design: ahoy print: lnnberg

Scientific literacy score

points - mean
FINLAND STILL
TOP-RANKING COUNTRY
563
BUT DROP IN SCORE POINTS
SECOND HIGHEST
Finlands average score in scientific literacy has
531 PISA 2015 is the sixth survey in the Programme for International Student Assessment dropped by 32 score points relative to 2006,
(PISA) produced through the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Develop- when the focus was last on science performance.

498
ment (OECD). PISA is a triennial survey which has been carried out since 2000, assess- The drop amounts to nearly one full academic years performance.
493
ing learning outcomes in reading and mathematical and scientific literacy. The focus
The PISA 2015 results show that proficiency among The PISA assessment shows that every year
OECD finland OECD finland
in the assessment rotates every assessment year. In 2006 and 2015 the focus was on
students in Finland is still among the best in the OECD the basic skills in scientific literacy of over 6,000 students
pisa 2006 pisa 2015
scientific literacy. The focus area is assessed in detail while the other areas are looked at in Finland are inadequate.
countries, even though the point scores have dropped

n
This increases the risk of coping with further studies
more briefly, mainly from the viewpoint of general developments in learning outcomes.

ipp d-men ne

n
significantly. The drop is partly explained by a record and with the demands of modern working life.

! de
hu ec le mi

high score in the reference year of 2006, but the new Scientific literacy score PISA 2015: This is the first time it was possible to assess the facts, concepts, ideas and theories related to the natural

ua ai
2006 563

j saa
points - boys and girls developments in scientific literacy in a reliable way over a world, procedural knowledge (knowledge of the standard
study has revealed trends that are of some concern. timespan of nearly a decade. Much of the science content procedures that are the foundation of the diverse methods 2015 531

o l
o
563 565
in this survey is the same as in the PISA 2006 assessment. and practices used to establish scientific knowledge) and
The mean score points in scientific literacy show that
This makes it possible to examine trends in the different epistemic knowledge (an understanding of the rationale for
15-year-olds in Finland ranked in third place among the OECD countries Higher
541 science content categories. the common practices of scientific enquiry, the status of the percentage
and in fifth place among all participating countries and economies. knowledge claims that are generated, and the meaning of of poor

tw nc in t
The best OECD performer was Japan. Singapore, Japan, Estonia and PISA scientific literacy assesses foundational terms such as theory, hypothesis and data).

m c es
522 performers:
Taiwan ranked higher than Finland among all the countries and economies. competencies needed in daily life A breakdown of the results is given in terms of overall 2006 4.1%

o e gh

e
The group of countries on a par with Finland consisted of Estonia, Taiwan, Scientific literacy highlights, in a manner characteristic to results, and by content and process categories and
2015 11.5%

e er be e as a be a e

th oy .Th rity try ls n

v r er hi

e
Macao (China), Canada and Vietnam. The results in all these countries PISA, the need to improve student proficiency and skills by competencies.

th t gir and y ls r n

ap e o rm m co gi e
Lower

an he lin ng re
le pe iff s
were well over the OECD average. Scientific literacy in the other Nordic in using and interpreting science in all kinds of everyday

dv rt ec o he
boys girls boys girls
percentage

r
OECD

4 d io a fu d am w

gi ses
countries ranked substantially below Finland. However, the results in situations. The PISA survey responds to this challenge Broad and

ge c in
of top

.
of rea
pisa 2006 pisa 2015

rls
ta r in e
comprehensive sample

to b rs jo n
Denmark and Norway were higher than the OECD average and Sweden by defining scientific literacy from four different angles. performers:

u
er th on d
Fi bo e f

ge fo s re th n
was in the same range as the average. Iceland was the only Nordic The context of each specific problem may range from the The target group used in the PISA 2015 assessment 2006 20.9%

r g nc fo e ly

e s e
a
2015 14.3%

e. fo ra ce
country to rank clearly below the OECD average. personal level of an individual to a level that encompasses consisted of students who had reached or would reach The percentage of

nd rm t p in e

n
s

tim ts) v a
Scientific literacy

r ge
e
the whole world. Three different types of competencies the age of 15 in the course of the assessment year (i.e.

m
554 poor performers in

st in D or
Finnish students were still among the best in reading literacy. score points

th p e s w w

e
come into play when solving problems of a scientific those born between February 1999 and January 2000). science has nearly

fir po C rf
f

e
a
place of

th cor e O in p
The level of proficiency in reading was by far the best in Singapore, followed nature, namely the ability to explain phenomena The material was collected from 168 schools using uniform trebled and the number

nl
residence 532

E
l

s th n
scientifically, to evaluate and design scientific enquiry and test arrangements. Altogether 6,431 students were of top performers has
by a group of fairly equal proficiency consisting of Hong Kong, Canada, 533

(9 sse but
dropped by close to one third.

d. of utc tun en n,

e
Finland and Ireland. The best performer among Finlands neighbouring to interpret data and evidence scientifically. To be able to randomly selected for the survey, and 93% of the sample

e e
a ri
nl es o o be ti
522

rp st
Fi r he p s ca
use these, the student must possess a sufficient level of students took part in the PISA test.

i
e
e e es

su e d
countries was Estonia, which came in sixth place, close behind the best five 517

n he , t op ha u

un in
Over 65% of those whose

k
metropolitan

om iti
er t er g d ed

,
try

Th
co s
proficiency and a specific attitudinal predisposition. Owing to the nature of the sample, the likelihood of

ris
countries. Reading proficiency levels in the rest of the Nordic countries proficiency in science

st in ev in n in
northern
southern

r
ea se w rn nla k
In order for the PISA scientific literacy test to measure being selected for the PISA test varied from school to
western

Helsinki
eastern

d ho ho lea Fi oc
is poor perform poorly
Finland

Finland

Finland

Finland
were much lower than in Finland, even though the mean scores in Norway,

an t w, al at dr
at
comprehensively and reliably the students ability to use school, which may have resulted in a skewed sample

h
Sweden and Denmark exceeded the OECD average. The mean score in in mathematics and

t
rn om o qu th be
and apply their scientific knowledge and skills, the range composition relative to the basic population. This, along reading. Of these,

te fr . N e s s
ty

an t
Iceland ranked below the OECD average.

es ly as e ng d
w nt re vid thi lan
of tasks in the test must be wide and the situations must with potential distortions caused by non-response, was around two-thirds

m -
pisa 2015

t ic
ui
in a l a ro e in

an cio- e eff m no o
were boys.

e ific ra p th , F
be as authentic as possible. This means that each question adjusted in the statistical analyses by using weighting
Mathematical literacy has remained unchanged in Finland,

i o ci
eq
os n ru to f ty

ve u d h n s d ro ts
pe ha il e de i d
th sig nd le e o qui
in the science test measures one scientific content category coefficients from the sample for the schools and students.

lo nc wh av tu fam un
de ned nlan nce e o an ckg ren
ec So
ranking among the OECD countries in shared seventh place together with

d n e g n ly
pe ea occ ono ts t c
lly ffer n a ab On l e
al

ai Fi a av on ba a
only: physical systems, living systems and earth and space. By using weighting coefficients, it was possible to reach an

cia di ba en ks. na

d ec ec pa

m n rm h ati ic t p
Denmark. Japan, Korea, Switzerland, Estonia, Canada and the Netherlands Scientific literacy score

as c so 9 co ged it h row t
pe ki ur be ac io

rfo lth up m ha
In Finland, these correspond to the in subject content of imputed situation in the sample that was comparable to

un i as n
on
es lsin in as cr reg
ranked higher. Finland was in thirteenth place among all the participating points - effect of socio-

. er
physics, chemistry, biology, health education and the basic population. In the same context, it was verified

es th
economic background*

He oth it how ha
gi
countries and economies. There were seven Asian countries among the

tri n o
an b at s e t
geography in the school curriculum. that the outcomes related to the sample computed from

Re
lit nts th to im
fifteen top countries and economies: Singapore, Hong Kong, Macao,

so h
41 In addition, each task belongs to one of the following the sample data could be compared both internationally

