1, the difference in definition. Mathematics education refers to the education and teaching of mathematics, and primary education mainly refers to primary education, which is relatively general. Mathematics education in Zhaotong University is a provincial key construction specialty and one of the earliest specialties offered by the school. The training goal of mathematics education major in Zhaotong University is to train mathematics teachers in all kinds of middle schools and specialized talents needed for education management and economic construction.

2. The training objects are different. Primary school mathematics focuses on cultivating primary and secondary school mathematics teachers who master the basic theories, knowledge and skills of mathematics education and have the ability of preliminary mathematics teaching research and application. Primary education cultivates primary school teachers, educational researchers, educational administrators at all levels and other educators with all-round development in morality, intelligence and physical fitness, high educational theoretical accomplishment and strong practical working ability in education (Chinese, mathematics and English).

3. Different courses. The main courses of mathematics education are specialized courses such as basic mathematics theory, economic mathematics method, computer theory and application, mathematics education theory, economy and management foundation. Many courses are offered in primary education. It mainly offers basic courses including primary school Chinese, primary school mathematics, primary school natural science, primary school society and morality, curriculum pedagogy, psychology, logic, teaching design, moral education principle, educational sociology, work of class teacher, educational philosophy, mental health and psychological consultation, Chinese foundation, selected reading of China's literary works in past dynasties, writing, children's literature, primary school Chinese curriculum teaching, elementary number theory, mathematical analysis and applied mathematics.