Underpinning the Two Basics with research

This video explains how the Two Basics fit in contemporary research on learning.

The Two Basics is an essential feature of Chinese mathematics classrooms. It includes the importance of mathematical knowledge and skills, and the way in which they interact with developing understanding. The Two Basics provide a clear signal to teachers, students and parents about the importance of establishing a strong foundation in learning of mathematics.

This importance is confirmed by research. For example, work by Rittle-Johnson and colleagues shows how procedural fluency goes hand-in-hand with conceptual understanding. We therefore suggest that teachers need to keep a balanced view about the Two Basics and other aspects of learning mathematics, such as understanding.