Introduction
Purpose and Scope of the IB Mathematics Comparability Study
This report summarizes two independently written reports created as a part of
... [Show More] the IB Mathematics Comparability Study. The purpose of the IB Mathematics Comparability Study is “to review and compare a selection of well-established mathematics qualifications offered in a range of high-performing education systems around the world whose primary function is to prepare senior secondary students for higher education”.1 In this study, IB’s four Diploma Program mathematics courses – Mathematical Studies SL, Mathematics SL, Mathematics HL and Further Mathematics HL – are compared with five mathematics qualifications chosen on the basis of their market share, the extent of their university recognition, geographical spread and their performance on PISA tests (where relevant):2
1) Alberta Diploma (Canada): Alberta Math 30-1, Alberta Math 30-2, Alberta 31
2) Advanced Placement (AP) (US and Canada, growing overseas market): AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC
3) GCE A Levels (England and overseas market): A Level Mathematics and A Level Further Mathematics
4) Singapore-Cambridge GCE A Levels (SIPCAL) (Singapore): Singapore H1 Math, Singapore H2 Math, Singapore Math H3
5) Gāokăo (China): Gāokăo
This study is composed of two distinct components: the Curriculum Comparison, which involves a compilation, analysis and comparison of the attributes of these qualifications, and the Assessment Comparison, which involves a comparative analysis of the assessment objectives, assessment methods, and marking guidelines. Dr. Adriana Alcántara performed the curriculum analysis and the National Recognition Information Centre in the United Kingdom (UK NARIC) conducted the assessment comparison. It is important to note the term “curriculum” is used when referring to the content of the qualifications analyzed. Often studies of this nature use the term “standards”. Standards are generally considered the benchmark for judging student progress. Standards outline what students are expected to know at each level. Curriculum is generally understood to be more comprehensive. Curriculum usually refers to the collection of teaching materials used to facilitate student learning so that each student can reach or exceed the standards. [Show Less]