The PISA 2022 educational survey, published on December 5th, 2023, reveals that the knowledge and skills of Estonian 15-year-olds are among the best in Europe and within the top eight globally, alongside leading Asian countries. This year’s study emphasized mathematics while also assessing science and reading proficiency. Estonia ranks 1st-2nd in mathematics with Switzerland, 1st in science, and 1st-2nd in reading with Ireland among European countries.
Minister's Remarks on Estonia’s Achievement
Kristina Kallas, Estonia’s Minister of Education and Research, highlighted that the country's exceptional performance is due to a significant number of students achieving a baseline level of proficiency in mathematics. “Our teachers give equal attention to all students, resulting in top global performance not only by the most capable but through the above-average results of all children. The professional skills of Estonian teachers are pivotal,” stated the minister.
Continued Success in PISA Evaluations
The PISA 2022 results, released globally, included 690,000 students from 81 countries or economic regions. In Estonia, 6,392 students from 196 schools participated. The test featured tasks in mathematics, functional reading, science, and creative thinking, with a focus on mathematics this year. Students and school heads also completed questionnaires to help analyze and interpret the results.
The survey indicated that Estonian students not only excel academically but also report high life satisfaction, averaging 6.91 points on a 10-point scale, above the OECD average of 6.75. This satisfaction is comparable to Sweden (6.91) and slightly lower than Finland (7.41). Boys reported higher satisfaction than girls, and students from better socioeconomic backgrounds felt more content.
Belief in Growth Mindset and Self-Improvement
Estonian students maintain a strong belief in their ability to improve their intelligence through effort, ranking first in growth mindset among participating countries, similar to PISA 2018 results. This indicates a commitment to self-improvement and a drive to secure better futures.
Additionally, Estonian students feel safer at school compared to the OECD average, particularly in their commute. Safety in classrooms and school premises aligns with the OECD average. Estonia’s education system effectively supports self-directed learning, with seven out of ten students feeling ready for such an approach.
Educational Autonomy and Challenges Ahead
PISA highlights significant autonomy for Estonian headmasters and teachers in curriculum setup and school management decisions, placing Estonia first in this regard.
However, challenges remain, including a shortage of qualified teachers and the increasing impact of socioeconomic background on education quality, nearing the OECD average (Estonia 13.4%; OECD 15.5%). Students taught in Estonian outperform those instructed in Russian, and while results in smaller city schools have declined, they remain robust, 34 points above the OECD average.
Globally, student performance has declined since PISA 2018, but Estonia's decline was less severe, demonstrating effective educational management during the COVID-19 pandemic.
More: https://www.educationestonia.org/estonias-pisa-2022-results-consistently-among-the-worlds-best/
