What is the PISA study?
The PISA study is a school performance test that was introduced in 2000 by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OCED). The acronym PISA is advertised in different ways, either in English: Programm for International Student Assessment or in French: Programme international pour le suivi des acquis des éléves (International Program for Monitoring the Achievements of Students).
Procedure
Every three years, students at the age of 15 are given tasks to solve, which not only records the students’ basic skills but also compares them internationally. Accordingly, around 70 countries from all over the world take part. The focus of this study is on competencies in the area of active participation in work, society and private life. This will be achieved with the help of
What are the consequences of the PISA study?
Germany’s result in the PISA study is causing dissatisfaction and clearly shows that there is a need for action in Germany’s education policy. This has led to numerous reforms of the education system in Germany. The student, with his or her ability and performance limits, has come more into the limelight.
Particular attention has been paid to language skills. This should now begin in kindergartens, early development courses in elementary school. In addition, the all-day school program is being expanded.
The focus is particularly on the support of educationally disadvantaged children. The focus of individual support is to be achieved by professionalizing teaching and thus by improving pedagogical action. The educational standard has been set nationwide.
It lists what pupils should know at the end of fourth, ninth and tenth grade, regardless of the federal state. The central school leaving examination was introduced to achieve greater comparability and quality. The learning content was thus standardized, while the implementation was left to the schools. The schools’ own responsibility has been strengthened. Furthermore, educational research has been expanded, including new professorships.
Which tasks are asked in the PISA study?
The tasks of the PISA study are divided into three areas, reading literacy, science and mathematics. In reading literacy, the ability to understand texts is tested. In addition, tasks are set that illustrate whether the student is able to use, evaluate, reflect on, and deal with the texts in order to further develop his or her own knowledge and potential and thus achieve social participation.
The science tasks are designed to enable the student to deal with scientific ideas. Thus, the ability to explain and evaluate phenomena of nature and research results is tested as well as the ability to interpret scientific studies. Furthermore, the competence in mathematical thinking and the ability to use mathematical concepts, procedures, facts and instruments to describe phenomena and to explain and justify them are tested.
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