Mathematics Education

International comparison studies have found significantly different levels of achievement and practice in mathematics education in the East and West.

• Asian educational systems generally produce students with a strong grasp of the content knowledge, with higher scores on the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS).
• Western systems have strengths; applying knowledge to real life situations. Many Western economies are among the most scientifically innovative in terms of such indicators as new scientific patents. 

The pressing issue is how to combine the best of both systems.

Primary and secondary mathematics education is a priority area in APEC's Education Network, as described in the 4th APEC Education Ministers  Meeting. APEC Project activities respond directly to fulfilling the Ministers' vision as stated in their joint statement.  Past and current project activities include:

• Conference on Replicating Exemplary Practices in Mathematics Education
• International Seminar on Best Practices in Science and Mathematics Teaching and Learning
• Seminar on the Best Practices and Innovations in the Teaching and Learning of Science and Mathematics at the Primary School Level
• Classroom Innovations through Lesson Study

Other related activities include:

•  U.S-China Experts Meeting on Mathematics Education
  

• Standards: sample standards (in English)  from 9 APEC
  

  

  Japanese Mathematics Class
  economies with comparative analyses.   
• Assessment:  analyses of sample assessments, a searchable database of assessment items, and full assessments from APEC economies. 
• Instruction: strategies to help teachers emphasizing Singapore Math the Japanese professional development process called Lesson Study.

The APEC project, Classroom Innovations through Lesson Study, provides videos of research lessons highlighting this process with segment by segment analysis.