Which country has the best education in the world? - The Global Story podcast, BBC World Service

Summary

In this episode of The Global Story, Lucy Hockings and experts Sean Coughlan and John Jerrim explore the global landscape of education. They discuss the factors influencing educational success, such as funding, teacher quality, and cultural values, using the Pisa tests as a key measure. The conversation highlights high-performing countries like Singapore and Estonia, while addressing challenges like educational inequality, access for girls in war-torn regions, and the impact of poverty. The episode emphasizes that education systems are not fixed and can be changed to improve outcomes for all students.

Takeaways

• 😀 The global education system is often ranked using the Pisa tests, which assess 15-year-olds' skills in reading, maths, and science across about 80 countries.
• 😀 Countries like South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Estonia consistently perform well in the Pisa rankings, often outperforming larger, historically wealthier nations.
• 😀 While Pisa tests focus heavily on academic achievement, some countries are pushing for a broader definition of education, including well-being, creativity, and social-emotional skills.
• 😀 Despite high academic achievement, East Asian education systems face criticism for intense pressure on students, leading to concerns about the holistic quality of education.
• 😀 The impact of education extends beyond academic success; it influences economic outcomes, job opportunities, and even societal stability, with better education systems linked to higher-income economies.
• 😀 Smaller, newer countries like Singapore, Estonia, and Taiwan have achieved remarkable educational success, often due to a strong national focus on education and equity.
• 😀 The age at which children start school varies by country, with countries like Finland delaying formal education until age 7, though the impact of starting early or late is not clear-cut.
• 😀 Teacher quality is crucial for educational success, with strong evidence showing that students with better teachers perform significantly better. However, teacher quality alone is not the only factor.
• 😀 In countries like the US and UK, education systems struggle with inequality, where wealth and geography greatly influence the quality of education a student receives, leading to lower Pisa rankings.
• 😀 Barriers to education, such as poverty, conflict, and corruption, prevent millions of children worldwide from accessing schooling, with girls in particular often facing additional discrimination and exclusion.

Q & A

What is the most commonly used measure to assess the quality of education systems worldwide?

The most commonly used measure is the PISA tests, which assess students at the age of 15 in reading, mathematics, and science across over 80 countries.

Which countries consistently perform well in the PISA tests?

East Asian countries such as South Korea, Singapore, and Hong Kong consistently perform well. Finland, Estonia, and Canada also perform strongly in the PISA rankings.

Why are some countries like France, Germany, and Italy not performing as well in the PISA tests despite their history and wealth?

These countries, despite having a lot of resources and history, have been outpaced by newer or smaller nations like Singapore and Estonia. Their education systems are being outperformed by countries with different approaches to education and equity.

How do the PISA tests measure more than just academic achievement?

In recent years, the OECD has incorporated assessments of softer skills, such as creativity, as well as questionnaires capturing students' well-being and confidence, which provide a broader picture of education quality.

How important is teacher quality in the success of education systems?

Teacher quality is crucial, as studies show that having a high-quality teacher can result in significant learning gains. However, while important, it is not the only factor in why some countries perform better than others.

What role does the level of funding play in improving education systems?

Funding is essential for providing the necessary resources, such as qualified teachers, adequate infrastructure, and support systems for students. However, how the money is spent is equally important, and a focus on equity and supporting all students is key.

What are some of the key differences between countries that perform well in PISA tests, such as Singapore and Estonia?

Countries like Singapore and Estonia have a strong focus on equality in education, ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, achieve a certain level of proficiency. These countries also emphasize ambitious educational goals and cultural commitment to improving education.

Why does the United States perform moderately in the PISA tests despite its strong universities?

The United States' overall performance is impacted by large disparities in education quality across different states. Wealthy states like Massachusetts perform well, while poorer regions, such as the southern states, significantly drag down the average performance.

What impact does war and conflict have on children's access to education?

War and conflict often prevent children from attending school, as seen in regions like Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine. This results in long-term consequences, including limited literacy and future opportunities, leading to economic and social challenges.

Why is it considered a 'scandal' that tens of millions of children do not have access to education?

It is considered a scandal because, despite global progress, there are still millions of children who are deprived of basic education due to war, poverty, corruption, and mismanagement. Lack of education affects children's ability to navigate modern life and limits their opportunities for success.