International Comparative Studies in Mathematics: Lessons and Future Directions for Improving Students’ Learning

Abstract

This chapter is based on the Plenary Panel on International Comparative Studies we delivered at the 13th International Congress on Mathematical Education (ICME-13) in 2016. In the past a few decades, international comparative studies have transformed the way we see mathematics education and provide insight for improving student learning in many ways. Out of several possibilities, we selected four lessons we have learned from international comparative studies: (1) examining the dispositions and experiences of mathematically literate students, (2) documenting variation in students’ thinking in different cultures, (3) appreciating the varying meanings and functions of common lesson events, and (4) the importance of making global research locally meaningful. Throughout the paper, we point out future directions for research to expand our understanding and build up capacity in international comparative studies.