Perceptions of Change and Reform Efforts by Secondary School Mathematics Teachers in the People's Republic of China and the United States

The present study extends previous research in this area by investigating perceptions of change and reactions to reform efforts by pre-service and practicing secondary school mathematics teachers in the People's Republic of China (PRC) and the United States of America. Interviews were used to gather data about school experiences, teaching practices, and planned changes in mathematics programs. Analysis of the interview data supported earlier findings with respect to the well-planned nature of lessons by PRC teachers and the influence of mathematics contents and examination systems in the PRC. Findings also indicated a general agreement among teachers from both countries favoring less lecturing and more discussion and interactive activities. There were contrasts by nationality in descriptions of future teaching, ideal lessons, sources of teaching ideas, and preferences about school mathematics programs.