News--Welcome to National Chiayi University

　　Prof. Yang Der-Ching from the Graduate Institute of Mathematics and Science Education, National Chiayi University, attained the Outstanding Research Award 2015 by the Ministry of Science and Technology, a prestigious prize in the academic circles. The greatest contribution of his research lies in that the students can learn through the digital tools and animation activities, accessible online or on personal computers, based on their personal needs. It is an effective way to enhance their mathematical ability outside the classroom without adding to the burden of the teachers or disturbing the teaching schedule.

　　According to NCYU, Prof. Yang is dedicated to exploring the current status of the elementary school children’s number sense, and how to improve it through teaching enhancement. His number sense computerized two-tier diagnostic test system is an innovative, one and unique approach in the mathematics education world. The system, both qualitative and quantitative, can test a large number of children’s performance on number sense (answer options), while reviewing the methods they use in answering the questions (reason options). It can also be used to detect the false concepts that may lead to their false solutions.

　　From his research, Prof. Yang found that there are many false concepts that confuse Taiwan’s children in answering number sense questions. To help improve the children’s mathematical thinking, he guides the research team to develop digital learning tools and computer animation activities targeting the concepts that often confuse them. Currently, the team is working on the number sense computerized three-tier diagnostic test system, which, except for including the characteristics of the two-tier one, can be utilized to test the students’ confidence in answering questions, thus allowing better understanding of their inner thoughts.

　　Prof. Yang mentioned that he was overwhelmed with joy and gratitude upon winning the award since all the efforts made in the studies have finally earned recognition. He was grateful to the Ministry of Science and Technology for their long-term research funding, to the university for the administrative support, and also to his family for their consideration and spiritual support. Nevertheless, he also feels the burden getting heavier since it takes time and meticulous attention to pursue academic or educational enhancement. It requires long-term commitment, which, however, would not necessarily come into fruition or bring immediate results. Research funding is above all a major momentum for innovative development and research, which would translate to more valuable results for the benefit of the society.