Research

National Surveys

The National Surveys team at ACER conduct a number of large-scale surveys that involve nationally-representative samples of students - Australian students or students in other countries. This work involves expertise in sampling and weighting of representative samples, survey design and implementation in multiple formats, managing the collection and marking of secure assessments in multiple subject areas, data analysis and reporting of results with a national focus to a variety of audiences.

Current projects being managed by the National Surveys team include Australia’s participation in the OECD Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), the Progress of International Reading Literacy Survey (PIRLS), supporting the participation of other nations and economies in these international comparative studies through the provision of marking, analysis and reporting, and other surveys of the Australian student population in areas as diverse as student well-being through to knowledge of primary industries in Australian society.

The overall focus of ACER’s Educational Monitoring and Research Division is to provide research evidence to improve learning across the lifespan. Researchers work on a range of projects that focus on early childhood through primary and secondary school, VET and higher education, examining key issues around improving teaching and learning, analysis of policy and evaluation of a variety of programs for both students and educators.

Selected projects in this area