T
po e is d t t
Taiwan, Japan, the region consisting of Peking, Shanghai, Jiangsu and

h
ro ud of rte rs
40

io r

co re f t F m ct
cognitive processes: content knowledge (knowledge about and with earlier PISA data.

et st d ta fi
39

th e d i n pa
m for rou s s the

at o
Guangdong, and Korea. The scores in the other Nordic countries were

un fe e nl c
w

es c a d
st
n

i
in l on un -eco im

tri ren sm an
iv Po

. e lle
p a is

o
av he t cl enc on
lower than in Finland and Denmark. The mean scores in Norway and

e
is

st gr io th
re i

i
er OE os e
t s i i
Th

to be sc at
Sweden exceeded the average for the OECD countries, though.

n
F g C e

w ba f 00
v

h
at to oti

la e in D

c
2
Iceland, however, ranked below the OECD average.

o
as d m

In

il o
ot
w te t

o
.
nd
n

k
31

e
re e

a
ud
m

in
St
l
Publication on the first results of the PISA 2015 assessment OECD finland OECD finland
(in Finnish) : www.minedu.fi/pisa
pisa 2006 pisa 2015

*When the economic, social and cultural status (ESCS) index rises by one standard deviation
 FINLAND STILL Scientific literacy score
points - mean
TOP-RANKING COUNTRY
BUT DROP IN SCORE POINTS 563

SECOND HIGHEST
Finlands average score in scientific literacy has
dropped by 32 score points relative to 2006, 531
when the focus was last on science performance.

The drop amounts to nearly one full academic years performance. 498
493
The PISA assessment shows that every year The PISA 2015 results show that proficiency among OECD finland OECD finland
the basic skills in scientific literacy of over 6,000 students
in Finland are inadequate.
students in Finland is still among the best in the OECD pisa 2006 pisa 2015
countries, even though the point scores have dropped

n
This increases the risk of coping with further studies

ipp d-men ne

n
and with the demands of modern working life. significantly. The drop is partly explained by a record

! de
hu ec le mi

high score in the reference year of 2006, but the new Scientific literacy score

ua ai
2006 563

j saa
points - boys and girls
2015 531 study has revealed trends that are of some concern.

o l
o
563 565
The mean score points in scientific literacy show that
Higher 15-year-olds in Finland ranked in third place among the OECD countries
percentage and in fifth place among all participating countries and economies.
541
of poor

tw nc in t
The best OECD performer was Japan. Singapore, Japan, Estonia and

m c es
performers: 522
2006 4.1% Taiwan ranked higher than Finland among all the countries and economies.

o e gh

e
The group of countries on a par with Finland consisted of Estonia, Taiwan,
2015 11.5%

e er be e as a be a e

to f b ers ajo un r en
v r er hi
Macao (China), Canada and Vietnam. The results in all these countries

th t gir and y ls r n

th oy .Th rity try ls

ap e o rm m co gi e
Lower

an he lin ng re
le pe ff s
were well over the OECD average. Scientific literacy in the other Nordic

dv rt ec o he
boys girls boys girls
percentage

OECD

4 d i a fu d am w

gi ses
countries ranked substantially below Finland. However, the results in

ge c in
of top

.
of rea
pisa 2006 pisa 2015

rls
ta r in e
performers: Denmark and Norway were higher than the OECD average and Sweden

er th on d
Fi bo e f
di

ge fo s re th n
2006 20.9% was in the same range as the average. Iceland was the only Nordic

r g nc fo e ly

e s e
2015 14.3%

e. fo ra nce
The percentage of country to rank clearly below the OECD average.

nd rm t p in e
th e p he ls w w s

tim ts) av ma
Scientific literacy

r ge
poor performers in 554

st in D or
Finnish students were still among the best in reading literacy. score points

e
science has nearly

fir po EC erf
place of

th cor e O in p
trebled and the number The level of proficiency in reading was by far the best in Singapore, followed

nl
residence 532

s th n
of top performers has

o
by a group of fairly equal proficiency consisting of Hong Kong, Canada, 533

(9 sse but
dropped by close to one third.

d. of utc tun en n,

e
Finland and Ireland. The best performer among Finlands neighbouring

e e
a ri
nl es o o be ti
522

rp ist
Fi r he p s ca

co es s

su e d
countries was Estonia, which came in sixth place, close behind the best five

he m ie
517

n he , t op ha u

un in
Over 65% of those whose

metropolitan
er t er g d ed

,
t

try

Th
i
ris
proficiency in science countries. Reading proficiency levels in the rest of the Nordic countries

st in ev in n in

northern
southern
r
ea se w rn nla k

western

Helsinki
eastern
d ho ho lea Fi oc
is poor perform poorly

Finland

Finland

Finland

Finland
were much lower than in Finland, even though the mean scores in Norway,

an t w, al at dr
at
in mathematics and Sweden and Denmark exceeded the OECD average. The mean score in

t
rn om o qu th be
reading. Of these,

te fr . N e s s
ty

an t
Iceland ranked below the OECD average.

es ly as e ng d
w nt re vid thi lan
around two-thirds

m -
pisa 2015

t ic
ui
in a l a ro e in

an cio- e eff m no o
were boys.

e ific ra p th , F
Mathematical literacy has remained unchanged in Finland,

i o ci
eq
os n ru to f ty

ve u d h n s d ro ts
pe ha il e de i d
th sig nd le e o qui

lo nc wh av tu fam un
de ned nlan nce e o an ckg ren
ec So
ranking among the OECD countries in shared seventh place together with

d n e g n ly
pe ea occ ono ts t c
lly ffer n a ab On l e
al

ai Fi a av on ba a
cia di ba en ks. na

d ec ec pa

m n rm h ati ic t p
Denmark. Japan, Korea, Switzerland, Estonia, Canada and the Netherlands Scientific literacy score

as c so 9 co ged it h row t
pe ki ur be ac io

rf lth up m ha

un i as n
on
es lsin in as cr reg
ranked higher. Finland was in thirteenth place among all the participating points - effect of socio-

. er
t

es th
economic background*

He oth it how ha
gi
countries and economies. There were seven Asian countries among the

tri n o
an b at s e t
Re
lit nts th to im
fifteen top countries and economies: Singapore, Hong Kong, Macao,

so Th
41

po e is d t t
Taiwan, Japan, the region consisting of Peking, Shanghai, Jiangsu and

h
ro ud of rte rs
40

io r

co e re of t n F om ct
et st d ta fi
39

th e d i n pa
m r u s he

at o
Guangdong, and Korea. The scores in the other Nordic countries were

un fe he inl ic
re i o
w

es c a d
st
n

in on n co im
pr ha is t

tri ren sm an
iv Po

. e lle
th st ien ion
lower than in Finland and Denmark. The mean scores in Norway and

ill o -e e
is

st gr cio th
s

er OE os e
Th

to be sc vat
av e cl c
Sweden exceeded the average for the OECD countries, though.

F ag C e

w ba f 00
at to oti
o

la e in D

2
Iceland, however, ranked below the OECD average.

u
as d m

In
ot
o

w ate t

o
.
f

nd
n

k
31

re e
ud
m

in
St
l
Publication on the first results of the PISA 2015 assessment OECD finland OECD finland
(in Finnish) : www.minedu.fi/pisa
pisa 2006 pisa 2015

*When the economic, social and cultural status (ESCS) index rises by one standard deviation
 FINLAND STILL Scientific literacy score
points - mean
TOP-RANKING COUNTRY
BUT DROP IN SCORE POINTS 563

SECOND HIGHEST
Finlands average score in scientific literacy has
dropped by 32 score points relative to 2006, 531
when the focus was last on science performance.

