Science Achievement in Australia : Evidence from National and International Surveys.

Authors

Sue Thomson, ACERFollow

Publication Date

2006

Comments

In 'Boosting science learning : what will it take? : Conference proceedings' edited by C Glascodine and K-A Hoad, pages 61-65. Melbourne : ACER

Abstract

What can be said about science achievement in Australian schools? Does it really need a boost? Is science education in Australia engaging and motivating, or is the curriculum irrelevant and students disinterested? Are there particular issues for Indigenous students? Within the National Testing Program, Australia participates in two major international studies with a partial focus on science: the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), conducted with Year 4 and Year 8 students conducted with 15-year-old students. In addition, the Longitudinal Surveys of Australian Youth (LSAY) program provides evidence about the outcomes of education, and the TIMSS Science Video Study provides comparative view of the Australian science classroom and describes its practices. This paper utilises data from these studies and examines what is known about science teaching in Australia, what students know and understand about science, whether they are interested in science, and whether they continue to study the sciences.

Recommended Citation

Thomson, Sue, "Science Achievement in Australia : Evidence from National and International Surveys." (2006).
https://research.acer.edu.au/research_conference_2006/5