Korean 4th Graders and 8th Graders Show High Achievement in Math and Science but Low Confidence and Interest

International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement Announces Math and Science Achievement of 58 Countries Worldwide
Ministry of Education: "We Will Boost Students' Confidence and Interest Through Various Solutions"

The above photo is not related to the article. Photo by Jang Jin-hyeong aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Gong Byung-sun] Although the math and science achievement levels of 4th-grade elementary and 2nd-grade middle school students remained among the top ranks worldwide, it was found that they did not feel much confidence or interest. As grade levels increase, confidence and interest tend to decline, highlighting the need for measures to boost these attitudes.

On the 8th, the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA) announced the results of the "2019 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS)." TIMSS is a study that internationally compares the math and science achievement of 4th-grade elementary and 2nd-grade middle school students, conducted every four years. This study involved 58 countries.

According to TIMSS, South Korean 4th-grade elementary students maintained the same ranking in math and science as in 2015. In math achievement, 4th graders ranked 3rd, following Singapore and Hong Kong. In science achievement, they ranked 2nd.

The average scores in math and science for 4th graders declined compared to 2015. Math scores dropped from 608 to 600, and science scores from 589 to 588.

The math achievement ranking for 2nd-grade middle school students fell by one position. In 2015, South Korean 2nd graders ranked 2nd, but in 2019, they ranked 3rd. Taiwan took the 2nd place instead. Science achievement remained 4th, the same as in 2015.

However, the average math and science scores for 2nd-grade middle school students increased compared to 2015. Math scores rose from 606 to 607, and science scores from 556 to 561.

The problem lies in the attitude towards math and science. Both the "confidence in the subject" and "interest in learning the subject" items showed negative responses exceeding the global average.

Among 4th-grade elementary students, 36% answered that they had "no confidence" in math. The global average is 23%. For science, 23% answered "no confidence," which is also higher than the global average of 19%.

Provided by the Ministry of Education

Among 4th graders, 40% answered that they "do not like" math, showing low interest. This is twice the global average of 20%. For science, 16% answered "do not like," which is higher than the global average of 12%.

Confidence in math and science tends to decrease significantly as grade levels rise. Among 2nd-grade middle school students, 54% answered "no confidence" in math. An astonishing 65% of 2nd graders answered "no confidence" in science. Only 8% and 9% of students answered "confident" in math and science, respectively, both single-digit percentages.

Interest also declined sharply with higher grades. In a survey asking about interest in math, 61% of 2nd-grade middle school students answered "do not like." The same was true for science, with 47% of 2nd graders responding "do not like." This is more than double the global average of 20%.

An official from the Ministry of Education said, "We are seeking various solutions to boost confidence and interest in math and science," adding, "For math, we plan to enhance AI learning systems and clinic programs, and for science, we aim to foster affective attitudes through inquiry spaces where play and creation can be combined."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.