in East Asia on math tests can be attributed to a combination of factors, including a rigorous education system, cultural values that emphasize education and hard work, effective teaching methods, access to additional resources and support, and a competitive environment that pushes students to strive for excellence in their studies.

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What are some reasons why children who attend schools in East Asia generally do better on math tests than students who attend schools in other countries?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

1. Education System in East Asia

2. Cultural Values and Attitudes

3. Teaching Methods

4. Additional Resources and Support

5. High-stakes Testing and Competition

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