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1 Introduction: Chinese Students Outperform in Mathematics |
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1 | (12) |
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1.1 Background to the Study |
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2 | (1) |
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1.2 Statement of the Research Problem |
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3 | (3) |
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1.3 The Purpose of the Study |
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6 | (1) |
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1.4 Definitions: Key Terms of the Study |
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7 | (1) |
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1.5 Research Questions and Structure of the Book |
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8 | (5) |
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9 | (4) |
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2 Review of the Literature: Factors Contributing to Achievement GAP |
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13 | (36) |
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2.1 A Rationale for Comparative Education |
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14 | (3) |
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2.1.1 The Nature of Comparative Education |
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14 | (1) |
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2.1.2 The Importance of Comparative Studies |
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14 | (1) |
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2.1.3 The Purpose of Comparative Education |
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15 | (2) |
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2.2 Comparative Studies on Mathematics Achievement |
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17 | (10) |
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2.2.1 IEA Studies on Mathematics Achievement |
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17 | (6) |
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2.2.2 Other Comparatives Studies on Mathematics Achievement |
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23 | (4) |
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2.2.3 Key Findings of Comparative Studies |
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27 | (1) |
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2.3 Factors Contributing to the `Achievement Gap' |
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27 | (10) |
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28 | (2) |
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2.3.2 Teachers' Mathematics Knowledge |
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30 | (2) |
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32 | (2) |
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2.3.4 Out-of-School Curricula |
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34 | (1) |
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2.3.5 Standards and Content of Curriculum |
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35 | (1) |
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2.3.6 Form and Content of Assessment |
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36 | (1) |
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2.4 Strengths and Limitations of Current Comparative Studies |
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37 | (3) |
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2.4.1 Research Frameworks |
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37 | (1) |
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2.4.2 Limitations in Methods |
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38 | (2) |
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2.5 The Relationship Between Teaching, Learning, and Assessment |
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40 | (2) |
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2.6 A Tentative Model for the Study |
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42 | (7) |
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44 | (5) |
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3 Research Methodology: Exploring Research Questions |
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49 | (18) |
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49 | (5) |
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50 | (1) |
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51 | (1) |
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52 | (2) |
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3.2 Instruments for Data Collection |
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54 | (5) |
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3.2.1 Classroom Observation |
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54 | (2) |
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3.2.2 Semi-structured Interviews |
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56 | (3) |
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3.2.3 Analyses of Student Work Samples or Examination Papers |
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59 | (1) |
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59 | (2) |
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3.3.1 A Pilot Study in Sydney |
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60 | (1) |
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3.3.2 A Pilot Study in Guangzhou |
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61 | (1) |
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3.4 Data Analysis and Reporting |
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61 | (1) |
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3.4.1 Analysis and Reporting of Data from Documents |
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61 | (1) |
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3.4.2 Analysis and Reporting of Data from the Case Studies |
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62 | (1) |
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3.5 The Validity, Reliability, and Ethics of the Study |
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62 | (5) |
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3.5.1 Validity and Reliability |
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63 | (1) |
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64 | (1) |
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65 | (2) |
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4 Document Analysis of Australian Mathematics Curricula and Assessment |
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67 | (30) |
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4.1 Documents at National Level |
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68 | (9) |
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4.1.1 A National Statement on Mathematics for Australian Schools |
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68 | (4) |
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4.1.2 Mathematics: A Curriculum Profile for Australian Schools |
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72 | (1) |
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4.1.3 National Numeracy Policy and Benchmarks |
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73 | (4) |
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4.2 NSW Mathematics Curriculum Documents |
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77 | (14) |
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78 | (2) |
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4.2.2 The Statewide Testing Programs |
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80 | (2) |
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4.2.3 Mathematics K-6: Outcomes and Indicators |
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82 | (4) |
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4.2.4 Principles and Strategies for Assessment in NSW Primary Schools |
