A Comparative Analysis of Fraction Addition and Subtraction Contents in the Mathematics Textbooks in the U.S. and South Korea

Abstract

Developing textbooks of optimal quality is crucial for enriching the students’ learning and understanding. This study examined fraction addition and subtraction problems in the U.S. and South Korean mathematics textbooks according to the types of denominators. In particular, we investigated Everyday Mathematics (EM) and South Korean mathematics (KM) textbooks revised in 2015 and developed an analytic framework encompassing horizontal and vertical dimensions to examine the learning opportunities presented to students by the textbooks. We assessed their topic sequence and frequency of fraction addition and subtraction contents with regard to the former and examined their contextual features, cognitive demands, and mathematical activities with regard to the latter. We observed that EM provided inadequate learning opportunities for fraction subtraction problems, representation problems, and high-order cognitive abilities. However, KM provided more even learning opportunities for fraction addition and subtraction problems, various contextual features, and high and low thinking skills. Moreover, we found that EM emphasized understanding and resolving activities, whereas KM underscored exploring and explaining activities. The findings of this study suggested updating fraction addition and subtraction contents in the U.S., South Korea, and other countries by considering horizontal and vertical dimensions.