Mathematics education in Hong Kong under colonial rule

Abstract

Mathematics education in Hong Kong went through various stages of development under the period of British colonial rule for more than a century. Though modern ideas from the West were influential, they were blended with Chinese tradition and local pragmatism, and a localized mathematics curriculum was then eventually consolidated. This was a result of a careful striking of balance between laissez-faire and direct control. Looking back on such historical developments, one may gain insights into the issues induced by the current trend of managerialism and performativity.

Notes

¹ Qing dynasty (1644–1911), the last dynasty before the Nationalist government was established.

² During an interview, a member told the authors that they used this name in line with, but taking a humbler position than, the British Mathematics Study Group. Monoid literally means subgroup.