The comparison study of Chinese and American secondary school students’ knowledge structure—an experimental research based on concept map assessment technique

Abstract

A concept map is a schematic device for representing a set of concept meanings embedded in a framework of propositions. It can be used to evaluate students’ knowledge structure. This article introduces the comparative study of Chinese and American secondary school students’ knowledge structure. They are compared quantitatively and qualitatively in terms of mean score, individual proposition scores, proposition choice and map structure. The results indicate that students’ knowledge structures in the two countries are remarkably different. Compared with American students, Chinese students’ ability to take an exam is stronger and their mean score is higher. However, Chinese students need to improve their general knowledge and creativity although their basic knowledge is solid and they are better in mastering discipline knowledge and knowledge application.

摘要

概念图是一种以图表的形式反映概念和概念之间关系的空间网络知识结构图, 它能全面地评价学生的知识结构。 通过用平均分、 茎叶图、 命题构建和构图结构四个变量对中美中学生的学科知识结构进行了定量和定性的比较实验研究, 结果表明: 中美中学生的学科知识结构有显著差异; 相对于美国中学生, 中国中学生的应试能力强, 平均分高, 但分数分布不均匀; 虽然中国中学生的基础知识扎实, 学科知识的掌握及运用较好, 但在常识性知识和知识创新上有待提高。