Summary and extended reading

In Week 3 of the course, we have covered the following main points:

1. Two key principles from two other Asian countries are Two Basics and Variation theory.

2. Both approaches are firmly rooted and evidenced in research.

3. Examples of both Two Basics and Variation theory.

Readings

Some useful reading for this week is:

Week 3

This article is about the usefulness of algorithms: Fan, L. & Bokhove, C. (2014). Rethinking the role of algorithms in school mathematics: A conceptual model with focus on cognitive development. ZDM-International Journal on Mathematics Education, 46(3), 481-492. Here is my author copy: https://www.dropbox.com/s/zyu2ebyk9vpoiub/paper1-Fan-Bokhove2014_Article_RethinkingTheRoleOfAlgorithmsI.pdf?dl=1

Gu, L., Huang, R., & Marton, F. (2004). Teaching with variation: A Chinese way of promoting effective mathematics learning. In Fan, L., Wong, N-Y., Cai, J., & Li, S. (Eds.) (2004). How Chinese learn mathematics: Perspectives from insiders. Singapore: World Scientific.

Next week

Next week, we will focus on how these principles can be used in the classroom. We will look at the way these Asian countries use professional development to equip their teachers with the necessary teaching skills. You will be encouraged to consider how you could use the key principles in your own teaching.