Chinese-style of math teaching is superior than conventional methods. (Photo : Getty Images)
The Chinese-style math teaching is the highest form of teaching the subject, according to a study released by Oxford University.
The study indicated that students who were subjected to Chinese teaching methods did significantly better in mastery than students who learned under the conventional method.
Findings focused on the Inspire Math program which is widely used in Singapore. Students from have shown to excel and international rankings that showed how 15-year-olds compared in math.
Among the students, Shanghai topped in ranking, Singapore second and the U.K. ranked 26th.
James Hall, a lead author of the Oxford study, said, "Overall, we found positive evidence that Inspire Maths benefited children's maths achievement and supported teachers' professional development."
This trend has prompted the U.K. to boost support for math learning and adopt the Inspire Math program. The government released 1 million pounds ($50.6 million) over four years to support 8,000 primary schools.
There will also be an exchange program where teachers from the U.K. will be learning from the experience of China, according to Schools Minister Nick Gibb.
"I was initially skeptical about a textbook scheme, but quickly I saw the conceptual understanding of the Singapore approach. Inspire Maths has really opened our eyes and as a result, we are now creating very confident mathematicians," said Scott Wellington, a teacher at Linden Primary School.
Jun Yang-Willams, a science teacher from the exchange program, said, It seems to me that British schools have almost dismissed the 'teacher-led' teaching style ... Although the 'teacher-led' pedagogy is seen as passive, it does not necessarily jeopardize learning outcomes. Students are in fact more proactive and more responsible for their learning."