The drop amounts to nearly one full academic years performance. 498
493
The PISA assessment shows that every year The PISA 2015 results show that proficiency among OECD finland OECD finland
the basic skills in scientific literacy of over 6,000 students
in Finland are inadequate.
students in Finland is still among the best in the OECD pisa 2006 pisa 2015
countries, even though the point scores have dropped

n
This increases the risk of coping with further studies

ipp d-men ne

n
and with the demands of modern working life. significantly. The drop is partly explained by a record

! de
hu ec le mi

high score in the reference year of 2006, but the new Scientific literacy score

ua ai
2006 563

j saa
points - boys and girls
2015 531 study has revealed trends that are of some concern.

o l
o
563 565
The mean score points in scientific literacy show that
Higher 15-year-olds in Finland ranked in third place among the OECD countries
percentage and in fifth place among all participating countries and economies.
541
of poor

tw nc in t
The best OECD performer was Japan. Singapore, Japan, Estonia and

m c es
performers: 522
2006 4.1% Taiwan ranked higher than Finland among all the countries and economies.

o e gh

e
The group of countries on a par with Finland consisted of Estonia, Taiwan,
2015 11.5%

e er be e as a be a e

to f b ers ajo un r en
v r er hi
Macao (China), Canada and Vietnam. The results in all these countries

th t gir and y ls r n

th oy .Th rity try ls

ap e o rm m co gi e
Lower

an he lin ng re
le pe ff s
were well over the OECD average. Scientific literacy in the other Nordic

dv rt ec o he
boys girls boys girls
percentage

OECD

4 d i a fu d am w

gi ses
countries ranked substantially below Finland. However, the results in

ge c in
of top

.
of rea
pisa 2006 pisa 2015

rls
ta r in e
performers: Denmark and Norway were higher than the OECD average and Sweden

er th on d
Fi bo e f
di

ge fo s re th n
2006 20.9% was in the same range as the average. Iceland was the only Nordic

r g nc fo e ly

e s e
2015 14.3%

e. fo ra nce
The percentage of country to rank clearly below the OECD average.

nd rm t p in e
th e p he ls w w s

tim ts) av ma
Scientific literacy

r ge
poor performers in 554

st in D or
Finnish students were still among the best in reading literacy. score points

e
science has nearly

fir po EC erf
place of

th cor e O in p
trebled and the number The level of proficiency in reading was by far the best in Singapore, followed

nl
residence 532

s th n
of top performers has

o
by a group of fairly equal proficiency consisting of Hong Kong, Canada, 533

(9 sse but
dropped by close to one third.

d. of utc tun en n,

e
Finland and Ireland. The best performer among Finlands neighbouring

e e
a ri
nl es o o be ti
522

rp ist
Fi r he p s ca

co es s

su e d
countries was Estonia, which came in sixth place, close behind the best five

he m ie
517

n he , t op ha u

un in
Over 65% of those whose

metropolitan
er t er g d ed

,
t

try

Th
i
ris
proficiency in science countries. Reading proficiency levels in the rest of the Nordic countries

st in ev in n in

northern
southern
r
ea se w rn nla k

western

Helsinki
eastern
d ho ho lea Fi oc
is poor perform poorly

Finland

Finland

Finland

Finland
were much lower than in Finland, even though the mean scores in Norway,

an t w, al at dr
at
in mathematics and Sweden and Denmark exceeded the OECD average. The mean score in

t
rn om o qu th be
reading. Of these,

te fr . N e s s
ty

an t
Iceland ranked below the OECD average.

es ly as e ng d
w nt re vid thi lan
around two-thirds

m -
pisa 2015

t ic
ui
in a l a ro e in

an cio- e eff m no o
were boys.

e ific ra p th , F
Mathematical literacy has remained unchanged in Finland,

i o ci
eq
os n ru to f ty

ve u d h n s d ro ts
pe ha il e de i d
th sig nd le e o qui

lo nc wh av tu fam un
de ned nlan nce e o an ckg ren
ec So
ranking among the OECD countries in shared seventh place together with

d n e g n ly
pe ea occ ono ts t c
lly ffer n a ab On l e
al

ai Fi a av on ba a
cia di ba en ks. na

d ec ec pa

m n rm h ati ic t p
Denmark. Japan, Korea, Switzerland, Estonia, Canada and the Netherlands Scientific literacy score

as c so 9 co ged it h row t
pe ki ur be ac io

rf lth up m ha

un i as n
on
es lsin in as cr reg
ranked higher. Finland was in thirteenth place among all the participating points - effect of socio-

. er
t

es th
economic background*

He oth it how ha
gi
countries and economies. There were seven Asian countries among the

tri n o
an b at s e t
Re
lit nts th to im
fifteen top countries and economies: Singapore, Hong Kong, Macao,

so Th
41

po e is d t t
Taiwan, Japan, the region consisting of Peking, Shanghai, Jiangsu and

h
ro ud of rte rs
40

io r

co e re of t n F om ct
et st d ta fi
39

th e d i n pa
m r u s he

at o
Guangdong, and Korea. The scores in the other Nordic countries were

un fe he inl ic
re i o
w

es c a d
st
n

in on n co im
pr ha is t

tri ren sm an
iv Po

. e lle
th st ien ion
lower than in Finland and Denmark. The mean scores in Norway and

ill o -e e
is

st gr cio th
s

er OE os e
Th

to be sc vat
av e cl c
Sweden exceeded the average for the OECD countries, though.

F ag C e

w ba f 00
at to oti
o

la e in D

2
Iceland, however, ranked below the OECD average.

u
as d m

In
ot
o

w ate t

o
.
f

nd
n

k
31

re e
ud
m

in
St
l
Publication on the first results of the PISA 2015 assessment OECD finland OECD finland
(in Finnish) : www.minedu.fi/pisa
pisa 2006 pisa 2015

*When the economic, social and cultural status (ESCS) index rises by one standard deviation
 Finland*
Average score points

points

OECD*
in scientific literacy

SD
Ranking of
students
36.2 Poor performers:
Levels 1a, 1b and Understanding science more important than ever, Singapore
Japan
556
538
+ + 104
+ + 93
proficiency
levels in 29.1 29.2
below level 1b.

Top performers
because most problems in society are linked to Estonia
Taiwan
534
532
+ 89
+ 100

its content and phonomena.

Finland 531 + 96
scientific Level 6 Macao (China) 529 + 81
literacy (%) 26.0 Canada 528 + 92
pisa 2006 Vietnam 525 + 77
pisa 2015 Hong Kong (China) 523 - + 81
PSJG (China) 518 - + 103
Korea 516 - + 95
New Zealand 513 - + 104
19.1 Slovenia 513 - + 95
Australia 510 - + 102
17.0 - + 100
United Kingdom 509
Germany 509 - + 99
Netherlands 509 - + 101
13.3 Switzerland 506 - + 100
11.9 Ireland 503 - + 89
11.4
Belgium 502 - + 100
Denmark 502 - + 90
Poland 501 - + 91
Portugal 501 - + 92
Norway 498 - + 96
United States 496 - 99
4.0 4.0 2.4
Austria 495 - 97
poor level 2 level 3 level 4 level 5 level 6 France 495 - 102
Sweden 493 - 102
OECD countries 493 - 94
Czech Republic 493 - 95
Spain 493 - 88
Reading proficiency averages Latvia 490 - 82

Russian Federation 487 - - 82
547 547 Luxembourg 483 - - 100
543 Italy 481 - - 91
536 Hungary 477 - - 96
PISA focus Lithuania 475 - - 91
524 526 Croatia 475 - - 89
Buenos Aires (Arg) 475 - - 86
Iceland 473 - - 91
pisa 2000 pisa 2003 pisa 2006 pisa 2009 pisa 2012 pisa 2015 Israel 467 - - 106
Malta 465 - - 118
Slovakia 461 - - 99
Gap between phenomena scientifically. Girls, instead, were The 2015 PISA study shows greater regional speaking schools, but in 2015 the score points among Swedish-speaking boys, as their smallest figures among the participating Science fails determining factors were related to attitudes Greece 455 - - 92
Mathematics proficiency averages boys and girls equally proficient in all content, competency differences in Finland than ever before. (522) had shrunk to only 9 points lower performance is below the OECD average and countries and economies. to motivate whereas in the OECD countries they were Chile 447 - - 86
larger than before and process categories. The outcomes of students in metropolitan than in Finnish-speaking schools (531). The substantially weaker than among Finnish- The impact of socio-economic background It has been generally recognised in the related to socio-economic background. Bulgaria 446 - - 102
548 In the PISA 2015 international comparison Helsinki were substantially higher than in the difference is no longer statistically significant. speaking students. on science proficiency was the greatest in past decades that ever diminishing numbers Motivation and knowledge form a United Arab Emirates 437 - - 99
544 Uruguay 435 - - 87
541 on scientific literacy, boys were on average Minimal differences rest of the country in all content categories The score points in mathematics countries such as France, Czech Republic, of students are interested in starting a self-perpetuating cycle, where motivation Romania 435 - - 79
536 four point scores better than girls. In Finland, between schools but of the survey. The poorest outcomes were performance (520) in Swedish-speaking effect of socio-economic New Zealand, Hungary, Singapore, the career in occupations that involve science. improves knowledge and knowledge fuels

