Mathematical Competitions in Hungary: Promoting a Tradition of Excellence & Creativity

Abstract

Abstract: Hungary has long been known for its outstanding production of mathematical talent. Extracurricular programs such as camps and competitions form a strong foundation within Hungarian tradition. New types of competitions in recent years include team competitions, multiple choice competitions, and some exclusively for students who are not in a special mathematics class. This study explores some of recent developments in Hungarian mathematics competitions and potential implications these changes have for very competition-driven system that currently exists. The founding of so many new competitions reflects a possible shift in focus and purpose of competitions away from a strictly talent-search model to a more inclusive enrichment approach. However, it is clear that in Hungary, tradition itself remains a strong motivating factor and continues to stimulate development of mathematically talented students. The involvement of mathematical community in identification and education of young talents helps perpetuate these traditions.Keywords: Hungary, mathematics education, mathematics competition, Olympiads, international comparative mathematics education, problem solving, creativity, mathematically talented students.(ProQuest: ... denotes formulae omitted.)IntroductionWorld-renowned for its system of special schools for mathematically talented students, Hungary also has a long tradition of extracurricular programs in mathematics. Extracurricular activities play an important role in overall education of mathematically talented students (Koichu & Andzans, 2009). Some of longeststanding extracurricular mathematics activities in Hungary can be traced back to 1890s and efforts of Lorand Eotvos (Weischenberg, 1984). The Bolyai Society continues to coordinate many of traditional extracurricular programs established at end of 19th century, including journal KoMaL and Eotvos Competition (now called Kurschak Competition), along with several new competitions and programs for mathematically talented students. This article focuses on mathematical competitions in Hungary and reviews recent developments, new competitions, and modifications to traditional offerings over past twenty years.MethodsThis article is an excerpt from a larger study on changes in Hungarian mathematics education system for mathematically talented students over past twenty years (Connelly, 2010). During study a series of in-depth interviews were conducted with current Hungarian secondary school teachers, mathematicians, professors, and other educators. Interviews were conducted by researcher in Budapest, Hungary, with aid of a native-Hungarian-speaking research assistant when necessary. Commentary on history, purpose, and impact of mathematics competitions was gathered through interviews with competition directors, organizing committee members, journal editors, and past participants. The interviewees will be referred to as respondents A-U in remainder of article.Historical background information was gathered from sources such as ministry of education publications, mathematical and pedagogical professional journals, and earlier dissertations in field. Information on competition structures and rules was obtained primarily from each competition's official website and contest documentation. Example problems from a variety of Hungarian mathematics competitions are presentedthroughout. For larger compilations of Hungarian competition problems published in English, see Berzsenyi & Olah, 1999; Kurschak, 1963; Liu, 2001; and Szekely, 1995.Traditional CompetitionsOne of most famous Hungarian mathematics competitions, Eotvos Competition, is considered the first mathematical Olympiad of modern world (Koichu & Andzans, 2009, p. 287). Founded in 1894, it was designed for students who had just graduated from secondary school; competition consisted of three questions based on mathematics of secondary school curriculum. …