Kids around the world were subjected to yet another math and science test, and once again, a handful of Asian countries crushed the rest of the world.
Singapore, Hong Kong, Korea, Chinese Taipei, and Japan continued to dominate the rankings for Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), a set of math and science tests given every four years to 10- and 14-year olds around the world. Sixty countries participated this year.
Science Magazine has an interesting spin on the results here!
The TIMSS also collects a trove of information about a student’s educational surroundings, including the amount of time spent on a subject, how classes are taught, and the training their teachers have received. But the results are far from conclusive about the best way for students in elementary and middle school to learn science and math.
For example, the TIMSS won’t end the perennial debate about the role of technology in the classroom. The use of computers in eighth grade math classes varies from 65% in Sweden to 4% in Malta. (The international average was 32%.) Yet those students with ready access to computers scored only four points higher than those without such access.
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Each Tuesday is EducationTuesday here at Adafruit! Be sure to check out our posts about educators and all things STEM. Adafruit supports our educators and loves to spread the good word about educational STEM innovations!