Number and addition learning of Hong Kong pre-school children

Empirical Research Background: This study investigates the performance of Hong Kong pre-school children aged from 3 to 5 in the area of number and addition. This is the first stage data reporting. Empirical Research Aims: It aims to establish a scale on number and addition competency for young children aged from 3 to 6, and to validate the number and addition competency of children in relation with the literature and the official curriculum guide. Empirical Research Sample: Ten children aged 3, 4, and 5 were sampled from 10 pre-schools in Hong Kong, with a total of 300 children. Empirical Research Method: Measurement scale and behavioural checklist on number and addition concepts were established for teachers. Empirical Research RASCH: Quantitative data analysis derived from the Rasch model for measurement for dichotomous data were used. Empirical Research Results: The Wright Map showed a general progression of the position of items along the measurement continuum and a gradual increase in the mean difficulty at each of the age levels from 3-year-olds to 5-year-olds. Irregularities showed that children master some concepts earlier than expected. Misfit items showed that there is an absence of curriculum among schools, or among levels. Empirical Research Conclusions: Abilities of children increase in accordance with age, and children master some concepts earlier. There are unlikely a share curriculum among schools.