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86 | (2) |
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4.2.5 Assessment in K-6 Mathematics Support Document |
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88 | (2) |
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4.2.6 Documents and Programs Related to State Numeracy Policies |
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90 | (1) |
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91 | (6) |
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92 | (5) |
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5 Document Analysis of Chinese Mathematics Curricula and Assessment |
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97 | (30) |
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5.1 The Curriculum Scheme for Nine-Year Compulsory Education |
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98 | (5) |
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5.1.1 Aims of Education in China |
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98 | (1) |
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5.1.2 Key Learning Areas and Time Allocation |
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99 | (1) |
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5.1.3 Key Content Areas Within Mathematics |
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99 | (1) |
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5.1.4 The Principles Underpinning Chinese Mathematics Curriculum |
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100 | (1) |
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5.1.5 Important Factors Influencing Mathematics Curriculum |
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101 | (1) |
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5.1.6 Assessment and Evaluation |
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102 | (1) |
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5.2 National Mathematics Curriculum Standards for Compulsory Education |
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103 | (8) |
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5.2.1 Mathematics Curriculum Objectives |
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103 | (3) |
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5.2.2 The Structure and Content of Mathematical Knowledge and Skills |
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106 | (1) |
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5.2.3 Standards Related to Content and Stage |
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106 | (1) |
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5.2.4 Assessment Requirements |
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106 | (4) |
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5.2.5 Key Principles Underlying the Standards |
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110 | (1) |
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5.3 The Mathematics Syllabus for Primary Schools |
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111 | (5) |
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5.3.1 The Objectives of Mathematics Teaching |
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111 | (1) |
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5.3.2 Guidelines for Assessment |
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112 | (1) |
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5.3.3 The Content Scope and Sequence |
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112 | (1) |
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5.3.4 The Revision of the Syllabus |
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112 | (4) |
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5.4 Chinese Mathematics Textbooks for Primary Schools |
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116 | (9) |
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5.4.1 Some Features of Chinese Mathematics Textbooks |
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116 | (1) |
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5.4.2 The Content of Chinese Mathematics Textbooks |
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117 | (1) |
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5.4.3 The Structure of Textbooks |
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118 | (2) |
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5.4.4 The Organization of Content |
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120 | (3) |
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5.4.5 Teaching and Learning Units |
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123 | (2) |
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125 | (2) |
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126 | (1) |
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6 A Comparison of Australian and Chinese Mathematics Curricula and Assessment |
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127 | (20) |
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6.1 Common Trends in Reform in Mathematics Curricula |
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127 | (2) |
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6.2 A Rationale for Mathematics Curricula |
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129 | (3) |
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6.2.1 The Nature and Role of Mathematics |
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129 | (1) |
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6.2.2 Key Principles of Teaching and Learning |
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130 | (1) |
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131 | (1) |
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6.3 Objectives of Mathematics Curricula |
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132 | (2) |
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6.4 Key Content of Mathematics Curricula |
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134 | (8) |
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134 | (3) |
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137 | (2) |
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139 | (1) |
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139 | (3) |
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142 | (5) |
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6.5.1 Principles of Assessment |
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142 | (1) |
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6.5.2 The Nature and Purpose of Assessment |
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143 | (1) |
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6.5.3 Suggested Strategies for Assessment |
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143 | (1) |
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6.5.4 Other Assessment Issues |
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144 | (1) |
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145 | (2) |
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7 Case Study of Sydney Primary School A1, Australia |
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147 | (38) |
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7.1 Background Information on School A1 |
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147 | (3) |
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7.1.1 Rationale: School A1 |
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148 | (1) |
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7.1.2 Key Policies of the School |
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148 | (1) |
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7.1.3 The School Curriculum |
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149 | (1) |
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7.1.4 Outcomes-Based Approach to Teaching and Learning |
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149 | (1) |
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7.2 Mathematics Teaching and Assessment Practices |
