Filipino students score lowest in math, science in international assessment test

On Tuesday, December 8, the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study 2019 (TIMSS) revealed that Filipino students lagged behind other countries in the international assessment for mathematics and science for grade 4.

The Philippines scored 297 in math and 249 in science. The country also scored the lowest among all 58 participating countries for both tests.

Meanwhile, neighboring country Singapore topped both assessments, getting a score of 625 in math and 595 in science.

Conducted every four years by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement, TIMMS assesses student achievement in mathematics and science at fourth and eighth grades.

It seeks to provide country participants with information to make evidence-based decisions to improve educational policies related to mathematics and science teaching and learning.

Only Grade 4 students from the Philippines participated in the 2019 cycle. The last time the country took part in this particular assessment was in 2003 for both Grade 4 and Grade 8 (then second year high school) students.

TIMSS set 4 International Benchmarks along a scale to determine students' competence: Advanced International Benchmark (625), High International Benchmark (550), Intermediate International Benchmark (475), and Low International Benchmark (400).

In mathematics, only 19% of Filipino students were on the Low benchmark, which means that they had some basic mathematical knowledge, while 81% did not even reach this level.

They can add, subtract, multiply, and divide one- and two-digit whole numbers. They can solve simple word problems. They have some knowledge of simple fractions and common geometric shapes. Students can read and complete simple bar graphs and tables,

the study said.

As for science, 13% of Filipino students were also on the Low benchmark, which means they had limited understanding of scientific concepts and limited knowledge of foundational science facts, while 87% did not even reach this level.