A Study Of The Mathematical Learning Methods Of Students With Excellent Academic Performance

Life-long learning has become an important philosophy in modern education. Thepurpose of education is not only to impart knowledge upon students, but also to teach themhow to think and learn in order to promote their continued development. Understandingand improving learning methods enhances students’ learning ability and enables them toadapt to future changes in society. Focussing on and understanding learning methods islikely to be an important educational goal of the21stcentury.At present, there is much more research carried out on underachievers than onstudents with excellent academic performance. Although a major factor in these students’excellent performance is their natural academic ability, the learning methods, habits andbehaviours which they adopt are undoubtedly closely linked to their success. Mathematicsteachers should study these students’ approach to learning and introduce to them otherstudents. In turn, other students will learn from them and the overall quality of teachingwill improve.I have been studying the mathematical learning methods of students with excellentacademic performance since I began teaching at Suzhou High School. My researchinvolved three stages.1. Studying the academic literature and theoryFirst, I defined concepts such as ‘students with excellent academic performance’ and‘learning methods’. Next, I researched expert opinion and academic theories about thesetopics. I discovered that learning methods and motivation are very important factors whichaffect academic performance. Using good learning methods can improve academicachievement. 2. Carrying out interviews and a questionnaireThe top-performing students of Year12,2013at my school were interviewed abouttheir learning habits and methods. In addition, four classes were asked to complete aquestionnaire with the aim of investigating and analysing five topics: learning preparation,classroom performance, after-school learning, self-study and learning interests.3. Giving educational adviceBased on the responses in interviews and the questionnaire, I was able to identify thelearning methods and habits of the top-performing students. These methods should beshared with other students to help improve their performance. Suggestions on the topicwere also made to teachers, students and parents.