The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) is an initiative by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) designed to evaluate student performance globally. Its main features include:
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Literacy Approach: PISA assesses not only students' mastery of the school curriculum but also their ability to apply this knowledge to participate fully in contemporary society.
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Long-Term Commitment: Over a decade, PISA enables countries to regularly measure their progress towards key learning objectives.
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Targeted Age Group: By focusing on 15-year-olds, PISA provides insight into the performance of school systems and offers a glimpse into students' readiness for life's challenges.
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Relevance to Lifelong Learning: Beyond evaluating knowledge and skills, PISA assesses self-regulated learning, motivation to learn, and preferences for different learning environments.
PISA's assessment methodology comprises three dimensions: process (skills and strategies used), content (knowledge required), and context (real-world application). The PISA approach emphasizes authenticity and educational validity, incorporating culturally sensitive frameworks that reflect the diverse educational contexts of OECD member countries.
Sample tasks from the PISA 2000 assessment are provided to illustrate the assessment process and its alignment with the conceptual framework. These tasks are scored based on criteria that reflect the assessment's objectives, offering insights into how student performance is evaluated within the broader context of education and skill development.
In summary, PISA serves as a collaborative tool for policymakers, educators, and researchers, facilitating comparisons across countries and informing educational policies aimed at enhancing learning outcomes and preparing students for the demands of the modern world.
