The performance of Latvian 4th grade students in mathematics was evaluated with 534 points, taking 14th place. The average performance of the member states of the study is 503 points.
The average performance of Latvian students in the mathematics test is higher than that of students in Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Germany and the USA. In this research cycle, students from Ireland, Poland and Lithuania have a higher performance in mathematics than Latvia. Singapore students had the highest performance in the math test – 615 points.
Conversely,Latvian students ranked 21st in natural sciences with 526 points. this is also higher than the average performance of the member states of the study, which is 494 points.
Compared to the previous “TIMSS” research cycle in 2019, the performance of Latvian 4th graders in mathematics has decreased by 12 points, and in natural sciences – by 16 points.
According to the first results of the study, 12% of students in Latvia are able to achieve a very high level of mathematics competence, which is slightly more compared to 2019. At the same time, the proportion of students who are able to achieve a high level of competence has decreased by six percentage points. The proportion of students who cannot reach even the lowest level of competence has increased.
From Latvia, 4299 Latvian 4th graders from 154 schools participated in the study.
In the study, students performed number and measurement tasks, geometry tasks, and data reading, comparing, and graphing tasks in a math test. In the science test, students completed tasks in biology, physical science and earth science. Both students, teachers and school principals answered survey questions related to learning and teaching experiences and practices in schools and the school environment.
Interview: Latvian Education performance Insights with Dr. Inga Rūdolfsone
By the Time.news Editor
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Rūdolfsone. Let’s dive into the recent TIMSS results for Latvian 4th grade students. With a score of 534 in mathematics, Latvia has landed in the 14th position internationally. What do you think this says about the current state of our education system?
Dr. Rūdolfsone: Thank you for having me. The score of 534 indicates that Latvian students are performing above the average of 503 points across participating countries.it’s particularly noteworthy that we outperformed students from countries like Sweden, Finland, and the USA. However, it’s vital to recognize that while we have achieved a commendable rank, there are complexities involved—particularly with a noted drop in performance from previous assessments.
Editor: That’s an excellent point. Despite the positive aspects of our ranking, it truly seems there are areas of concern. The report indicated a decrease of 12 points in mathematics and 16 points in natural sciences since 2019. What factors could be contributing to this decline?
Dr. Rūdolfsone: Various factors could be at play here. One major issue is the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on learning environments, which has been global. Additionally, we see a shift in student competencies: while 12% of students achieved a very high level of math competence, the proportion of students falling below the basic level has risen. This suggests an increase in educational inequality,where some students thrive while others struggle to meet even the foundational competencies.
Editor: Speaking of competencies, the results show that while there’s a slight increase in students reaching a very high level in mathematics, the overall number achieving a high level has decreased by six percentage points. What steps do you recommend to address this issue?
Dr. Rūdolfsone: It’s crucial for educators and policymakers to focus on targeted intervention strategies. This could include enhancing teacher training, particularly in identifying students at risk of underperforming. Moreover, adopting innovative teaching methods that engage students’ interests could improve overall performance. We also need to involve families and create a supportive surroundings where learning can flourish, both at home and in the school setting.
Editor: An important aspect you’ve highlighted is the role of the home environment in education. How can schools collaborate more effectively with families to support students’ learning outcomes?
Dr. Rūdolfsone: Schools can initiate programs that encourage parental involvement, such as workshops on helping with homework.Regular communication through parent-teacher meetings can also strengthen this relationship. Moreover, schools should distribute resources that guide families on how to foster a conducive learning atmosphere at home. When families and schools collaborate, students benefit significantly.
Editor: The study encompassed tasks in various domains such as geometry, biology, and physical sciences. How can these diverse subjects be integrated into a cohesive learning strategy?
Dr. Rūdolfsone: Interdisciplinary learning is key.By integrating mathematics with science, for example, we help students understand the real-world application of these subjects. Schools could implement project-based learning where students explore topics that intersect different disciplines, fostering not only knowledge but also critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Editor: with latvia ranking 21st in natural sciences with 526 points, what do you foresee as the future for Latvian education based on these results?
Dr. Rūdolfsone: The results call for a reevaluation of our curricular focus in sciences. We must invest in science education to uplift scores while ensuring equal access to quality resources for all students. Engaging with international benchmarks can also provide insights into best practices. As we work towards improving these scores, the emphasis should be placed on developing critical scientific literacy among students to prepare them for the complexities of the future.
Editor: thank you, Dr. Rūdolfsone, for sharing these valuable insights. It’s clear that while there are achievements to celebrate, there’s also much work to be done in enhancing the educational landscape for Latvian students.
Dr. Rūdolfsone: Thank you for the discussion. I hope these insights spark further conversation on improving our education system.