Arithmetic in American Mathematics Education: An Abandoned Arena?
1. What are the steps for solving a mathematical problem in China?
Possible Answer:
(1st step is the key step is call lei shi and is investigating the problem and
writing it symbolically. The second step is computing, in the example
she gives is putting the number that would go after the equal sign in 3 +
2 =.) The third step is answering—to write an answer with the following
format—“They have 5 in all.”
2. What is the American equivalent to lie shi?
Possible Answer:
(Lie Shi is to compose a mathematical expression.)
3. Using 10 sticks have a participant model a figure and then talk about
the mathematical expressions that exist within the visual.
Possible Solution:
(Participant could make a boat and talk about the sail as being 3 and the
rest of the boat 7 for a mathematical expression of 10.)
4. What are the key points that Ma makes in this article?
Possible Answer:
(1. Arithmetic is intellectually challenging. 2. The “math expression” is
only one of many other “missing” concepts missing in current math
education in this country.)