Singapore Tops OECD PISA Rankings in Maths, Science, and Reading

SINGAPORE – Fifteen-year-olds in Singapore have ranked first globally in mathematics, science, and reading, according to the latest 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) study. The assessment, which measures students’ ability to apply knowledge and skills to real-world problems, included 6,606 students from 149 secondary schools and 15 private schools, such as international schools and madrasahs.

Singapore’s top performance continues its global educational leadership, having maintained or improved its scores compared to the previous PISA study in 2018. While Singapore’s math and science scores remained strong or saw improvements, there was a slight dip in reading, reflecting a global trend influenced by changing reading habits.

Despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, Singapore achieved remarkable results. In mathematics, 41% of students were top performers, while 24% excelled in science and 23% in reading. Fewer Singaporean students fell into the low-performing category compared to the global average, with only 8% and 11% underperforming in math and reading, respectively.

The Ministry of Education (MOE) highlighted that the resilience of Singapore’s education system, coupled with the efforts of educators during the pandemic, contributed to these impressive results. Teachers’ dedication, creative teaching approaches, and the students’ ability to apply their knowledge to unfamiliar settings were key factors in the country’s continued success.

Education Minister Chan Chun Sing praised students and educators for their perseverance during the pandemic and emphasized Singapore’s ongoing commitment to further improving education, ensuring students are well-prepared for future challenges such as digitalization and emerging technologies.

Dr. Andreas Schleicher of the OECD commended Singapore for avoiding negative learning outcomes during the pandemic, noting the country’s focus on depth of learning and rigorous instructional systems. However, he also pointed out areas of concern, including social disparities and a decline in parental support.

Source: straitstimes.com