PSJG = Peking, Shanghai, Jiangsu, Guangdong | Source: OECD, PISA 2015 Database
Cyprus 433 - - 93
PISA focus the gap between boys and girls, 19 score growing disparities recorded in western and eastern Finland. schools were the best in the Nordic countries background stronger Netherlands, and Belgium. The most The imbalance between the genders in motivation. This is a cycle that should be Moldova 428 - - 86
519 511 points higher for girls, was the widest in the between different areas Relative to the earlier surveys, outcomes and 10 points better than those of Finnish- than before equitable countries, instead, included students of science has given rise to concern. achieved as early as possible and then be Albania 427 - - 78
Turkey 425 - - 79
OECD countries. Girls in Finland came Differences between schools are still minimal have deteriorated the most in eastern speaking schools (510). In previous PISA The educational background and occupation Hong Kong, Iceland and Russia. Educational The factors underlying competencies in strengthened throughout the school years Trinidad and Tobago 425 - - 94
pisa 2000 pisa 2003 pisa 2006 pisa 2009 pisa 2012 pisa 2015
second best among the girls in all the in Finland relative to the participating Finland and in rural areas whereas the level surveys, the drop in performance appears of parents and family wealth (socio-economic equity in the rest of the Nordic countries science are numerous and interlinked. In and academic studies. This is important Thailand 421 - - 78
participating countries and economies countries and economies. Variance in schools of outcomes in metropolitan Helsinki has to have ceased among Swedish-speaking background) are linked to science proficiency was better in Denmark and Norway than in this complex web, students own motivation not only from the viewpoint of personal Costa Rica 420 - - 70
after Singapore. In the comparisons among on the science scale was a mere 8% of the remained the same and even improved. students while it has continued to deteriorate among students in all participating countries Finland. Estonia also scored much better and attitudes are intertwined with the development but also from that of the whole Qatar 418 - - 99
Colombia 416 - - 80
Science proficiency averages boys, Finnish boys ranked in tenth place. total score variation in the OECD countries. among Finnish-speaking students. This and economies. This was the first time ever than Finland. Sweden, instead, fell behind learning opportunities that the home and of society. The motivation and attitudes Mexico 416 - - 71
In Finland, 14% of boys and 8% of girls Iceland was the only country where this Differences between means that Swedish-speaking students now in the PISA programme that this index was Finland and was significantly below the school afford and with the expectations of young people in Finland, especially Montenegro 411 - - 85
563 performed poorly. The equivalent average figure was even smaller. But the gap between Swedish-speaking outperform Finnish-speaking students in higher (41 points) in Finland than in the OECD average. and attitudes of parents and teachers. females, are reasons why mathematically Georgia 411 - - 91
554 figures for the OECD countries were 24% the best and the weakest schools in Finland and Finnish-speaking mathematics performance. OECD countries on average (39 points). The effect of the familys socio-economic Motivation to study science, valuing of and scientifically talented students fail Jordan 409 - - 84
Indonesia 403 - - 68
548 546 for girls and 22% for boys. Finland was the seems to have widened marginally relative schools narrowed down Score points in reading performance (506) The OECD average has remained virtually background was also more transparent science and degree of confidence in scientific to show interest in a career in these Brazil 401 - - 89
only country where girls outperformed boys to the 2006 PISA survey. However, in the While the science scores in Finnish-speaking among Swedish-speakers still lag behind unchanged over time whereas in Finland than before in the reading and mathematics knowledge were substantially below the fields. This, in turn, has a bearing on the Peru 397 - - 77
538 PISA focus among the top performers. In Finland, girls vast majority of cases the between-school schools have fallen substantially, those in Finnish-speakers (528) but the gap is now it has grown steadily. When the focus was proficiency of students in Finland. The OECD average in Finland or at best in the regular lamentations that the poor level of Lebanon 386 - - 90
531 Tunisia 386 - - 65
outperformed boys in all areas of science performance differences were so minimal Swedish-speaking schools have remained slightly narrower, mainly owing to a lower last on scientific literacy in 2006, the index average reading proficiency level has same range as the OECD average. However, competencies among entrants in mathematics
Macedonia 384 - - 85
competencies. Boys did best on average in that, taking into account the level of virtually unchanged. In 2006, the score performance level among Finnish-speaking value in the relation between socio-economic dropped the most in schools where there there is a strong connection between factors and science disciplines means that it is Kosovo 378 - - 71
the content category of physical systems, precision of the survey, they can be deemed points (531) in Swedish-speaking schools students. However, attention should focus background and science proficiency was are many students from the lowest socio- related to motivation and attitudes and difficult to pursue and complete studies Algeria 376 - - 69
pisa 2000 pisa 2003 pisa 2006 pisa 2009 pisa 2012 pisa 2015
in content knowledge and in explaining insignificant. were 43 points weaker than in Finnish- especially on poor reading performance 31 points in Finland. This was one of the economic backgrounds. scientific literacy. In Finland, the most successfully. Dominican republic 332 - - 72
0 100 200 300 400 500

* +above below Fi n n ish / o ecd averag e | sd=stan dard d eviati o n

 Finland*
Average score points

points

OECD*
in scientific literacy

SD
Ranking of
students
36.2 Poor performers:
Levels 1a, 1b and Understanding science more important than ever, Singapore
Japan
556
538
+ + 104
+ + 93
proficiency
levels in 29.1 29.2
below level 1b.

Top performers
because most problems in society are linked to Estonia
Taiwan
534
532
+ 89
+ 100

its content and phonomena.

Finland 531 + 96
scientific Level 6 Macao (China) 529 + 81
literacy (%) 26.0 Canada 528 + 92
pisa 2006 Vietnam 525 + 77
pisa 2015 Hong Kong (China) 523 - + 81
PSJG (China) 518 - + 103
Korea 516 - + 95
New Zealand 513 - + 104
19.1 Slovenia 513 - + 95
Australia 510 - + 102
17.0 - + 100
United Kingdom 509
Germany 509 - + 99
Netherlands 509 - + 101
13.3 Switzerland 506 - + 100
11.9 Ireland 503 - + 89
11.4
Belgium 502 - + 100
Denmark 502 - + 90
Poland 501 - + 91
Portugal 501 - + 92
Norway 498 - + 96
United States 496 - 99
4.0 4.0 2.4
Austria 495 - 97
poor level 2 level 3 level 4 level 5 level 6 France 495 - 102
Sweden 493 - 102
OECD countries 493 - 94
Czech Republic 493 - 95
Spain 493 - 88
Reading proficiency averages Latvia 490 - 82

