MUT not happy on the way educational system is analyzed

eachers’ Union, MUT, is not happy that the education system is being analyzed by international studies and its opinion is that the country should take a decision whether to continue participating in these studies in which, year after year, show that Maltese students are below the European countries average. MUT expressed its opinion after it commissioned an initial study on three international evaluation processes, known as TIMSS, PIRLS and PISA which from time to time show the skills and competencies of Maltese students in particular subjects.

The international evaluations study on Maltese students competencies that is carried out with various international tests was made by Dr Vincent Marmara who, among others, analyzed the teachers’ perceptions on them and also found discrepancies between what the international tests are trying to examine to that being thought in classes. While presenting the results of his research, Dr Marmara said there are differences between results of students who attend independent and church schools to those attending government schools, although teachers’ and educator’s perceptions on the tests are similar.

Dr Marmara stated, “obviously there are other reasons, even the way and mentality on how one teaches certain subjects as these tests focus very much on the student’s thinking skills; therefore there might be some differences”.

MUT President Marco Bonnici said that training in Maltese classes is based on a syllabus which examines competencies which are not being reflected in the way questions are drafted in the international evaluations. He added that the teachers’ union is skeptical on whether Maltese students should continue to participate in these tests.

“We are still not convinced that we are looking at these studies in the same way. That is, we may rethink as a country which studies we should participate in and those we should abandon”, Mr Bonnici said.

He called on the Education Ministry to continue building on this study, saying that it should look at the situation where many students consider these international tests as irrelevant. He appealed for greater emphasis on science subjects, especially in the primary and stressed on the need of adequate resources.

Opposition spokesperson on Education, Clyde Puli, said that this study serves as a guide on what needs to be addressed so that the Maltese educational system is more effective.

Education Minister, Evarist Bartolo, said the mechanism being used to evaluate Maltese students’ skills does not necessarily reflect the values they learn in the classes.

Source: https://www.tvm.com.mt/en/news/mut-not-happy-on-the-way-educational-system-is-analyzed/