TIMSS 2023 Results: A Call to Action for Mathematics Education in France
The TIMSS 2023 results have just been published, and they are clear: French students continue to underperform in mathematics compared to their international peers.
This worrying situation highlights the major challenges facing the French education system and underlines the urgency of improving students’ mathematical skills. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the causes and solutions to these problems, including by analyzing assessment results and student performance.
The alarming figures of the TIMSS 2023 results
Maths: the gaps are widening between middle school students (TIMSS 2023)
Score below average
French middle school students scored 479 in mathematics, well below the OECD and European Union average of 507 points. In comparison, Italy scored 501 points and Sweden 517 points. These scores highlight the gaps in French national education.
Low percentage of advanced level students
According to the TIMSS 2023 results, only 3% of French students achieved an advanced level in mathematics, compared to 11% in the average of participating countries. This means that the majority of French students do not have the advanced skills needed to solve complex mathematical problems, a worrying finding for the Ministry of Education.
Increased gaps
The gaps between the highest and lowest performing students are widening. In four years, the gap between these two groups has increased by 34 points. Today, 17% of French students have not reached the basic level in mathematics, compared to 3% in 1995 and 12% in 2019. This drop in academic level is a major challenge for high schools and middle schools.
Root causes of TIMSS 2023 results
Several factors contribute to these disappointing results:
Gender inequalities
Gender inequality in mathematics is increasing, with boys performing better than girls. In addition, girls report being less confident than boys in their mathematical abilities, with 40% of them feeling low confidence compared to 54% of boys. This raises significant educational inequalities.
School climate
School climate plays a significant role. For example, 18% of students report experiencing disruptive behavior during most of their math lessons, up from 11% in 2019. This directly impacts the quality of teaching and student learning, especially in primary and preschools.
What solutions are there to improve mathematical education in France?
Faced with these challenges, it is essential to put in place concrete solutions to improve the teaching of mathematics in France, in response to the TIMSS 2023 results:
Innovative educational programs for TIMSS 2023 results
Adopt innovative teaching programs, such as the Singapore method, that have proven effective in other countries. This helps to focus on hands-on, interactive learning of mathematics, thereby improving students’ academic performance.
Smaller classes to improve TIMSS 2023 results
Reduce class sizes to allow for personalized attention to each student. This helps bridge gaps and support struggling students, promoting effective learning that is tailored to individual needs.
The example of Da Vinci Private School
At Da Vinci Private School, international school near Montpellier, we have implemented several initiatives to meet the challenges of teaching mathematics, in response to the TIMSS 2023 results:
Singapore Method
We use the Singapore Method to teach mathematics in a concrete and interactive way, allowing students to firmly anchor mathematical concepts. This educational approach is particularly beneficial for CM2 students and all elementary students to prepare them for college and the world of tomorrow.
Small class sizes
Our small class sizes allow for personalized attention to each student, promoting effective learning that is tailored to individual needs. This helps improve academic outcomes and reduce educational inequalities.
Passionate teachers
Our teachers are selected for their passion and expertise in their field. This ensures high-quality teaching and consistent support for students, which is essential for both high-achieving students and those who struggle academically. By choosing Da Vinci Private School, parents are providing their children with a quality education, preparing future generations to meet the challenges of an ever-changing world.
Preserving self-confidence
Focus on skills: Competency-based assessment at Da Vinci Private School recognizes what a child can do, helping the child to gain self-confidence, self-esteem and self-respect. This approach avoids sending negative images that could destroy the child's confidence capital.
Constructive evaluations: At Da Vinci Private School, assessments are designed to maintain students’ self-confidence. They are positive and constructive, allowing the child to maintain confidence in their skills throughout their school career, by valuing recent progress and questioning acquired skills when they are not consolidated.4.
Climate of trust: The school creates a climate of trust where the child can express his doubts, his questions, and assert his knowledge and skills. This allows the child to feel personally concerned and motivated in his learning.3.
Conclusion
The TIMSS 2023 results are a call to action for the French education system. Therefore, it is crucial to take concrete steps to improve mathematics teaching, by adopting innovative teaching programs, reducing class sizes and continuously training teachers.
At Da Vinci Private School, we are committed to providing high-quality education, preparing our students for a bright future filled with opportunity, while promoting equity and reducing social inequalities.
Change your child's future today and make an appointment today to come visit our school.