In search of an East Asian identity in mathematics education

Abstract

East Asian students have consistently outperformed their counterparts in Western countries in recent international studies of mathematics achievement. However, these countries do not seem to have an established theory of mathematics education, and their teaching has been criticized as traditional and old fashioned. In search of an East Asian identity in mathematics education, this paper discusses the features of the East Asian mathematics education and their underlying values in contrast to features and values in the West. These are presented in terms of six dichotomies, namely, product versus process; rote learning versus meaningful learning; studying hard versus pleasurable learning; extrinsic versus intrinsic motivations; whole class teaching versus individualized learning; and competence of teachers: subject matter versus pedagogy. It is argued that these features are based on deep-rooted cultural values and paradigms. A characterization of these features and an analysis of the underlying values are essential in this search for an East Asian identity in mathematics education. © 2002 Kluwer Academic Publishers.