Understanding North Korean School Mathematics

North Korean secondary school mathematics education is examined through review of North Korea s social and educational structures as well as its political and ideological position. In-depth interviews were conducted with five dislocated secondary school mathematics teachers and 10 former students to understand their lived experiences in secondary school mathematics in North Korea. Participants responded to questions regarding typical ways teaching and learning were carried out in mathematics classes; the Workers Party s influence in every aspect of education, from teacher education to curriculum and textbooks issued; and the impact the March of Suffering had on the teaching and learning of mathematics as well as its lingering effects in secondary mathematics education seen to this day. Recommendations for further study are suggested.