我們的理解是西方包括美國教育的“好處”之一是不在于教了學(xué)生多少“知識(shí)”及會(huì)解多少“難題”， 而是在于教了學(xué)生很多觀察事物、究根求源、發(fā)現(xiàn)問題、解決問題的能力和動(dòng)手能力， 同時(shí)鼓勵(lì)學(xué)生按照自己的興趣繼續(xù)下去。這樣大了以后一部分智商超群的天才學(xué)生可以做出發(fā)明創(chuàng)造、影響人類發(fā)展軌跡的成績 - 像大教授、科學(xué)家等; 絕大部分智商不是那么特別杰出的大多數(shù)人可以踏踏實(shí)實(shí)地做好自己平凡而同樣重要的工作 - 像工程師、技術(shù)工人、職員等， 從而各盡所能、整個(gè)社會(huì)有秩序地發(fā)展下去。

　　當(dāng)然，僅僅參加一個(gè)美國“數(shù)學(xué)大聯(lián)盟杯賽”的初賽、復(fù)賽、甚至決賽， 不足以了解美國教育的精髓和“博大精深”， 我們鼓勵(lì)和倡導(dǎo)學(xué)生多多學(xué)習(xí)、比較、體驗(yàn)各種先進(jìn)的教學(xué)方法和實(shí)踐，“海納百川”。

　　復(fù)賽的題目和形式有別于中國傳統(tǒng)的數(shù)學(xué)競賽。

　　什么是"好的"數(shù)學(xué)題目？

　　Ideal problems are low-threshold, high-ceiling; they offer a variety of entry points and can be approached with minimal mathematical background, but lead to deep mathematical concepts and can be connected to advanced mathematics.

　　Problems considered "good" are easy to pose, challenging to solve, require connections among several concepts and techniques, and lead to significant math ideas. They offer opportunities for intellectual satisfaction and learning experiences, as well as provoking curiosity and creative thinking.

　　You don't have to be a mathematician to enjoy mathematics. It is just another language, the language of creative thinking and problem-solving, which will enrich your life.

　　Many people seem convinced that it is possible to get along nicely without any mathematical knowledge once you finish school. This not so: Mathematics is the basis of all knowledge and the bearer of all high culture. it is never too late to start enjoying and learning the basics of math, which will furnish our all-too sluggish brains with solid mental exercise and provide us with a variety of pleasures to which we may be entirely unaccustomed.