Students from the People’s Republic of China Learning Math in American Schools

Paul O’Connor

China

• China is the most populated nation with 1,355,692,576 people

• Due to population size, China has the largest education system in the world

• Official Language: Standard or Mandarin Chinese

• 95% of the population can read and write• Students on average go to school for 13 years

History

Education in China is believed to have started during the Xia Dynasty (1523-1027 BC). When education first started in China, only people of higher social class were able to get an education. However during the Han Dynasty, a form of public education began.

In Ancient China, the way to success and family honor was to get an education. Students have learned not to question their culture, but to follow the customs they have learned.

Changing of Education in China

• After the British defeat in the Opium War, China decided they needed to make changes in their educational system.

• In 1985, Chinese government decided to make local governments responsible for public schools

• In 1986 Congress formed Compulsory Education Law of the People’s Republic of China

• In 1993 more clear guidelines were set in terms of education

Preschool

• 1-3 years of nursery school and kindergarten• Prepares students for formal schooling• Rural areas is mainly classes for these children• Remote areas also offer activity centers, game groups,

mobile aid centers, and mobile services (caravans)• These extra programs allow children extra steps to

prepare for formal school• Play many educational games introducing sound

development

Primary Education

• Lasts 5-6 years• Two Semesters• 38 weeks of teaching and one week in reserve• 19:1 pupil to teacher ration• Students start school at 6 years old,

sometimes 7.• Students are required to learn math and

Chinese, other subjects vary between states

Junior Secondary Education

• Lasts 3-4 Years• 39 weeks of teaching and additional week in reserve• 17:1 pupil to teacher ratio• Students enter junior secondary schools when

graduating primary schools• Subjects include Chinese, mathematics, physics,

chemistry, biology, geology, English, history, geography, politics, music, fine arts and physical education

• Strong emphasis on Chinese and math

Senior Secondary Education

• Lasts 3 years• 40 weeks of teaching with one or two weeks in reserve• 18:1 pupil to teacher ratio• Consists of subjects courses and activities• Schools offer mandatory and optional courses• After junior secondary schools, students must take an

entrance exam before enrolling in senior secondary education

• Offer same subjects as junior secondary, but with a stronger emphasis on science and math

Vocational Schools

• 2-4 year programs• If students fail entrance exam, they can attend

a vocational school• Skill-based programs• Including Agricultural and Tech Schools

Higher Education

• Consists of universities, independent colleges, non-university higher education institutions, and higher education institutions for adults

• Includes degree-education and non-degree education• Run by central and local governments• Students are required to take 3 days of entrance

exams• Exams consist of mathematics and papers in Chinese

and a foreign language• Also must select from six optional subjects

Teaching in China

• Lecture style classrooms• Classes consists of listening, note-taking, and reading

textbooks• High concentration in mathematics• Key Schools-schools in urban areas that offer better

education• Students from other districts can pay to go to key

schools• Teachers paid better salary, which attracts better

teachers

Chinese Content StandardsPrimary

First Stage of Schooling (Grade 1~3)1. Numbers and Algebra2. Space and Figures3. Statistics and Probability4. Practical ActivitiesSecond Stage of Schooling (Grade 4~6)1. Numbers and Algebra2. Space and Figures3. Statistics and Probability4. Integrated Applications

SecondaryThird Stage of Schooling (Grade 7~9)1. Numbers and Algebra2. Space and Figures3. Statistics and Probability4. Thematic Projects

Comparison to US

• Studies have shown that Chinese students perform better than American students in mathematics

• Chinese students grade for semester relies on final examination, American grades rely on multiple components throughout semester

• Chinese students focus mainly on textbook• English is taught in Chinese schools, speaking

English is required for most jobs in China

Teacher Comparison to US

• Chinese teachers have a better understanding of content

• American teachers focus more on how they present the information

• After Junior Secondary School, Chinese students go to 3 year teaching school focusing on subject matter

• Teachers in US take many college courses on teaching strategies and philosiphies

• Chinese teachers show better understanding of student’s math ability

Parent InvolvementComparison to US

• Chinese parents are more involved into their children's schoolwork and have higher expectations

• American parents blame trouble in school on children, teachers, and schools inability

• Chinese parents blame their children’s lack of effort

Helping Chinese Students in Classroom

• Work closely with student• Make sure they aren’t falling behind• Chinese math education is more advanced,

make sure student is challenged• Write neatly and in print• Communicate with parents often

ESL

• English Language Learners (ELLs) spend a portion of their school day learning English

• Classes taught in English• ELL students learn English by listening,

speaking, reading, and writing• These goal is to assist ESL students to meet

same standards as students with English as a first language

Bilingual Education

• Classes are taught in student’s native language• ELL students in class speak the same language• ELL students gradually switch from native

language to English• Gives students a chance to learn English

without falling behind in academics

ELL Framework for Math

• Determine prior knowledge• Develop Vocabulary• Expand knowledge of content• Connect previous knowledge to helping

students learn new information

Benefits to Learning English

• Academic and Professional Opportunities– When students learn English, it makes learning easier and

will allow them more opportunities for college and a career in the future

• Entertainment and Cultural Understanding– Students can enjoy their new home/country better when

they develop an understanding of the American culture• Building Relationships

– Although they may be amongst others who speak their native language, once students learn English it will be easier to build relationships with students, teachers, friends, etc.

Tools for classroom

In Chinese culture, teachers use the textbook as a key tool in learning. Although teachers should try to introduce other methods, it may help students from China if the teacher refers to the textbook when teaching.

Teachers must work closely with their students learning in a new country. It is suggested to use native-language resources when necessary. It may also be helpful to work with the student one-to-one if they are having any difficulties. In China, students having trouble with schoolwork often stay afterschool with their teachers.

Works Cited• Bilingual vs ESL. (2013). Retrieved from 5 Minute English: http://www.5minuteenglish.com/bilingual-vs-esl.htm• Central Intelligence Agency. (2014). The World Factbook. Retrieved from https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-

factbook/• China Education Center Ltd. (2014). Retrieved from ChinaEduCenter.com: http://www.chinaeducenter.com/en/cedu.php• Common Core State Standards for Mathematical Practice Connecticut Standards for English Language Learners Correlation. (2011). • Retrieved from Connecticut State Department of Education:

http://www.sde.ct.gov/sde/lib/sde/pdf/curriculum/bilingual/CCSS_ELL_SMP_connections_052412.pdf• Education, C. S. (2010, July 17). Position Statement on the Education of Students Who Are English Language Learners. Retrieved• from Connecticut State Department of Education: http://www.sde.ct.gov/sde/LIB/sde/pdf/board/esl.pdf• Ministry of Education of People's Republic of China. (2004). Mathematics Curriculum Standards. Retrieved from APEC: Human Resources Development Working Group: http://hrd.apec.org/images/e/e4/54.2.pdf• Meng, M. (2002). Tenth-Grade Math in American Schools Is Too Easy. Chinese Studies In History, 36(1), 42. • Peverly, S. (2006, December 12). Do the Math: The Difference Between Chinese and American Teachers. Teachers College.• Royal Charter. (2014). Chinese education: How do things work? . Retrieved from The Open University:

http://www.open.edu/openlearn/society/international-development/international-studies/chinese-education-how-do-things-work

• The Levin Institute. (2014). Education in China. Retrieved from Globalization 101: http://www.globalization101.org/education-inchina/