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150 | (7) |
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7.2.1 General Description of Mathematics Teaching and Assessment |
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150 | (3) |
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7.2.2 An Exemplary Mathematics Lesson: Year 6 |
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153 | (4) |
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7.3 Students' Mathematics Work Samples |
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157 | (8) |
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7.3.1 Work Samples Related to Number |
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157 | (3) |
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7.3.2 Work Samples Related to Measurement |
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160 | (2) |
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7.3.3 Work Samples Related to Space |
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162 | (3) |
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7.4 Teachers' Views of Mathematics Teaching and Assessment |
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165 | (12) |
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165 | (2) |
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7.4.2 Interviewees' Beliefs About Mathematics Assessment |
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167 | (1) |
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7.4.3 The Content of Assessment |
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168 | (1) |
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7.4.4 Methods of Assessment |
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169 | (1) |
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7.4.5 The Frequency of Assessment |
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170 | (1) |
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7.4.6 Recording and Reporting of Assessment |
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171 | (2) |
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7.4.7 Reliability and Validity |
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173 | (1) |
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7.4.8 Factors Influencing Assessment Practice |
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174 | (3) |
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7.5 Parents' Views on Mathematics Learning and Assessment |
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177 | (5) |
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7.5.1 Interviewees' Backgrounds |
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177 | (1) |
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7.5.2 Parents' Attitudes Toward Academic Achievement |
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177 | (2) |
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7.5.3 Parents' Views on Students' After-School Learning |
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179 | (1) |
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7.5.4 Parents' Perspectives on Mathematics Teaching and Assessment |
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180 | (2) |
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182 | (3) |
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183 | (2) |
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8 Case Study of Sydney Primary School A2, Australia |
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185 | (28) |
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8.1 Background Information on School A2 |
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185 | (3) |
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8.1.1 Rationale: School A2 |
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186 | (1) |
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8.1.2 Key Policies of the School |
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186 | (1) |
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8.1.3 The School Curriculum |
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186 | (1) |
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8.1.4 School Policies Related to Mathematics Assessment and Reporting |
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187 | (1) |
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8.2 Classroom Observations |
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188 | (3) |
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8.2.1 General Impressions of the Mathematics Classrooms |
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188 | (1) |
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8.2.2 Count Me in Too Classroom Practices |
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189 | (2) |
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8.3 Analyses of Assessment Using the SENA |
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191 | (2) |
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8.4 Teachers' Views of Mathematics Teaching and Assessment |
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193 | (13) |
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193 | (3) |
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8.4.2 Interviewees' Beliefs About Mathematics Assessment |
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196 | (1) |
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8.4.3 The Content of Teaching and Assessment |
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197 | (1) |
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8.4.4 Methods of Mathematics Assessment |
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198 | (2) |
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8.4.5 The Frequency of Assessment |
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200 | (1) |
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8.4.6 Recording and Reporting of Assessment |
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201 | (1) |
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8.4.7 Reliability and Validity |
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202 | (1) |
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8.4.8 Factors Influencing Assessment Practices |
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203 | (3) |
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8.5 Parents' Views of Mathematics Learning and Assessment |
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206 | (3) |
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8.5.1 Interviewees' Background |
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206 | (1) |
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8.5.2 Parents' Attitudes Toward Academic Achievement |
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207 | (1) |
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8.5.3 Parents' Views on Students' After-School Learning |
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207 | (1) |
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8.5.4 Parents' Perspectives on Mathematics Assessment |
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208 | (1) |
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209 | (4) |
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211 | (2) |
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9 A Case Study of a Guangzhou Primary School, China |
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213 | (36) |
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9.1 Background Information on School C |
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213 | (3) |
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9.1.1 Rationale: School C |
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214 | (1) |
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9.1.2 Key Policies of the School |
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214 | (1) |
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9.1.3 The School Curriculum |
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214 | (1) |
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9.1.4 Strategies for Education Reform |
