to Polish language
version... www.mathkangaroo.com
"Lilavati
means graceful, enchanting!… but most of all, MATHEMATICS is such." Thus
Szczepan Jelenski0) began his book, which for many years has interested
successive generations of youth in mathematics. No matter how we might be
planning our children’s future, one thing is certain: they should come to know
and love this "queen of the sciences." Management Science, Information
Technology, Marketing1)—all of these areas of
human activity (and I am listing only the most "fashionable") offer
employment and fair pay for those who are skilled in analytical thinking and
using mathematical methods in their work2).
For at least another 20 years, large corporations and federal departments will
be creating new positions and will be seeking replacements for those retiring,
and the expected number of qualified graduates will be too small too meet the
need.3) 4)
"The academic weaknes of our schools cuts
across subjects, but students seem to be especially sensitive to failures in
learning mathematics. Difficulties in English [or any other language; it is
unfair to see educational problems only in one country, region, or area—m.o.]
or geography in early grades are often corrected in later grades. With
mathematics, however, students who fall behind, experience extreme difficulty
in trying to catch up to theirexpected level of performance."5)
In
the Sobieski School of Polish Language and Culture – a private weekend
school in
The
mathematicians employed at the school combine their education from Polish
universities and memories of working with students in their fatherland with
their own American experiences and with the best standards of teaching
instituted by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics ( http://www.nctm.org/standards/gradeband.htm
).
The
additional weekly lesson in mathematics is not unimportant. NCTM suggests that
in order for teaching to be successful, it should take place every day. Many
high school students do not enroll in more than four semesters of mathematics
classes; it is not required, and they themselves are not interested. The class
session on Saturday is then a chance for review or even learning at least part
of the material. After all, the amount to be learned from preschool through 12th
grade is enormous.
Mastering
the knowledge contained in the program objectives requires the students to
exert a great intellectual effort. The students need motivation in order to
undertake such an enterprise. The possibility of a good job, or even admission
to a renowned university are not valuable arguments when speaking with
children, even high school students. For young people, most convincing and
motivating is the opportunity to compare one’s own abilities with those of
their peers, and an awareness of the growth of knowledge. The desire for
learning is even greater when the student’s effort is rewarded with attractive
prizes, for which one does not need to wait years…
This
is why the mathematics teachers from Sobieski School have been working together
with the Nicolas Copernicus University in Torun since 1998 to offer their
students students an opportunity to take part in the International Mathematics
Competition "Kangaroo."
The
idea for "Kangaroo" started in the 1980’s in
In
1991, "Kangaroo" came to
The
rules of the "Kangaroo" competition are simple: the contest takes
place in every country on the same day. The students solve the same problems
translated into their native languages. In 2001, over 2 million students in 30
countries, from 3rd grade through high school, solved the same sets
of problems appropriate for their grade level. The youngest participants
(grades 3 and 4) solve 24 problems. The rest of the participants, grades 5
through 12, solve 30 problems. The time limit is 75 minutes and the format is
that of a multiple-choice test. The problem sets are composed by an
International Committee, which meets each year in a different country.
In
the
On
The
five winners who received the highest scores, went to
All the other participants of "Kangaroo
2002" in
Each
country awards its own participants. Countries’ results are not compared.
Consequently, the idea of attracting students through "positive
reinforcement" is realized. For example, in
Here
in the
Students
participating in the competition many times gain experience in solving the
problems. After each year’s competition, the participants take home the set of
problems. The correct answers are also made available. Children as well as
parents and teachers work on these problems. In at least three of the centers
where "Kangaroo 2002" was held, parents and teachers have organized
additional classes preparing students for the competition. In
The
program of nearly none school in the world allows students to deeply analyze
and understand the nature of the material which they are learning. The sessions
of the math teams help fill in this lack. As Stephanie Pace
|
grade level |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
11 |
12 |
|
average score in "Kangaroo 2001" |
29.5 |
39.0 |
43.3 |
53.2 |
29.0 |
36.4 |
36.7 |
40.8 |
25.0 |
60.0 |
|
average score in "Kangaroo 2002" |
39.0 |
45.9 |
37.2a |
43.1b |
33.5 |
43.1 |
56.6 |
51.5 |
46.7 |
41.0c |
a. of the 39 participants, 29 were
taking part in the competition for the first time
b. of the 39 participants, 31 were taking part in
the competition for the first time
c. none of the four participants had previously taken part in the competition
By preparing for the next
"Kangaroo," young people begin to understand mathematics. With
understanding comes a liking for the subject, and then—plans for the future.
More than one young person begins desiring to take Advanced Placement
courses, which for them means beginning at a higher level in college, and
therefore lower costs and quicker graduation. Some begin taking courses at a
college while they still are high school students. For them, studying at a
college is free, and so again tuition—less expensive, and graduation—sooner.
But, most of all, their ability to solve problems, perform calculations, think,
and their self-confidence are increased. The best universities invite them, and
their future looks very promising.
For
more information please see us at www.mathkangaroo.com.