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Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga.
- Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) surveyed students from 64 countries in math and science every four years.
- In South Africa, the survey focused on fifth and ninth grade students.
- Four out of 10 South African students demonstrated basic mathematical and scientific knowledge in 2019.
Only four out of 10 students in South Africa demonstrated basic knowledge of math and science in 2019, according to the latest International Trends in Math and Science Study (TIMSS).
Presenting the TIMSS results on Tuesday, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga noted that this was an improvement over one in 10 students in 2003.
“Skill levels in math and science increased from 11% of students who demonstrated they had acquired basic math and science knowledge in 2003, to 41% of math students, and 36% of science students who demonstrated this capacity in 2019, “Motshekga said.
From 2003 to 2019, South Africa improved 104 points in math and 102 points in science.
TIMSS, published every four years, surveyed students from 64 countries. In South Africa, 519 schools and 20,829 students participated. The survey focused on fifth and ninth grade students.
TIMSS was the only study that measured changes in the quality of education over time, and it was important in that it gave the education department an international comparative analysis of math and science levels in the country.
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“Most importantly, the TIMSS study and others help us develop evidence-based remedial policies and strategies. The TIMSS survey also shows us what works and what doesn’t, here at home and in forty-six countries around the world.” Motshekga said.
SA received an average scale score of 374 in fifth grade math and 324 in science, while ninth graders scored 389 in math and 370 in science.
He said that while the country had made significant progress, it was still far behind its peers and competitors.
“Interestingly, the biggest gains in achievement come from the lowest performers. This means that the lowest performing provinces have improved the most in the long run.”
Motshekga said it was too early to “pop the proverbial champagne.”
“Researchers confirm that home conditions continue to be uneven, and some homes are not yet conducive to learning activities. They say that students from homes that lack basic amenities, such as running tap water and toilets, have the results. lower educational levels, “he said. .
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