Russian Federation 487 - - 82
547 547 Luxembourg 483 - - 100
543 Italy 481 - - 91
536 Hungary 477 - - 96
PISA focus Lithuania 475 - - 91
524 526 Croatia 475 - - 89
Buenos Aires (Arg) 475 - - 86
Iceland 473 - - 91
pisa 2000 pisa 2003 pisa 2006 pisa 2009 pisa 2012 pisa 2015 Israel 467 - - 106
Malta 465 - - 118
Slovakia 461 - - 99
Gap between phenomena scientifically. Girls, instead, were The 2015 PISA study shows greater regional speaking schools, but in 2015 the score points among Swedish-speaking boys, as their smallest figures among the participating Science fails determining factors were related to attitudes Greece 455 - - 92
Mathematics proficiency averages boys and girls equally proficient in all content, competency differences in Finland than ever before. (522) had shrunk to only 9 points lower performance is below the OECD average and countries and economies. to motivate whereas in the OECD countries they were Chile 447 - - 86
larger than before and process categories. The outcomes of students in metropolitan than in Finnish-speaking schools (531). The substantially weaker than among Finnish- The impact of socio-economic background It has been generally recognised in the related to socio-economic background. Bulgaria 446 - - 102
548 In the PISA 2015 international comparison Helsinki were substantially higher than in the difference is no longer statistically significant. speaking students. on science proficiency was the greatest in past decades that ever diminishing numbers Motivation and knowledge form a United Arab Emirates 437 - - 99
544 Uruguay 435 - - 87
541 on scientific literacy, boys were on average Minimal differences rest of the country in all content categories The score points in mathematics countries such as France, Czech Republic, of students are interested in starting a self-perpetuating cycle, where motivation Romania 435 - - 79
536 four point scores better than girls. In Finland, between schools but of the survey. The poorest outcomes were performance (520) in Swedish-speaking effect of socio-economic New Zealand, Hungary, Singapore, the career in occupations that involve science. improves knowledge and knowledge fuels

PSJG = Peking, Shanghai, Jiangsu, Guangdong | Source: OECD, PISA 2015 Database
Cyprus 433 - - 93
PISA focus the gap between boys and girls, 19 score growing disparities recorded in western and eastern Finland. schools were the best in the Nordic countries background stronger Netherlands, and Belgium. The most The imbalance between the genders in motivation. This is a cycle that should be Moldova 428 - - 86
519 511 points higher for girls, was the widest in the between different areas Relative to the earlier surveys, outcomes and 10 points better than those of Finnish- than before equitable countries, instead, included students of science has given rise to concern. achieved as early as possible and then be Albania 427 - - 78
Turkey 425 - - 79
OECD countries. Girls in Finland came Differences between schools are still minimal have deteriorated the most in eastern speaking schools (510). In previous PISA The educational background and occupation Hong Kong, Iceland and Russia. Educational The factors underlying competencies in strengthened throughout the school years Trinidad and Tobago 425 - - 94
pisa 2000 pisa 2003 pisa 2006 pisa 2009 pisa 2012 pisa 2015
second best among the girls in all the in Finland relative to the participating Finland and in rural areas whereas the level surveys, the drop in performance appears of parents and family wealth (socio-economic equity in the rest of the Nordic countries science are numerous and interlinked. In and academic studies. This is important Thailand 421 - - 78
participating countries and economies countries and economies. Variance in schools of outcomes in metropolitan Helsinki has to have ceased among Swedish-speaking background) are linked to science proficiency was better in Denmark and Norway than in this complex web, students own motivation not only from the viewpoint of personal Costa Rica 420 - - 70
after Singapore. In the comparisons among on the science scale was a mere 8% of the remained the same and even improved. students while it has continued to deteriorate among students in all participating countries Finland. Estonia also scored much better and attitudes are intertwined with the development but also from that of the whole Qatar 418 - - 99
Colombia 416 - - 80
Science proficiency averages boys, Finnish boys ranked in tenth place. total score variation in the OECD countries. among Finnish-speaking students. This and economies. This was the first time ever than Finland. Sweden, instead, fell behind learning opportunities that the home and of society. The motivation and attitudes Mexico 416 - - 71
In Finland, 14% of boys and 8% of girls Iceland was the only country where this Differences between means that Swedish-speaking students now in the PISA programme that this index was Finland and was significantly below the school afford and with the expectations of young people in Finland, especially Montenegro 411 - - 85
563 performed poorly. The equivalent average figure was even smaller. But the gap between Swedish-speaking outperform Finnish-speaking students in higher (41 points) in Finland than in the OECD average. and attitudes of parents and teachers. females, are reasons why mathematically Georgia 411 - - 91
554 figures for the OECD countries were 24% the best and the weakest schools in Finland and Finnish-speaking mathematics performance. OECD countries on average (39 points). The effect of the familys socio-economic Motivation to study science, valuing of and scientifically talented students fail Jordan 409 - - 84
Indonesia 403 - - 68
548 546 for girls and 22% for boys. Finland was the seems to have widened marginally relative schools narrowed down Score points in reading performance (506) The OECD average has remained virtually background was also more transparent science and degree of confidence in scientific to show interest in a career in these Brazil 401 - - 89
only country where girls outperformed boys to the 2006 PISA survey. However, in the While the science scores in Finnish-speaking among Swedish-speakers still lag behind unchanged over time whereas in Finland than before in the reading and mathematics knowledge were substantially below the fields. This, in turn, has a bearing on the Peru 397 - - 77
538 PISA focus among the top performers. In Finland, girls vast majority of cases the between-school schools have fallen substantially, those in Finnish-speakers (528) but the gap is now it has grown steadily. When the focus was proficiency of students in Finland. The OECD average in Finland or at best in the regular lamentations that the poor level of Lebanon 386 - - 90
531 Tunisia 386 - - 65
outperformed boys in all areas of science performance differences were so minimal Swedish-speaking schools have remained slightly narrower, mainly owing to a lower last on scientific literacy in 2006, the index average reading proficiency level has same range as the OECD average. However, competencies among entrants in mathematics
Macedonia 384 - - 85
competencies. Boys did best on average in that, taking into account the level of virtually unchanged. In 2006, the score performance level among Finnish-speaking value in the relation between socio-economic dropped the most in schools where there there is a strong connection between factors and science disciplines means that it is Kosovo 378 - - 71
the content category of physical systems, precision of the survey, they can be deemed points (531) in Swedish-speaking schools students. However, attention should focus background and science proficiency was are many students from the lowest socio- related to motivation and attitudes and difficult to pursue and complete studies Algeria 376 - - 69
pisa 2000 pisa 2003 pisa 2006 pisa 2009 pisa 2012 pisa 2015
in content knowledge and in explaining insignificant. were 43 points weaker than in Finnish- especially on poor reading performance 31 points in Finland. This was one of the economic backgrounds. scientific literacy. In Finland, the most successfully. Dominican republic 332 - - 72
0 100 200 300 400 500

* +above below Fi n n ish / o ecd averag e | sd=stan dard d eviati o n

 Finland*
Average score points

points

OECD*
in scientific literacy

SD
Ranking of
students
36.2 Poor performers:
Levels 1a, 1b and Understanding science more important than ever, Singapore
Japan
556
538
+ + 104
+ + 93
proficiency
levels in 29.1 29.2
below level 1b.

Top performers
because most problems in society are linked to Estonia
Taiwan
534
532
+ 89
+ 100

its content and phonomena.

Finland 531 + 96
scientific Level 6 Macao (China) 529 + 81
literacy (%) 26.0 Canada 528 + 92
pisa 2006 Vietnam 525 + 77
pisa 2015 Hong Kong (China) 523 - + 81
PSJG (China) 518 - + 103
Korea 516 - + 95
New Zealand 513 - + 104
19.1 Slovenia 513 - + 95
Australia 510 - + 102
17.0 - + 100
United Kingdom 509
Germany 509 - + 99
Netherlands 509 - + 101
13.3 Switzerland 506 - + 100
11.9 Ireland 503 - + 89
11.4
Belgium 502 - + 100
Denmark 502 - + 90
Poland 501 - + 91
Portugal 501 - + 92
Norway 498 - + 96
United States 496 - 99
4.0 4.0 2.4
Austria 495 - 97
poor level 2 level 3 level 4 level 5 level 6 France 495 - 102
Sweden 493 - 102
OECD countries 493 - 94
Czech Republic 493 - 95
Spain 493 - 88
Reading proficiency averages Latvia 490 - 82

