Abstract: Mathematics teaching is taken as an example in an effort to reveal the relationship between quality education and exam-oriented education. It is found that the focus of mathematics teaching can be divided into three levels: the memoriza- tion and imitation of knowledge, understanding and contemplation of mathematics, development and perfection of humans. Quality-oriented education aims at“high calibre”, while examination-oriented education aims at the“low-end” kitsch. The three levels tell us the distance from quality education, and the educational passion and educational wisdom are the decisive fac- tors for the success of quality education.