TIMSS 2007: Taking a closer look at mathematics and science in Australia

Authors

Sue Thomson, ACERFollow
Nicole Wernert, ACERFollow
Catherine Underwood, ACERFollow
Marina Nicholas, ACER

Publication Date

12-2008

Comments

TIMSS Australia Monograph No. 11

Updated September 2009.

ERRATUM: Due to an error in the international datasets for all countries, the results for the knowing actually pertain to Applying and all data labelled Applying actually pertain to knowing data. This error has been rectified in the on-line version of this report - any written copies should have this erratum attached.

The Erratum can be dowloaded from the Additional Files attached to this page. (see below)

Abstract

The Trends in Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS 2007) is the latest in a series of international studies of mathematics and science, conducted under the aegis of the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA). The goal of TIMSS is to provide comparative information about educational achievement across countries to improve teaching and learning in mathematics and science. TIMSS measures trends in mathematics and science achievement at Year 4 and Year 8, as well as monitoring curricular implementation. Conducted on a regular four-year cycle, TIMSS has assessed mathematics and science in 1995, 1999, 2003, and 2007. In addition to monitoring trends in achievement at Year 4 and Year 8, TIMSS provides information about relative progress across years as the cohort of students assessed in Year 4 in one cycle moves to Year 8 four years later (e.g. the Year 4 students of 2003 became the Year 8 students of 2007). Also, to provide comparative perspectives on trends in achievement in the context of different educational systems, school organisational approaches, and instructional practices, TIMSS collects a rich array of background information. This report analyses and interprets the Australian data collected as part of the TIMSS study. Where appropriate, this report makes comparisons with the results of a number of countries and the international average to better understand the Australian achievement and context.

Recommended Citation

Thomson, S., Wernert, N., Underwood, C., & Nicholas, M. (2008). TIMSS 2007: Taking a closer look at mathematics and science in Australia. https://research.acer.edu.au/timss_2007/2