Russian Federation 487 - - 82
547 547 Luxembourg 483 - - 100
543 Italy 481 - - 91
536 Hungary 477 - - 96
PISA focus Lithuania 475 - - 91
524 526 Croatia 475 - - 89
Buenos Aires (Arg) 475 - - 86
Iceland 473 - - 91
pisa 2000 pisa 2003 pisa 2006 pisa 2009 pisa 2012 pisa 2015 Israel 467 - - 106
Malta 465 - - 118
Slovakia 461 - - 99
Gap between phenomena scientifically. Girls, instead, were The 2015 PISA study shows greater regional speaking schools, but in 2015 the score points among Swedish-speaking boys, as their smallest figures among the participating Science fails determining factors were related to attitudes Greece 455 - - 92
Mathematics proficiency averages boys and girls equally proficient in all content, competency differences in Finland than ever before. (522) had shrunk to only 9 points lower performance is below the OECD average and countries and economies. to motivate whereas in the OECD countries they were Chile 447 - - 86
larger than before and process categories. The outcomes of students in metropolitan than in Finnish-speaking schools (531). The substantially weaker than among Finnish- The impact of socio-economic background It has been generally recognised in the related to socio-economic background. Bulgaria 446 - - 102
548 In the PISA 2015 international comparison Helsinki were substantially higher than in the difference is no longer statistically significant. speaking students. on science proficiency was the greatest in past decades that ever diminishing numbers Motivation and knowledge form a United Arab Emirates 437 - - 99
544 Uruguay 435 - - 87
541 on scientific literacy, boys were on average Minimal differences rest of the country in all content categories The score points in mathematics countries such as France, Czech Republic, of students are interested in starting a self-perpetuating cycle, where motivation Romania 435 - - 79
536 four point scores better than girls. In Finland, between schools but of the survey. The poorest outcomes were performance (520) in Swedish-speaking effect of socio-economic New Zealand, Hungary, Singapore, the career in occupations that involve science. improves knowledge and knowledge fuels

PSJG = Peking, Shanghai, Jiangsu, Guangdong | Source: OECD, PISA 2015 Database
Cyprus 433 - - 93
PISA focus the gap between boys and girls, 19 score growing disparities recorded in western and eastern Finland. schools were the best in the Nordic countries background stronger Netherlands, and Belgium. The most The imbalance between the genders in motivation. This is a cycle that should be Moldova 428 - - 86
519 511 points higher for girls, was the widest in the between different areas Relative to the earlier surveys, outcomes and 10 points better than those of Finnish- than before equitable countries, instead, included students of science has given rise to concern. achieved as early as possible and then be Albania 427 - - 78
Turkey 425 - - 79
OECD countries. Girls in Finland came Differences between schools are still minimal have deteriorated the most in eastern speaking schools (510). In previous PISA The educational background and occupation Hong Kong, Iceland and Russia. Educational The factors underlying competencies in strengthened throughout the school years Trinidad and Tobago 425 - - 94
pisa 2000 pisa 2003 pisa 2006 pisa 2009 pisa 2012 pisa 2015
second best among the girls in all the in Finland relative to the participating Finland and in rural areas whereas the level surveys, the drop in performance appears of parents and family wealth (socio-economic equity in the rest of the Nordic countries science are numerous and interlinked. In and academic studies. This is important Thailand 421 - - 78
participating countries and economies countries and economies. Variance in schools of outcomes in metropolitan Helsinki has to have ceased among Swedish-speaking background) are linked to science proficiency was better in Denmark and Norway than in this complex web, students own motivation not only from the viewpoint of personal Costa Rica 420 - - 70
after Singapore. In the comparisons among on the science scale was a mere 8% of the remained the same and even improved. students while it has continued to deteriorate among students in all participating countries Finland. Estonia also scored much better and attitudes are intertwined with the development but also from that of the whole Qatar 418 - - 99
Colombia 416 - - 80
Science proficiency averages boys, Finnish boys ranked in tenth place. total score variation in the OECD countries. among Finnish-speaking students. This and economies. This was the first time ever than Finland. Sweden, instead, fell behind learning opportunities that the home and of society. The motivation and attitudes Mexico 416 - - 71
In Finland, 14% of boys and 8% of girls Iceland was the only country where this Differences between means that Swedish-speaking students now in the PISA programme that this index was Finland and was significantly below the school afford and with the expectations of young people in Finland, especially Montenegro 411 - - 85
563 performed poorly. The equivalent average figure was even smaller. But the gap between Swedish-speaking outperform Finnish-speaking students in higher (41 points) in Finland than in the OECD average. and attitudes of parents and teachers. females, are reasons why mathematically Georgia 411 - - 91
554 figures for the OECD countries were 24% the best and the weakest schools in Finland and Finnish-speaking mathematics performance. OECD countries on average (39 points). The effect of the familys socio-economic Motivation to study science, valuing of and scientifically talented students fail Jordan 409 - - 84
Indonesia 403 - - 68
548 546 for girls and 22% for boys. Finland was the seems to have widened marginally relative schools narrowed down Score points in reading performance (506) The OECD average has remained virtually background was also more transparent science and degree of confidence in scientific to show interest in a career in these Brazil 401 - - 89
only country where girls outperformed boys to the 2006 PISA survey. However, in the While the science scores in Finnish-speaking among Swedish-speakers still lag behind unchanged over time whereas in Finland than before in the reading and mathematics knowledge were substantially below the fields. This, in turn, has a bearing on the Peru 397 - - 77
538 PISA focus among the top performers. In Finland, girls vast majority of cases the between-school schools have fallen substantially, those in Finnish-speakers (528) but the gap is now it has grown steadily. When the focus was proficiency of students in Finland. The OECD average in Finland or at best in the regular lamentations that the poor level of Lebanon 386 - - 90
531 Tunisia 386 - - 65
outperformed boys in all areas of science performance differences were so minimal Swedish-speaking schools have remained slightly narrower, mainly owing to a lower last on scientific literacy in 2006, the index average reading proficiency level has same range as the OECD average. However, competencies among entrants in mathematics
Macedonia 384 - - 85
competencies. Boys did best on average in that, taking into account the level of virtually unchanged. In 2006, the score performance level among Finnish-speaking value in the relation between socio-economic dropped the most in schools where there there is a strong connection between factors and science disciplines means that it is Kosovo 378 - - 71
the content category of physical systems, precision of the survey, they can be deemed points (531) in Swedish-speaking schools students. However, attention should focus background and science proficiency was are many students from the lowest socio- related to motivation and attitudes and difficult to pursue and complete studies Algeria 376 - - 69
pisa 2000 pisa 2003 pisa 2006 pisa 2009 pisa 2012 pisa 2015
in content knowledge and in explaining insignificant. were 43 points weaker than in Finnish- especially on poor reading performance 31 points in Finland. This was one of the economic backgrounds. scientific literacy. In Finland, the most successfully. Dominican republic 332 - - 72
0 100 200 300 400 500

* +above below Fi n n ish / o ecd averag e | sd=stan dard d eviati o n

 Finland*
Average score points

points

OECD*
in scientific literacy

SD
Ranking of
students
36.2 Poor performers:
Levels 1a, 1b and Understanding science more important than ever, Singapore
Japan
556
538
+ + 104
+ + 93
proficiency
levels in 29.1 29.2
below level 1b.

Top performers
because most problems in society are linked to Estonia
Taiwan
534
532
+ 89
+ 100

its content and phonomena.

