Top of the class

Authors

Roslyn Collins, Independent Schools Queensland

Abstract

The author asks what the results of international testing tell educators about high performance in science. In April 2009, the OECD published a report, 'Top of the Class: High performers in science in PISA 2006', which examines the student results across all OECD countries and draws some general conclusions. Among the findings are that: (1) achieving excellence is dependent on more than inherent student ability and the proportion of top performers varies widely from country to country; (2) socioeconomic disadvantage is not an insurmountable barrier; (3) native speakers tend to be top performers in science; (4) on average, gender has no impact on performance; (5) attendance at a non-government school confers an advantage on students studying science. The analysis found that top performers in science are engaged learners who put a significant amount of effort into the study of science, particularly at school. The study also draws a correlation, although not necessarily a causal relationship, between high performance in science and research and innovation in a country. In this regard, Finland has the highest rating. [Author abstract, ed]

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