Where are the problems and how to fix the math education in US and North America?
In a recent international standardized testing, students from China topped every country in all academic categories. Fifteen-year-olds in the U.S. ranked 25th among peers from 34 countries on a math test and scored in the middle in science and reading. So what explains the China's success in math? Some US educators contribute it to the culture, teacher training, and emphasis on study. "I've seen how relentless the Chinese are at accomplishing goals" as one educator said. We, the creators of BeijingMath program, believe that there are two factors that are hurting US students, especially from Kindergarten through six grade levels.
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There is a lack of a national standard on a step-by-step math curriculum. As a result, some basic math concepts, such as fractions and percentages, are introduced way too early during second and third grades when students are not ready. On the other hand some basic concepts, such as three digit addition or two digit multiplications, are still being taught in fourth and fifth grades when they should have been mastered in lower grades. |
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Additionally, not enough time is devoted to practice in order to master the concepts. Introducing many topics at the one time while allowing for limited practice time can be a recipe for failure. In China, the basic learning principle is to practice, be challenged, and practice some more. While you certainly don't want to dive into the sea of questions to strangle the creativity, you must allow for adequate practice for students to understand and master the concept before moving forward. In today's society, you often hear "I hate math", or "math is not my strength". The source of this lack of confidence can be a direct result of lack of practice. When you need a calculator to find out the change when visiting a grocery store, you surely don't gain confidence in math. |
Hence, the creation of BeijingMath is the direct result of these two factors.
What is BeijingMath?
BeijingMath.com is a Web-based math practice environment that combines American style mathematics with the rigors of the Chinese national math curriculum. It has the following characteristics:
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Integration: |
BeijingMath was developed by a panel of education experts and experienced teachers in several selective enrollment schools in China and was translated to English by educators from Purdue University, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, and Illinois Institute of Technology to better suit the US education system and culture. |
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Personalization: |
BeijingMath is highly interactive and provides an immediate feedback. Its unique question selection algorithm is based on individual student’s answers to previous questions and the difficulty of the questions is dynamically adjusted to individual student’s needs. Therefore students are given questions at an appropriate level of difficulty, and allowing them to work at a pace matched to their abilities. |
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Systematic: |
BeijingMath follows the Chinese national math curriculum. Students only need to follow the order of the chapters of each school year. When they have mastered each chapter, BeijingMath will automatically provide a clear signal that they have passed. |
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Participation: |
BeijingMath provides to teachers and parents the real time reporting to analyze student’s progress and performance. Teachers and parents are able to pinpoint individual needs and can create customized assignment to reinforce key skills. |
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Flexibility: |
To address potentially different pace between US and Chinese school years, students gain access to ALL six grades with one single login. |
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Usability: |
The user interface is simple and intuitive to follow. Questions are designed with colorful graphic interface to appeal to preschoolers and kindergartners. |