Post oak I believe his reference was to year 5 of primary school not a 5 year old child
Could be wrong but that's the way I read it
Yep - "wu nian" = year five of primary school.
As for differences in mathematical ability between Asians and Europeans, I'm of the opinion it's more nurture than nature. The amount of math homework required is rather staggering. Though on the whole, it's very, very, very, very, very, very repetitive (get it?). But it's a constant honing of mathematical ability - creating those neural pathways that will last a lifetime.
The thing is, is that at least at the year 3 level, I can see no substantial difference between the curriculum my older boy had in CA vs that in China. It was all review for him. However, just due to the amount of work the Chinese kids are doing, I've no doubt they'd kick butt on Americans, maybe Europeans when it comes to mathematical aptitude tests. Their brains have been sharpened when it comes to math...
Now, if only they could do the same with driving skills...
