Here is an introduction text above publications. To be revised …
Volume 3: Issue 3 TIMSS SA Newsletter – Education legislation and budgeting
July 2018
The legislative goals of ensuring quality education for all cannot be achieved without adequate
and appropriate resources. These resources give weight to the policies, raising the odds of
successful implementation. This month’s newsletter focuses on legislation, budgeting and school
resources.
Published in: 2018
Keywords: Education Budget / School infrastructure
Volume 3: Issue 2 TIMSS SA Newsletter – Educator well-being
April 2018
In the current educational climate, where schools are trying to improve learner achievement with limited resources,
educator well-being may be overlooked as a ‘nice to have’ rather than as a vital component of the educational system.
However, from an organisational perspective, employee well-being is an important factor for educational qualit ...
Published in: 2018
Keywords: Health of educators / Learner achievement / South African educators
Volume 3: Issue 1 TIMSS SA Newsletter – Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study National Reports
February 2018
We are pleased to present the South African Trends in International Mathematics and Science
Study (TIMSS) National Reports. South Africa participated in the TIMSS for the fifth time in
2015. TIMSS assesses learners in mathematics and science, as well as exploring the
relationship between school and home contexts and learner performance in these ...
Published in: 2018
Keywords: TIMSS National Reports
Volume 2: Issue 9 TIMSS SA Newsletter – School Climate
September 2017
School climate refers to the character and quality of social interactions which take place in schools and to the intangible
elements of the school environment. School climate involves multiple dimensions (such as bullying, violence, leadership,
belonging) within schools, and involves learners and teachers, as well as parents. The learning environ ...
Published in: 2017
Keywords: Bullying in school / School leadership / School safety
Volume 2: Issue 8 TIMSS SA Newsletter – Language and Learning
June 2017
Language plays a crucial role in learning. Learners are taught all subjects in their school’s language
of learning and teaching (LoLT). Fluency of this language, especially when it is different to a
learner’s home language, impacts on learners’ ability to understand concepts and to take part in
classroom discussion. Language experts contin ...
Published in: 2017
Keywords: Education and Languages / Language and Literacy
Volume 2: Issue 7 TIMSS SA Newsletter – Early Learning: Getting the Best Start Possible
April 2017
Engaging in learning activities at home and in preschool, prior to entering Grade 1, is crucial for children’s
cognitive, development and impacts on their achievement in school. A child’s early experiences contributes to the
development of learning skills as well as social and emotional abilities. The April 2017 issue of the TIMSS
newsletter ...
Published in: 2017
Keywords: Early learning
Volume 2: Issue 6 TIMSS SA Newsletter – The Matric Issue
February 2017
The National Senior Certificate examination results are used as an important barometer to
evaluate progress made in the South African education system. The class of 2016 boasted an overall pass
rate of 72.5%, compared to 70.7% in 2015. The first issue of 2017 focuses on the Matric results and the
results of TIMSS 2015 to provide insights into th ...
Published in: 2017
Keywords: Grade 12 / Learner Performance / Matrics
Volume 2: Issue 10 TIMSS SA Newsletter – Understanding How Learners Think
November 2017
South African learners have performed poorly in national and international assessments. There have been
improvements over the years, but much remains to be done. What we need to understand is why learners
answer questions the way they do. Diagnostic item analysis is a tool that can help us understand learners’
thinking, enabling us to identify ...
Published in: 2017
Keywords: Mathematics Grade 9 / Quantitative error analysis in mathematics / Science Grade 9 / Teacher classroom practices
Volume 2: Issue 5 TIMSS SA Newsletter – TIMSS 2015: how did we do?
December 2016
The results of the 2015 TIMSS cycle were released on the 29th November 2016. South Africa participated in TIMSS 2015 at the Grade 5 level
in Numeracy, and at the Grade 9 level in both Mathematics and Science. These results provide important information about the state of
mathematics and science education in the country and what is required for im ...
Published in: 2016
Keywords: Grade 5 and Grade 9 results / Mathematics Grade 5 / Mathematics Grade 9 / Science Grade 9
Volume 2: Issue 4 TIMSS SA Newsletter – TIMSS 2015 Results Launch on 29 November 2016
November 2016
We are excited to announce the South African release of the TIMSS 2015 results. In collaboration with the
Department of Basic Education, the Grade 9 Mathematics and Science, and Grade 5 Mathematics results
will be launched on 29 November. In addition, two highlights documents, one for each grade, will also be
released. 2015 was the first year th ...
Published in: 2016
Keywords: Grade 5 and Grade 9 results / Large Scale Assessments in SA