A Comparative Study of Modelling Competencies Among Chinese and German Students

During the last ten years both in Germany and in China mathematics education has been focusing on promoting students to develop their mathematical modelling competences. In our study we have defined and investigated modelling competence levels of students (n = 1108) from grade 9 to 11 (15-17 years old) while dealing with the special real situation of "peeling a pineapple". This study analyzed which level related to the modelling cycle the students have reached, and if there were any gender differences while doing a mathematical modelling. Moreover, this study explored the mathematical modelling competences related to different grades, and some areas of diversity between German and Chinese students in relation to the modelling competences. We can show that there is no statistical difference between German boys and girls in solving this special modelling task, but for the Chinese students there is. We also found different barrier levels and blockages in the modelling cycle for the Chinese and the German students. We can also assert that the students in both countries perform steadily better in higher grades.