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生多少“知識”及會解多少“難題”， 而是在于教了學生很多觀察事物、究根求源、發(fā)現(xiàn)問題、解決問題的能力和動手能力， 同時鼓勵學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)人可以踏踏實實地做好自己平凡而同樣重要的工作 - 像工程師、技術工人、職員等， 從而各盡所能、整個社會有秩序地發(fā)展下去。

　　當然，僅僅參加一個美國“數(shù)學大聯(lián)盟杯賽”的初賽、復賽、甚至決賽， 不足以了解美國教育的精髓和“博大精深”， 我們鼓勵和倡導學生多多學習、比較、體驗各種先進的教學方法和實踐，“海納百川”。

　　復賽的題目和形式有別于中國傳統(tǒng)的數(shù)學競賽。

　　什么是"好的"數(shù)學題目？

　　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.