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215 | (1) |
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9.2 Classroom Observations |
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216 | (7) |
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9.2.1 General Features of the Mathematics Classroom |
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216 | (4) |
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9.2.2 An Exemplary Mathematics Lesson: Year 5 |
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220 | (3) |
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9.3 Analyzing Samples of Examination Papers |
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223 | (4) |
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9.4 Teachers' Views of Mathematics Assessment |
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227 | (12) |
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227 | (2) |
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9.4.2 Interviewees' Beliefs About Assessment Practices |
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229 | (1) |
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9.4.3 The Content of Assessment |
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230 | (1) |
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9.4.4 Methods of Assessment |
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230 | (3) |
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9.4.5 The Frequency of Assessment |
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233 | (1) |
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9.4.6 Recording and Reporting Assessment |
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233 | (2) |
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9.4.7 Reliability and Validity of Assessment |
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235 | (1) |
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9.4.8 Factors Influencing Assessment Practice and Reform |
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235 | (4) |
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9.5 Parents' Views of Mathematics Assessment |
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239 | (8) |
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9.5.1 Interviewees' Backgrounds |
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239 | (1) |
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9.5.2 Parents' Attitudes Toward Academic Achievement |
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240 | (1) |
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9.5.3 Parents' Views on Students' School Lives |
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241 | (2) |
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9.5.4 Parents' Understanding of Students' Mathematics Learning |
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243 | (1) |
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9.5.5 Parents' Views on Students' After-School Learning |
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243 | (2) |
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9.5.6 Parents' Perspectives on Mathematics Assessment and Reporting |
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245 | (2) |
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247 | (2) |
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248 | (1) |
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10 Conclusions and Implications: Improve Students' Achievement in Mathematics |
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249 | (22) |
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10.1 Main Findings of the Study |
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249 | (7) |
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10.1.1 Findings from Document Analyses |
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249 | (2) |
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10.1.2 Findings from Case Studies |
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251 | (5) |
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10.2 Discussion of the Mathematics Achievement `Gap' |
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256 | (8) |
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258 | (3) |
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10.2.2 Implemented Assessment |
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261 | (1) |
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10.2.3 Standards and Content of Curriculum |
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261 | (1) |
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10.2.4 Teachers' Mathematics Knowledge |
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262 | (1) |
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10.2.5 Classroom Teaching |
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263 | (1) |
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10.2.6 Out-of-School Curricula |
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264 | (1) |
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10.3 Limitations of the Study |
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264 | (1) |
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10.4 Implications of the Study |
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265 | (2) |
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10.4.1 Implications for Future Research |
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265 | (1) |
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10.4.2 Implications for Mathematics Assessment and Teaching |
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266 | (1) |
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10.4.3 Implications for Professional Development of Teachers |
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266 | (1) |
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10.4.4 Implications for Curriculum and Assessment Policy-Makers |
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267 | (1) |
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10.5 Conclusions: Factors Contributing to Students' Achievement in Mathematics |
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267 | (4) |
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268 | (3) |
Appendix A Information and Consent Letter for Principals |
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271 | (2) |
Appendix B Information and Consent Letter for Teachers |
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273 | (2) |
Appendix C Information and Consent Letter for Parents |
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275 | (2) |
Appendix D Interview Schedule for Principals |
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277 | (2) |
Appendix E Interview Schedule for Teachers |
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279 | (2) |
Appendix F An Interview Schedule for Parents |
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281 | (2) |
Appendix G Interview Schedule for DET Personnel |
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283 | (2) |
Appendix H Classroom Observation Record |
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285 | (4) |
Appendix I Mathematics K-6 Syllabus Aims |
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289 | (2) |
Appendix J Content Summary of Space Strand |
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291 | (2) |
Appendix K Content Summary of Measurement Strand |
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293 | (2) |
Appendix L Content Summary of Number Strand |
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295 | (2) |
Appendix M Content: Year 1 and Year 2 |
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297 | (2) |
Appendix N Content: Year 3 and Year 4 |
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299 | (4) |
Appendix O Content: Year 5 and Year 6 |
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303 | (4) |
Appendix P A Sample of Chinese End-of-Primary-School Mathematics Examination |
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307 | |