A Formula for Success? An Examination of Factors Contributing to Quebec Students' Strong Achievement in Mathematics

As the only province having achieved significantly above the Canadian average in the latest PISA assessment, and with an average score that was surpassed by only five other participating countries, Quebec has recently taken centre stage as Canada's superstar in the teaching and learning of mathematics. However, there has been relatively little research surrounding why Quebec students have been consistently successful in their mathematical endeavours. In this essay, the authors examine several possible influences, including ample opportunities for students to participate in recreational mathematics activities, an emphasis on problem solving, intensive teacher education programs, and active mathematics teacher associations. Our aim is to begin a conversation surrounding the following question: What can we, as mathematics teachers, learn from our neighbours in la belle province?