Pursuit of Excellence: Examining Factors Influencing Student Mathematical Achievement from the TIMSS Perspective

Author: Bao Jiansheng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-12-01
Features: TIMSS is the largest, most comprehensive, and most rigorous international comparative study project in history. It involved over 50 countries or regions, not only examining the mathematical and scientific achievements of students across three age groups but also further analyzing the educational contexts of participating countries through research tools such as questionnaires, interviews, literature, case studies, and video recordings. The information resources provided by TIMSS not only offer references for defining what constitutes "world-class" education but also create opportunities for mutual learning in curriculum and teaching reform among countries or regions. The fundamental purpose of TIMSS is to identify the key factors influencing students' mathematical and scientific achievements. For the same reason, this book, based on a comprehensive introduction to TIMSS research findings, analyzes various factors affecting educational achievements from perspectives such as students' non-intellectual factors and learning backgrounds, teaching curricula, teachers and instruction, and school environments, taking into account the similarities and differences between Eastern and Western cultures. This analysis is undoubtedly helpful in understanding the education and current conditions of other countries or regions, recognizing China's traditional strengths and weaknesses, and clarifying the direction of curriculum reform. TIMSS also plays a significant role in providing an international platform for mutual exchange in mathematics education. TIMSS has not only established international norms and standards for comparative research but also the robust data resources built around TIMSS have become a shared wealth for researchers worldwide. Therefore, this book provides the research methods and tools used in TIMSS, which will help Chinese mathematics education researchers step onto the global stage.