The Results of PISA 2003

In PISA, mathematical literacy means "an individual's capacity to identify and understand the role that mathematics plays in the world, to make well-founded judgements and to use and engage with mathematics in ways that meet that individual's life as a constructive, concerned and reflective citizen".

Mathematical literacy entails analysing, explaining and communicating ideas and posing, formulating and solving mathematical problems in diverse areas of life and in varied everyday situations.

PISA stresses the application of mathematical knowledge in contexts that entail understanding, reflecting on and explaining matters.

In addition, PISA looked into problem-solving skills. In PISA, problem solving means young people's ability to address and solve problems across subject boundaries, where the route to a solution is not necessarily immediately obvious and in which helpful knowledge areas are not necessarily limited to the domains of mathematics, science or literacy.

The results of PISA 2003 were released in December 2004. In Finland the process was conducted by the Institute for Educational Research (University of Jyväskylä).

In 2003 there were 41 participating countries /economies, of which 30 were OECD members.

 

          

The Finnish Succes in PISA 2. PISA 2003

OECD PISA 2003: Young Finns among the World Top in Learning Outcome
press release 7.12.2004