Small Frog in a Big Pond Versus Big Frog in a Small Pond

• In Event: Worldwide Education Research on Learning Outcomes in Mathematics

Abstract

This study examines the pattern and extent of math achievement gaps (both test scores and perceptions) among Korean Natives, Korean-American Immigrants, and Korean-American Natives. The study links TIMSS 2007 8th grade math data and ECLS-K 2007 8th grade math data together. The analysis suggests that these observed group differences in achievement test scores are more likely to be school-related than cultural. Korean-American students’ math achievement is intermediate between native Korean students and White-American students. The opposite pattern is found for academic self-concept. This study gives new insights into the achievement gaps between immigrants and native students in the U.S.

Authors

• Jaekyung Lee, University at Buffalo - SUNY

• Namsook Kim, University at Buffalo - SUNY