Programme for International Student Assessment

Content

The survey comprised of a two-hour assessment and a short questionnaire  completed by the students about themselves.  The paper and pencil style assessment tested the students´ ability in mathematics, science and a range of reading material, however the emphasis was on mathematics in this second cycle of the survey.  The questionnaire gave vital information about:

• Attitudes towards mathematics, such as confidence and motivation.
• Students´ perceptions of the usefulness of mathematics.
• How they are taught in class - homework policies, perceptions of student-teacher relations and disciplinary climate.
• Access to learning resources out of school - reading habits.
• The family structure and background - their parents´ occupations and qualifications.

A questionnaire was also sent to the participating schools to be completed by the principal.  This questionnaire covered a range of topics about the school from size, funding sources and coeducational policy to levels of staffing and educational resources, their implications for teaching and learning, and how student engagement in mathematics is promoted.