Finland 531 + 96
scientific Level 6 Macao (China) 529 + 81
literacy (%) 26.0 Canada 528 + 92
pisa 2006 Vietnam 525 + 77
pisa 2015 Hong Kong (China) 523 - + 81
PSJG (China) 518 - + 103
Korea 516 - + 95
New Zealand 513 - + 104
19.1 Slovenia 513 - + 95
Australia 510 - + 102
17.0 - + 100
United Kingdom 509
Germany 509 - + 99
Netherlands 509 - + 101
13.3 Switzerland 506 - + 100
11.9 Ireland 503 - + 89
11.4
Belgium 502 - + 100
Denmark 502 - + 90
Poland 501 - + 91
Portugal 501 - + 92
Norway 498 - + 96
United States 496 - 99
4.0 4.0 2.4
Austria 495 - 97
poor level 2 level 3 level 4 level 5 level 6 France 495 - 102
Sweden 493 - 102
OECD countries 493 - 94
Czech Republic 493 - 95
Spain 493 - 88
Reading proficiency averages Latvia 490 - 82

Russian Federation 487 - - 82
547 547 Luxembourg 483 - - 100
543 Italy 481 - - 91
536 Hungary 477 - - 96
PISA focus Lithuania 475 - - 91
524 526 Croatia 475 - - 89
Buenos Aires (Arg) 475 - - 86
Iceland 473 - - 91
pisa 2000 pisa 2003 pisa 2006 pisa 2009 pisa 2012 pisa 2015 Israel 467 - - 106
Malta 465 - - 118
Slovakia 461 - - 99
Gap between phenomena scientifically. Girls, instead, were The 2015 PISA study shows greater regional speaking schools, but in 2015 the score points among Swedish-speaking boys, as their smallest figures among the participating Science fails determining factors were related to attitudes Greece 455 - - 92
Mathematics proficiency averages boys and girls equally proficient in all content, competency differences in Finland than ever before. (522) had shrunk to only 9 points lower performance is below the OECD average and countries and economies. to motivate whereas in the OECD countries they were Chile 447 - - 86
larger than before and process categories. The outcomes of students in metropolitan than in Finnish-speaking schools (531). The substantially weaker than among Finnish- The impact of socio-economic background It has been generally recognised in the related to socio-economic background. Bulgaria 446 - - 102
548 In the PISA 2015 international comparison Helsinki were substantially higher than in the difference is no longer statistically significant. speaking students. on science proficiency was the greatest in past decades that ever diminishing numbers Motivation and knowledge form a United Arab Emirates 437 - - 99
544 Uruguay 435 - - 87
541 on scientific literacy, boys were on average Minimal differences rest of the country in all content categories The score points in mathematics countries such as France, Czech Republic, of students are interested in starting a self-perpetuating cycle, where motivation Romania 435 - - 79
536 four point scores better than girls. In Finland, between schools but of the survey. The poorest outcomes were performance (520) in Swedish-speaking effect of socio-economic New Zealand, Hungary, Singapore, the career in occupations that involve science. improves knowledge and knowledge fuels

PSJG = Peking, Shanghai, Jiangsu, Guangdong | Source: OECD, PISA 2015 Database
Cyprus 433 - - 93
PISA focus the gap between boys and girls, 19 score growing disparities recorded in western and eastern Finland. schools were the best in the Nordic countries background stronger Netherlands, and Belgium. The most The imbalance between the genders in motivation. This is a cycle that should be Moldova 428 - - 86
519 511 points higher for girls, was the widest in the between different areas Relative to the earlier surveys, outcomes and 10 points better than those of Finnish- than before equitable countries, instead, included students of science has given rise to concern. achieved as early as possible and then be Albania 427 - - 78
Turkey 425 - - 79
OECD countries. Girls in Finland came Differences between schools are still minimal have deteriorated the most in eastern speaking schools (510). In previous PISA The educational background and occupation Hong Kong, Iceland and Russia. Educational The factors underlying competencies in strengthened throughout the school years Trinidad and Tobago 425 - - 94
pisa 2000 pisa 2003 pisa 2006 pisa 2009 pisa 2012 pisa 2015
second best among the girls in all the in Finland relative to the participating Finland and in rural areas whereas the level surveys, the drop in performance appears of parents and family wealth (socio-economic equity in the rest of the Nordic countries science are numerous and interlinked. In and academic studies. This is important Thailand 421 - - 78
participating countries and economies countries and economies. Variance in schools of outcomes in metropolitan Helsinki has to have ceased among Swedish-speaking background) are linked to science proficiency was better in Denmark and Norway than in this complex web, students own motivation not only from the viewpoint of personal Costa Rica 420 - - 70
after Singapore. In the comparisons among on the science scale was a mere 8% of the remained the same and even improved. students while it has continued to deteriorate among students in all participating countries Finland. Estonia also scored much better and attitudes are intertwined with the development but also from that of the whole Qatar 418 - - 99
Colombia 416 - - 80
Science proficiency averages boys, Finnish boys ranked in tenth place. total score variation in the OECD countries. among Finnish-speaking students. This and economies. This was the first time ever than Finland. Sweden, instead, fell behind learning opportunities that the home and of society. The motivation and attitudes Mexico 416 - - 71
In Finland, 14% of boys and 8% of girls Iceland was the only country where this Differences between means that Swedish-speaking students now in the PISA programme that this index was Finland and was significantly below the school afford and with the expectations of young people in Finland, especially Montenegro 411 - - 85
563 performed poorly. The equivalent average figure was even smaller. But the gap between Swedish-speaking outperform Finnish-speaking students in higher (41 points) in Finland than in the OECD average. and attitudes of parents and teachers. females, are reasons why mathematically Georgia 411 - - 91
554 figures for the OECD countries were 24% the best and the weakest schools in Finland and Finnish-speaking mathematics performance. OECD countries on average (39 points). The effect of the familys socio-economic Motivation to study science, valuing of and scientifically talented students fail Jordan 409 - - 84
Indonesia 403 - - 68
548 546 for girls and 22% for boys. Finland was the seems to have widened marginally relative schools narrowed down Score points in reading performance (506) The OECD average has remained virtually background was also more transparent science and degree of confidence in scientific to show interest in a career in these Brazil 401 - - 89
only country where girls outperformed boys to the 2006 PISA survey. However, in the While the science scores in Finnish-speaking among Swedish-speakers still lag behind unchanged over time whereas in Finland than before in the reading and mathematics knowledge were substantially below the fields. This, in turn, has a bearing on the Peru 397 - - 77
538 PISA focus among the top performers. In Finland, girls vast majority of cases the between-school schools have fallen substantially, those in Finnish-speakers (528) but the gap is now it has grown steadily. When the focus was proficiency of students in Finland. The OECD average in Finland or at best in the regular lamentations that the poor level of Lebanon 386 - - 90
531 Tunisia 386 - - 65
outperformed boys in all areas of science performance differences were so minimal Swedish-speaking schools have remained slightly narrower, mainly owing to a lower last on scientific literacy in 2006, the index average reading proficiency level has same range as the OECD average. However, competencies among entrants in mathematics
Macedonia 384 - - 85
competencies. Boys did best on average in that, taking into account the level of virtually unchanged. In 2006, the score performance level among Finnish-speaking value in the relation between socio-economic dropped the most in schools where there there is a strong connection between factors and science disciplines means that it is Kosovo 378 - - 71
the content category of physical systems, precision of the survey, they can be deemed points (531) in Swedish-speaking schools students. However, attention should focus background and science proficiency was are many students from the lowest socio- related to motivation and attitudes and difficult to pursue and complete studies Algeria 376 - - 69
pisa 2000 pisa 2003 pisa 2006 pisa 2009 pisa 2012 pisa 2015
in content knowledge and in explaining insignificant. were 43 points weaker than in Finnish- especially on poor reading performance 31 points in Finland. This was one of the economic backgrounds. scientific literacy. In Finland, the most successfully. Dominican republic 332 - - 72
0 100 200 300 400 500

* +above below Fi n n ish / o ecd averag e | sd=stan dard d eviati o n

 design: ahoy print: lnnberg
Scientific literacy score
points - mean
FINLAND STILL
TOP-RANKING COUNTRY
563
BUT DROP IN SCORE POINTS
SECOND HIGHEST
Finlands average score in scientific literacy has
531 PISA 2015 is the sixth survey in the Programme for International Student Assessment dropped by 32 score points relative to 2006,
(PISA) produced through the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Develop- when the focus was last on science performance.

498
ment (OECD). PISA is a triennial survey which has been carried out since 2000, assess- The drop amounts to nearly one full academic years performance.
493
ing learning outcomes in reading and mathematical and scientific literacy. The focus
The PISA 2015 results show that proficiency among The PISA assessment shows that every year
OECD finland OECD finland
in the assessment rotates every assessment year. In 2006 and 2015 the focus was on
students in Finland is still among the best in the OECD the basic skills in scientific literacy of over 6,000 students
pisa 2006 pisa 2015
scientific literacy. The focus area is assessed in detail while the other areas are looked at in Finland are inadequate.
countries, even though the point scores have dropped

n
This increases the risk of coping with further studies
more briefly, mainly from the viewpoint of general developments in learning outcomes.

ipp d-men ne

n
significantly. The drop is partly explained by a record and with the demands of modern working life.

