TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's education system achieved remarkable success in the 2023 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), with fourth and eighth graders ranking second globally in mathematics, the Ministry of Education (MOE, 教育部) unveiled in early December.
In science, the country secured third and second places, respectively, trailing only Singapore. This accomplishment highlights Taiwan's top academic performance, comparable to Japan and South Korea, and significantly above the international average.
The TIMSS results also revealed concerning trends in student engagement. Taiwanese students scored below the international average in interest and confidence, suggesting a potential future scenario of high achievement but low interest. The MOE has acknowledged these findings and expressed its commitment to enhancing educational policies.
To address these challenges, the ministry plans to create a supportive learning environment tailored to students' needs. They aim to foster interest and confidence through play-based learning and practical inquiry activities that help students grasp abstract concepts concretely.
