Global literacy scores see ‘Unprecedented’ decline: OECD report : Analysis

A new study conducted by the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) has uncovered a significant decline in academic progress worldwide. The survey, which evaluates the knowledge of 15-year-old students in math, reading, and science across 81 countries and regions, revealed unprecedented setbacks in learning since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The average international math score saw a decrease of 15 points, equivalent to three-quarters of a year of learning, while reading fell by half a year. Science scores, however, remained relatively stable. PISA, carried out every three years by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), is considered a reliable indicator of global education performance.

OECD education analyst Irene Hu stated that the decline observed in the PISA 2022 results is unprecedented in the history of the survey. The effects of the pandemic disrupted the usual survey schedule, leading to concerns among officials regarding the overall decline in performance witnessed across both wealthy and economically disadvantaged nations.

In the United States, despite President Joe Biden’s efforts to invest in education, including $190 billion in pandemic relief funds allocated to schools, Education Secretary Miguel Cardona noted that math scores remain persistently low. European countries also experienced a steep decline in academic achievement, with countries like Iceland, the Netherlands, Norway, and Poland witnessing particularly lower scores in math. Germany and France ranked among the lower-performing European nations, with German students facing their worst performance ever in reading, math, and science.

While some of the decline can be attributed to school closures and interruptions due to COVID-19, the report emphasizes that long-term issues within education systems also play a significant role. OECD analysts argue that the problem is systemic and not solely related to the pandemic. Factors such as the level of support provided by teachers and school staff, as well as the quality of teaching, contribute to the decline in academic performance.

Asian students displayed notable success in the assessment, with many outperforming their counterparts from other regions. Singapore claimed the top spot in the study, with Singaporean students showcasing an average educational level three to five years ahead of their peers. Other high-performing Asian education systems included Macao, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea.

In addition to academic performance, the survey also examined students’ mental well-being. The results revealed a correlation between anxiety and academic achievement. Students in high-performing countries reported higher levels of fear of failure and limited engagement in extracurricular activities, while students in lower-performing nations exhibited lower levels of anxiety and a greater focus on sports.

Overall, the PISA survey provides valuable insights into the state of global education. The credibility of the information is supported by the reputation and methodology of the OECD and the long-standing history of the PISA assessment. However, it is essential to consider potential biases in the reporting, such as the emphasis on certain countries or regions and the limited scope of the study focused on 15-year-old students. Additionally, the article highlights the impact of the pandemic on academic progress but acknowledges the existence of broader long-term issues within education systems.

The political landscape and the prevalence of fake news could influence the public’s perception of the information presented in the article. Individuals with specific political agendas might cherry-pick data or misrepresent the findings to serve their narrative. The article’s reliance on objective data and the inclusion of multiple perspectives help to mitigate potential misinformation or a limited understanding of the topic. However, the transient nature of news and the speed at which information spreads in today’s digital age can contribute to an incomplete or distorted perception of the article’s content. Critical thinking and cross-referencing multiple sources of information are crucial in developing a nuanced understanding of global education trends and the challenges faced by education systems worldwide.

Source: Aljazeera news: ‘Unprecedented’ decline in global literacy scores, OECD report says