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What Can We Learn from Student Attitudes for International Achievement Tests?

Author

Listed:
  • Kyle Peyton

    (Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, The University of Melbourne)

  • Chris Ryan

    (Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, The University of Melbourne; ARC Centre for Excellence for Children and Families over the Life Course)

  • Justin van de Ven

    (ARC Centre for Excellence for Children and Families over the Life Course)

Abstract

This study looks at whether differences in student attitudes towards mathematics and science between Victorian students and those in selected other countries can explain differences in student achievement between them. We find that they cannot. In general, in the 2011 Trends in Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) data used here, Victorian school students have more positive attitudes towards mathematics and science than students in high achievement countries. These results also hold where we remove any language effects from the way people respond to attitudinal questions, or any cultural or social-desirability induced elements of the responses. Further, the most reliable estimates of the relationship between attitudes and achievement point to quite small effects, suggesting any increase in achievement associated with improved student attitudes could only be small.

Suggested Citation

  • Kyle Peyton & Chris Ryan & Justin van de Ven, 2016. "What Can We Learn from Student Attitudes for International Achievement Tests?," Melbourne Institute Working Paper Series wp2016n22, Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, The University of Melbourne.
    • Handle: RePEc:iae:iaewps:wp2016n22
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    File URL: http://melbourneinstitute.unimelb.edu.au/downloads/working_paper_series/wp2016n22.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    International tests; achievement; student attitudes;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I21 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Analysis of Education
    • I28 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Government Policy

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