TIMSS & PIRLS

Previous studies

Previous TIMSS studies in Australia

In each of the TIMSS cycles, a sample of schools representing all school systems throughout the country is selected using random sampling procedures to represent Australia. One class at each level from each school is randomly selected to take part in the study. Year 4 and Year 8 in all states and territories participated in TIMSS 2003 and 2007. In addition, in 2003, Year 9 was also tested in Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory to enable comparability with TIMSS 1999. The level of participation of the selected schools determines whether Australia's results are used in international comparisons. The commitment of those schools which participated in the study was invaluable to its success.

TIMSS 2007

Towards the end of 2006, over 8,000 Australian students in Year 4 and Year 8 participated in the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS 2007). These students completed tests in mathematics and science achievement, and answered questionnaires on their background and experiences in learning mathematics and science at school. School principals and the students' mathematics and science teachers also completed detailed questionnaires. In 58 other countries students, teachers and principals completed the same tests and questionnaires.

TIMSS 2003

Towards the end of 2002, over 10,000 Australian students in Year 4 and Year 8 participated in the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS 2002/03). These students completed tests in mathematics and science achievement, and answered questionnaires on their background and experiences in learning mathematics and science at school. School principals and the students' mathematics and science teachers also completed detailed questionnaires. In 45 other countries students, teachers and principals completed the same tests and questionnaires.

TIMSS Video 1999

The TIMSS-R Video Study, complimentary to TIMSS-R, is a cross-national study of Year 8 classroom mathematics and science teaching. The study involves videotaping and analysing teaching practices in more than one thousand classrooms in various countries. Eighty-seven Australian schools took part in the TIMSS-R Video Study in 1999. The study was conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, under a contract with LessonLab, Inc. of Los Angeles, California. ACER is responsible for coordinating Australia's participation.

There is more information available at the TIMSS Video section of this website.

TIMSS R - 1999

In 1998/99 TIMSS was conducted at the lower secondary level in 38 countries, including Australia. Over 4000 students from 170 schools around Australia were tested in mathematics and science. Extensive contextual information about the mathematics and science curricula, home contexts, and school characteristics and polices was collected from students, teachers and schools.

TIMSS 1995

In 1994/95 TIMSS (Third International Mathematics and Science Study) was conducted at five grade levels in more than 40 countries, including Australia. Almost 14,000 students from more than 570 lower secondary level classes and over 12,000 students from about 540 middle primary level classes from 349 schools around Australia were tested in mathematics and science. In addition, 3200 Year 12 students from 88 schools around Australia sat tests in advanced mathematics, physics or general mathematics and science literacy. Contextual information about the teaching and learning of mathematics and science was collected from students, teachers and schools.

National reports on Australia 's standing in past TIMSS studies are available at Data and Reports section.