Group 6 math performance is increasing, but workload is too high
The math level of Dutch students in grade 6 has increased, the workload of Dutch teachers is high and the teachers think their classes are too great. This is evident from the research Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), which was published today.
Image: Pixabay
TIMSS measures the level of education in science subjects every four years. Between 2011 and 2015, the performance of Dutch pupils in the measurement group - group 6 - decreased in both math and science education. Mathematics performance recovered in the Netherlands in 2019, but the results for science education have not yet recovered from the dip.
From the research it also appears that the workload among Dutch teachers is high. Almost all students are taught by a teacher who feels that he or she has too little time to help individual students. In addition, more than 80 percent of the students have a teacher who thinks he or she has too many administrative tasks and too large a class.
'As in 2015, the workload among teachers is high', the researchers conclude.
The research shows that in group six in the Netherlands little time is spent on nature education compared to other countries. Moreover, relatively few physical experiments are done. There is therefore a need for practical materials at many schools. Many school leaders would like to see a teacher with a specialization in science education at their school.
To calculate
In group 6 boys perform better in math than girls. That fact has hardly changed in the past 24 years. Boys are also more self-assured and enjoy math a little more than girls. These gender differences are not present in nature education.
Trots
Pupils, teachers and school leaders are more positive about their school in the Netherlands than in neighboring countries. Students are proud of their school and teachers are proud of their profession. 'As in 2015, however, the workload among teachers is high', the researchers conclude. 'Teachers are often unable to pay sufficient attention to individual pupils, have too many administrative tasks and find their class too large.
