Lithuanian primary school students perform the best in mathematics in Europe, but teachers caution that the statistics should be interpreted carefully

Saturday, Jan 25, 2025

Delfi

Lithuanian TIMSS results show improvement but decline post-fourth grade; systemic changes and individual focus are key.

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[This is an automatically generated summary, for reference only]

TIMSS research, conducted consistently for three decades, shows that while Lithuanian fourth-grade student results are high and improving, they decline after the fourth grade. Experts suggest this decline could be due to the transition to a subject-based system, increased curriculum load, or motivational issues, trends seen internationally. However, some caution that TIMSS, which tests content knowledge, differs from PISA, which focuses on applying mathematical knowledge, suggesting PISA results might be more indicative of long-term success. Furthermore, some attribute high scores to later school start ages in Lithuania and Poland. While systemic improvements are underway in Lithuania, including a 2023-2030 plan to enhance mathematics education through teacher support, student resources, and curriculum refinement, the impact of these changes is not yet fully reflected in statistics. Educators emphasize the need to shift mathematics teaching towards practical application, integrating it across subjects like STEAM, and recognize the growing importance of individual attention, which is crucial for overcoming student difficulties and boosting motivation.

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