An Analysis On The Contrast Of The Sequences Between Chinese And American Senior High School Mathematics Textbooks

Curriculum reforms are being carried out in countries all over the world. Each round of reform begins with the formulation of Curriculum Standards, and then followed by the amendment to textbooks. The core of curriculum reforms lies in the amendment to textbooks. The philosophy of curriculum reforms is presented through the choice of teaching contents, the adjustment of sequential organization and the change of presentation. Under the above circumstances, it is of vital significance to pay much attention to the educational reform trends in other countries and areas, especially to the curriculum construction of the developed countries and regions, and from which we can learn lots of experience so as to better the educational reforms in China.By means of documentary analysis, comparative analysis, and teaching practice this thesis conducts a comparative study of sequences between New Curriculum Standards Mathematics textbooks High School science Edition A published by People’s Education Press of China and Algebra 2 textbooks published by McDougal Littell Publishing House of America. First, from a macro level this thesis conducts a comparison on the contents selection, charts setting, examples and exercises design of sequences, etc. between the two textbooks. Second, from teaching aspect this thesis summarizes the similarities and dissimilarities of the two textbooks on the content presentation (introductions of per chapter, core concepts, reviews and conclusions included) problem resolution, and discipline integration of sequences. Finally, from the perspective of a secondary teacher in front, I’d like to present some reasonable suggestions about textbook compilation.The conclusions of the comparative studyMacro levels:1. Both American and Chinese textbooks adopt secondary directory to present in subsection. From the contents aspect, there are more contents in American textbooks than those in Chinese. There are knowledge points Infinite Geometric Sequences Summation and Mathematics Induction in American textbooks. There is knowledge point Mathematics Induction in Chinese textbooks, but it is not compiled in the chapter of sequences.2. The quantity of sequences examples in American textbooks is far more than that in Chinese textbooks while in which sequences examples are far more difficult than those in American textbooks. The examples in American textbooks are almost set up from a low base, and goes with a very small gradient.3. Both Chinese and American textbooks set up a certain quantity of practical applied exercises so as to help students understand and use the new knowledge. Furthermore, the number of exercises in American textbooks is obviously larger than those in Chinese.Micro levels:1. Chinese textbooks attach importance to systematization, logicality, strictness, and critical thinking in terms of introduction per chapter, core concepts, as well as reviews and conclusions per chapter, etc. Besides, Chinese textbooks lay emphasis on the process through which students are guided to actively explore and discover knowledge while American textbooks pay more attention to students’comprehension and application of the concepts.2. Regarding to the fusion with modern technology, American textbooks place more emphasis on the utilization of modern technology, especially the utilization of diagram calculator as well as spreadsheet in this part of knowledge. Unlike the American textbooks, Chinese ones fuse the knowledge of this chapter and the algorithm together, so as to make students understand sequences from the perspective of algorithm.The thesis author would give several pieces of suggestions for textbook compilation.1. Suggestions for mathematical textbook holistic compilation.1.1 Textbook compilation ought to be applicable to all the students and lay emphasis on double base. Also, it is important to lower the base, lessen the gradient and offer enough selection space to students.1.2 Curriculum Objectives should be showed in textbooks’per section.1.3 Learning method guidance should be showed in textbooks’per module.1.4 Relevant reviews should be designed in textbooks’per module.2. Suggestions for sequence compilation. 2.1 Mathematical induction should be included in the chapter of sequences. 2.2 Sinology can be introduced into mathematical textbooks.There is some enlightenment for the thesis author’s teaching.1. The teacher should study textbooks of different versions, whether they are domestic or foreign ones.2. The enlightenment of stratified teaching and homework assigning.3. The teacher should attach importance to the positive impact of the Internet on teaching.4. The teacher should know the "double base" while keeping up with the times.5. The teacher should master modern multimedia technology so as to let this technology serve subject teaching well.