A Comparative Study Of Sequences In The Mathematics Textbooks Of China,the United States And The United Kingdom

This study choose three versions of senior high school mathematics textbooks from China,the United States and the United Kingdom.Taking the content of sequences as the object of the study.The study used the methods of literature analysis,content analysis and comparison to analyze the background information,design features,order of chapter arrangement,knowledge structure and content presentation of the progression from macroscopical and microscopic perspectives.The main conclusions of the study are as follows:At the macroscopic level,in terms of the background information,the arrangement of contents in Chinese and the UK mathematics textbooks are relatively scattered,and the arrangement of the USA is more concentrated,and the content of textbooks in the USA is obviously more than the other two versions of textbooks.In terms of the layout color,the USA and the UK textbooks use colorful layout,however,the color of Chinese textbook is more single.In terms of the system structure,the USA textbooks have abundant structures and diverse columns,but the UK textbooks are more monotonous in the aspect of choreography.As for the chapter arrangement order,the three versions of textbooks all follow the order of "General Sequences?Arithmetic Sequences?Geometric Sequences",but the textbooks in the USA and the UK are more detailed than the contents of Chinese textbooks.At the microscopic level,in terms of knowledge structure,the knowledge of the USA textbooks is richer than the other two textbooks.Chinese textbooks focus on the understanding of basic knowledge and concepts,and the connectivity of knowledge is more stronger.In terms of content presentation,the three versions of textbooks all focus on the connection between mathematics and life,and many examples close to life are selected.The concept,theory and property are presented distinctively.As for examples,the UK textbooks have the largest number and Chinese textbooks have the least,and the majority of examples are set behind the concept.The sample solving process in the USA and the UK textbooks has focused on and elaborates on the details.The examples of Chinese textbooks are more difficult than the USA and the UK.As for exercises,the USA textbooks have rich type exercises,and the exercises of Chinese textbooks are well arranged.The USA textbooks have the largest number,which far more than the other two textbooks.The difficulty of exercises in the three versions of textbooks are modest,and they are all match with the textbooks highly.And the three versions of textbooks all pay attention to the exercises of operational level and illustrative level.According to the conclusion,here are some suggestions:(I)Enrich color of layout,enhance interest of reading;(2)Add concepts properly,perfect knowledge structure;(3)Optimize content presentation,facilitate students' understanding;(4)Focus on inquiry learning,strengthen communication;(5)Expand the type of exercises,increase interest of solving problems.