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The 2022 Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), a globally recognized study assessing educational standards, has brought to light some concerning trends in the German education system.
The study, conducted every three years by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), tested approximately 600,000 15-year-olds from 81 countries, including 5,500 from Germany. This year’s results indicate a significant downturn in educational performance, particularly in Germany, although this decline is part of a broader global trend.
Across the board, the PISA study observed a general decline in educational standards. The average mathematics scores fell by an equivalent of three-quarters of a year’s learning, while reading scores dropped by about half a year. This decline in performance means students are struggling with basic arithmetic and have difficulties interpreting simple texts. The only exception to this trend was observed in Asia, where students showed improved performances in all three assessed areas: mathematics, reading, and science.
Germany’s performance in the 2022 PISA assessment was particularly alarming. German students recorded their lowest scores ever, joining peers from Poland, Norway, the Netherlands, and Iceland in experiencing a drop of 25 points or more in various subjects. In mathematics, German pupils scored 475, a notable decrease from 500 in the previous study. Reading scores also fell from 498 to 480, and science scores declined from 503 to 492. Despite these decreases, Germany still remains slightly above the OECD average in these areas.
The 2022 results recall the first PISA study in 2000, which also placed Germany below the OECD average, highlighting correlations between social background and educational opportunities. This recurring issue, combined with the challenges posed by the transition to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, has exacerbated the situation. Germany’s inadequate preparation for digital learning and a significant worker shortage in the education sector have further hindered student performance.
One major concern identified is the lack of linguistic support for pupils, especially those from immigrant backgrounds. With over a quarter of the German population coming from a migrant background, PISA director Doris Lewalter emphasizes the need for dedicated efforts to help these children learn the German language. However, the problem is not solely attributed to language barriers, as native German speakers also showed poor performance in the assessments.
The PISA 2022 results serve as a wake-up call for the German education system. Addressing the challenges of digital learning, teacher shortages, and providing adequate linguistic support are essential steps towards improving educational outcomes. With these measures, there is hope for reversing the declining trend and enhancing the quality of education for all students in Germany.
