Use and Impact of TIMSS
The Kingdom of Bahrain’s TIMSS 2011 National Report identified significant indicators of weakness in teaching and learning mathematics and science.15 Bahrain’s results in mathematics and science did not meet international standards. In fact, 2011 results in both mathematics and science were very close to the TIMSS 2007 results. All schools that participated in TIMSS 2011 received a copy of the TIMSS 2011 National Report to allow them to compare their scores with the scores of other schools. Because the report provides feedback on student achievement, the study has the potential to impact teaching and learning. The report was shared with policymakers in education to help facilitate the development of new policies, to address the shortfalls identified in student performance and mathematics and science instruction.
One major indicator taken into consideration in Bahrain was the difference in achievement between girls and boys. This achievement gap led the Ministry to conduct several workshops for senior male teachers and to begin monitoring their performance in class rigorously. The Ministry also has invited several teachers from every school to join the TIMSS National Center to further enhance their teaching skills and to share their experiences with fellow teachers.
Bahrain’s participation in TIMSS, TIMSS Numeracy, and PIRLS will continue, and participation in PISA has been recommended highly.