Ask the child if he likes mathematics, and in most cases the answer will not be the most joyful. Someone will say that numbers are boring, someone will say that they are too complicated, and someone simply does not understand why they need to solve these endless problems at all. But here is the paradox: in China and a number of other Asian countries, mathematics is not just a subject, but a real pride of students! There, children master complex concepts faster and better, and the level of knowledge is consistently kept among the world leaders. How do they do it?
The secret is in the approach. Chinese teachers use four key principles that help children not only understand mathematics, but are truly fascinated by it. Maybe we should adopt them?
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Modeling – Mathematics at a Glance
Instead of writing formulas and asking them to memorize rules, Chinese teachers turn math into a visual process. Imagine that a child is learning fractions. In a standard program, it often looks like this: here is the numerator, here is the denominator, here are some examples for addition. Now imagine a different approach. First, students are shown a circle divided into parts, like a pizza, then the same fraction is drawn on a number line, then objects are used - for example, they divide apples among friends. Mathematics literally comes to life! Visual, symbolic, and practical methods work simultaneously, and knowledge fits much more firmly in the head.
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Craftsmanship – 'til it gets easy
Many children have a belief: if something does not work out right away, then it is too difficult. The Chinese approach destroys this myth — it is important not just to "deal with" the topic, but to bring it to automatism. Chinese teachers are in no hurry to move on to the next section until they are sure that each student has mastered the material. The analysis of one topic can take a very long time, but the knowledge becomes strong. The approach is based on gradualism: step by step, the student moves towards solving the problem quickly and confidently. So mathematics ceases to be scary, because each new level rests on a solid foundation.
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Variability – mistakes are also useful
Usually, textbooks offer the child several typical examples, and that's it. In the Chinese method, teaching is structured differently: instead of mechanical repetition, students are given the opportunity to consider examples and counterexamples.
Suppose the properties of triangles are studied. The child is shown not only correct examples, but also "false" shapes that look like triangles, but are not. This makes you wonder why one case is true and the other isn't, helping you better understand the rules. As a result, the child not only remembers, but learns to analyze and draw conclusions.
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Structures – from simple to complex
How is a typical math lesson structured? The teacher writes down the topic, explains the basic rules, solves a couple of examples, and the students repeat after him. In China, the process is different: learning is based on a gradual increase in the complexity of the structure. Instead of immediately giving a ready-made formula, the teacher leads students to it step by step. For example, numbers appear on the board, followed by patterns, and then algebraic expressions. Students actively participate in the process, offer options, look for connections between numbers, so there is an element of play in all this, an exploratory spirit. As a result, the child himself comes to understanding, and not just memorizes a rule that he will soon forget.
Technology as a tool of passion
Another important part of the Chinese method is the use of technology. Interactive whiteboards, apps, educational games — all this makes mathematics exciting. If the child is interested, if you can move elements, change parameters, check yourself in a playful way, he will learn with pleasure.
Conclusion: Can it be applied at home?
Of course, not every parent has a pedagogical education, but it is quite possible to take note of Chinese techniques:
- To make mathematics visual is to use objects, drawings, diagrams.
- Do not rush with the topics – do not move on to the next section until the child has mastered the current one.
- Adding counterexamples is to show not only the right solutions, but also mistakes to teach you how to analyze.
- Building knowledge brick by brick means helping the child find patterns on his own.
- Use technology – modern apps and games make math more fun.
The main thing is not to perceive mathematics as a boring set of formulas. The Chinese method shows that if approached correctly, it can become as exciting a process as reading a book or playing with construction sets.
