Entering 21th century, modern society has become the knowledge-based society which lays much weight on information and knowledge. At the same time, this society puts weight on mathematics which is fundamental to all kind of education as well. The math...
Entering 21th century, modern society has become the knowledge-based society which lays much weight on information and knowledge. At the same time, this society puts weight on mathematics which is fundamental to all kind of education as well. The math contest is a very efficient tool inducing students’ interest and raising the math-gifted students.
Since 1989, Korea has continuously taken part in IMO (International Mathematics Olympiad) at which the math-gifted students from several countries can compete. Korea has been making good results and won third place in 2007. Including KMO math contest which is to select gifted students for IMO, there are many math contests held in public and private educational institutions, and many students and their parents are interested in these contests and are taking part in. However, the problem is that these contests are considered as ways of university entrance exam and parents’ excessive expectation makes students lose their interest in math.
Hence this study analyzes the present status of math contests and figures out existing problems in math contests. By investigating improvement strategies, the study intended to provide a reference data for further improvement of Korean math education.