Abu Dhabi schools students participate in TIMSS 2015

Abu Dhabi schools students participate in TIMSS 2015

Abu Dhabi, 17th February, 2015 (WAM) -- Students from 232 selected public and private schools are representing the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and the UAE in the 2015 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), announced the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC).

Schools were selected by the TIMSS governing body as a part of sample that reflects the demographic population of Abu Dhabi.

TIMSS, the longest running international study conducted every four years since 1995 to survey students in Grades 4 and 8, examines students’ Mathematics and Science achievements in relation to different curricula types, instructional practices and school environments, and provides results which are used by governments and policy makers to improve Mathematics and Science education in countries.

"The UAE, Abu Dhabi and many other education systems around the world are participating in TIMSS 2015 as it is an important study for evaluating and monitoring international education standards," said Dr. Amal Al Qubaisi, ADEC’s Director General, stressing that educators and policymakers will be able to examine other educational systems for best practices, thus bringing about a more improved educational policy on a nation-wide level.

Participating schools are taking part in the study from May to April 2015. Students are required to sit an achievement assessment and complete a questionnaire, answer questions in Mathematics and Science as well as their experience at home and in school.

"We are proud of our UAE Team students who play a pivotal role in inspiring our youth to engage in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). An initiative that we are dedicated to achieving, one that is congruent with Abu Dhabi’s 2030 strategic vision to prepare our youth to take part in diverse challenging fields," said Dr. Al Qubaisi.

The first TIMSS study took place among Asian schools on February 15th, followed by international private schools on March 15th and concludes with public and Ministry of Education schools on April 26th 2015.

"Schools have been cooperative about taking the study and students were not put under any sort of pressure since TIMSS does not require the student to do any special study. Additionally, the TIMSS committee organized several trainings and workshops for teachers, TIMSS coordinators and school leaders to help familiarize them with TIMSS 2015 and the process concerned," explained Engineer Hamad Al Dhaheri, the TIMSS and PISA Committee Head and ADEC’s PSQA Executive Director.

Once students complete the TIMSS study, they will be given Certificates of Appreciation for representing Abu Dhabi and the UAE.

"Our students are taking part in TIMSS 2015 alongside students from more than 60 other countries across the world. This initiative could not have been this successful without the collaborative effort and interest from school leaders, teachers, and students and of course and foremost parents who are responsible for their children’s enthusiasm," concluded Al Dhaheri.


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