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hu ec le mi

high score in the reference year of 2006, but the new Scientific literacy score PISA 2015: This is the first time it was possible to assess the facts, concepts, ideas and theories related to the natural

ua ai
2006 563

j saa
points - boys and girls developments in scientific literacy in a reliable way over a world, procedural knowledge (knowledge of the standard
study has revealed trends that are of some concern. timespan of nearly a decade. Much of the science content procedures that are the foundation of the diverse methods 2015 531

o l
o
563 565
in this survey is the same as in the PISA 2006 assessment. and practices used to establish scientific knowledge) and
The mean score points in scientific literacy show that
This makes it possible to examine trends in the different epistemic knowledge (an understanding of the rationale for
15-year-olds in Finland ranked in third place among the OECD countries Higher
541 science content categories. the common practices of scientific enquiry, the status of the percentage
and in fifth place among all participating countries and economies. knowledge claims that are generated, and the meaning of of poor

tw nc in t
The best OECD performer was Japan. Singapore, Japan, Estonia and PISA scientific literacy assesses foundational terms such as theory, hypothesis and data).

m c es
522 performers:
Taiwan ranked higher than Finland among all the countries and economies. competencies needed in daily life A breakdown of the results is given in terms of overall 2006 4.1%

o e gh

e
The group of countries on a par with Finland consisted of Estonia, Taiwan, Scientific literacy highlights, in a manner characteristic to results, and by content and process categories and
2015 11.5%

e er be e as a be a e

th oy .Th rity try ls n

v r er hi

e
Macao (China), Canada and Vietnam. The results in all these countries PISA, the need to improve student proficiency and skills by competencies.

th t gir and y ls r n

ap e o rm m co gi e
Lower

an he lin ng re
le pe iff s
were well over the OECD average. Scientific literacy in the other Nordic in using and interpreting science in all kinds of everyday

dv rt ec o he
boys girls boys girls
percentage

r
OECD

4 d io a fu d am w

gi ses
countries ranked substantially below Finland. However, the results in situations. The PISA survey responds to this challenge Broad and

ge c in
of top

.
of rea
pisa 2006 pisa 2015

rls
ta r in e
comprehensive sample

to b rs jo n
Denmark and Norway were higher than the OECD average and Sweden by defining scientific literacy from four different angles. performers:

u
er th on d
Fi bo e f

ge fo s re th n
was in the same range as the average. Iceland was the only Nordic The context of each specific problem may range from the The target group used in the PISA 2015 assessment 2006 20.9%

r g nc fo e ly

e s e
a
2015 14.3%

e. fo ra ce
country to rank clearly below the OECD average. personal level of an individual to a level that encompasses consisted of students who had reached or would reach The percentage of

nd rm t p in e

n
s

tim ts) v a
Scientific literacy

r ge
e
the whole world. Three different types of competencies the age of 15 in the course of the assessment year (i.e.

m
554 poor performers in

st in D or
Finnish students were still among the best in reading literacy. score points

th p e s w w

e
come into play when solving problems of a scientific those born between February 1999 and January 2000). science has nearly

fir po C rf
f

e
a
place of

th cor e O in p
The level of proficiency in reading was by far the best in Singapore, followed nature, namely the ability to explain phenomena The material was collected from 168 schools using uniform trebled and the number

nl
residence 532

E
l

s th n
scientifically, to evaluate and design scientific enquiry and test arrangements. Altogether 6,431 students were of top performers has
by a group of fairly equal proficiency consisting of Hong Kong, Canada, 533

(9 sse but
dropped by close to one third.

d. of utc tun en n,

e
Finland and Ireland. The best performer among Finlands neighbouring to interpret data and evidence scientifically. To be able to randomly selected for the survey, and 93% of the sample

e e
a ri
nl es o o be ti
522

rp st
Fi r he p s ca
use these, the student must possess a sufficient level of students took part in the PISA test.

i
e
e e es

su e d
countries was Estonia, which came in sixth place, close behind the best five 517

n he , t op ha u

un in
Over 65% of those whose

k
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om iti
er t er g d ed

,
try

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co s
proficiency and a specific attitudinal predisposition. Owing to the nature of the sample, the likelihood of

ris
countries. Reading proficiency levels in the rest of the Nordic countries proficiency in science

st in ev in n in
northern
southern

r
ea se w rn nla k
In order for the PISA scientific literacy test to measure being selected for the PISA test varied from school to
western

Helsinki
eastern

d ho ho lea Fi oc
is poor perform poorly
Finland

Finland

Finland

Finland
were much lower than in Finland, even though the mean scores in Norway,

an t w, al at dr
at
comprehensively and reliably the students ability to use school, which may have resulted in a skewed sample

h
Sweden and Denmark exceeded the OECD average. The mean score in in mathematics and

t
rn om o qu th be
and apply their scientific knowledge and skills, the range composition relative to the basic population. This, along reading. Of these,

te fr . N e s s
ty

an t
Iceland ranked below the OECD average.

es ly as e ng d
w nt re vid thi lan
of tasks in the test must be wide and the situations must with potential distortions caused by non-response, was around two-thirds

m -
pisa 2015

t ic
ui
in a l a ro e in

an cio- e eff m no o
were boys.

e ific ra p th , F
be as authentic as possible. This means that each question adjusted in the statistical analyses by using weighting
Mathematical literacy has remained unchanged in Finland,

i o ci
eq
os n ru to f ty

ve u d h n s d ro ts
pe ha il e de i d
th sig nd le e o qui
in the science test measures one scientific content category coefficients from the sample for the schools and students.

lo nc wh av tu fam un
de ned nlan nce e o an ckg ren
ec So
ranking among the OECD countries in shared seventh place together with

d n e g n ly
pe ea occ ono ts t c
lly ffer n a ab On l e
al

ai Fi a av on ba a
only: physical systems, living systems and earth and space. By using weighting coefficients, it was possible to reach an

cia di ba en ks. na

d ec ec pa

m n rm h ati ic t p
Denmark. Japan, Korea, Switzerland, Estonia, Canada and the Netherlands Scientific literacy score

as c so 9 co ged it h row t
pe ki ur be ac io

rfo lth up m ha
In Finland, these correspond to the in subject content of imputed situation in the sample that was comparable to

un i as n
on
es lsin in as cr reg
ranked higher. Finland was in thirteenth place among all the participating points - effect of socio-

. er
physics, chemistry, biology, health education and the basic population. In the same context, it was verified

es th
economic background*

He oth it how ha
gi
countries and economies. There were seven Asian countries among the

tri n o
an b at s e t
geography in the school curriculum. that the outcomes related to the sample computed from

Re
lit nts th to im
fifteen top countries and economies: Singapore, Hong Kong, Macao,

so h
41 In addition, each task belongs to one of the following the sample data could be compared both internationally

T
po e is d t t
Taiwan, Japan, the region consisting of Peking, Shanghai, Jiangsu and

h
ro ud of rte rs
40

io r

co re f t F m ct
cognitive processes: content knowledge (knowledge about and with earlier PISA data.

et st d ta fi
39

th e d i n pa
m for rou s s the

at o
Guangdong, and Korea. The scores in the other Nordic countries were

un fe e nl c
w

es c a d
st
n

i
in l on un -eco im

tri ren sm an
iv Po

. e lle
p a is

o
av he t cl enc on
lower than in Finland and Denmark. The mean scores in Norway and

e
is

st gr io th
re i

i
er OE os e
t s i i
Th

to be sc at
Sweden exceeded the average for the OECD countries, though.

n
F g C e

w ba f 00
v

h
at to oti

la e in D

c
2
Iceland, however, ranked below the OECD average.

o
as d m

In

il o
ot
w te t

o
.
nd
n

k
31

e
re e

a
ud
m

in
St
l
Publication on the first results of the PISA 2015 assessment OECD finland OECD finland
(in Finnish) : www.minedu.fi/pisa
pisa 2006 pisa 2015

*When the economic, social and cultural status (ESCS) index rises by one standard deviation