Educational offensive urgently needed: MINT results provide alarm!

Educational offensive urgently needed: MINT results provide alarm!

The current results of the international TIMSS study (trends in International Mathematics and Science Study) are alarming. "We cannot satisfy ourselves with average results in mathematics and natural sciences," explains IV Vice Regenal Secretary Claudia Mischsky. The study illustrates the urgent need for educational reform in Austria, especially in the MINT area, in order to continue to secure the country's prosperity in the future. This request is reinforced by the PISA results 2023 published at the same time, which have a similar trend. Mischsky emphasizes that children with a migration background and socially disadvantaged households in particular need support, as these groups show below average performance.

peer assessment as a tool for improvement

In order to increase the quality of the lessons, Peer assessment could play a key role. In this approach, the students evaluate each other and at the same time learn to realistically assess their own skills. The forms of implementation are diverse and range from oral exchange to written assessments. According to the mint-circles can help to promote honest and constructive feedback. The different roles that the students can take - evaluated, evaluated or both - offer a comprehensive learning experience and contribute to optimizing the quality of the exchange.

The combination of peer assessment with a targeted MINT offensive could give many students the decisive impetus to deal more intensively with scientific subjects. Mischsky demands that pupils often have the opportunity to experience MINT subjects "hands-on" and to learn in inspiring environments. Projects such as the "Mi (n) t action plan" should help inspire more young people for the MINT areas that are considered crucial skills of our time.