THE RELEVANCE OF USING THE PISA INTERNATIONAL ASSESSMENT PROGRAM IN TEACHING PRIMARY SCHOOL SCIENCE

Аннотация

The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) provides a valuable framework for evaluating and improving science education. While primarily designed for 15- year-olds, its principles can enhance primary school science instruction by promoting inquiry- based learning, critical thinking, and real-world problem-solving. Integrating PISA’s methodologies helps develop scientific literacy, encourages hands-on exploration, and aligns teaching practices with global educational standards. This paper explores how PISA’s approach can be adapted to primary education, addressing benefits, challenges, and the role of technology in fostering scientific understanding. By aligning early science education with PISA principles, studentsgainessential skillsforfuture academicand real-lifeapplications. Keywords:PISA, primary science education, inquiry-based learning, scientific literacy, critical thinking, real-world applications, education assessment, technology in education The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) is one of the most influential international assessment programs, evaluating students' proficiency in reading, mathematics, and science. Conducted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), PISA measures how well 15-year-old students apply their knowledge to real-world problems. Although PISA assessments focus on students nearing the end of compulsory education, its principles can be highly relevant for shaping primary school science education. By integrating PISA’s methodologies and frameworks into early education, teachers can enhance scientific literacy, foster critical thinking, and better prepare students for future academicsuccess. Science education in primary schools serves as the foundation for developing scientific inquiry skills, problem-solving abilities, and logical reasoning. Traditionally, science instruction has often emphasized memorization of facts rather than application of knowledge. However, PISA advocates for an approach that prioritizes understanding and real-world application, ensuring students are equipped with the skills necessary to navigate scientific challenges in everyday life. Implementing PISA’s principles in primary education can help young learners develop curiosity, engage in inquiry-based learning, and apply scientific concepts to practical situations. PISA assesses students’ scientific knowledge, competencies, and attitudes, focusing on their ability to explain phenomena, interpret data, and evaluate evidence. It measures not just what students know but how effectively they can use that knowledge in new and unfamiliar contexts. This approach is crucial for primary school science, as it encourages students to develop analytical skills, experiment with different hypotheses, and explore the world around page796 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ISSN:2692-5206,ImpactFactor:12,23 AmericanAcademicpublishers,volume05,issue02,2025 Journal: https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai them. When young learners engage in hands-on scientific exploration, they build a deeper understanding of fundamental concepts and become more motivated to pursue science-related learning. The integration of PISA-aligned strategies into primary science teaching promotes inquiry-based learning, which shifts the focus from rote memorization to active problem-solving. Inquiry-based learning encourages students to ask questions, formulate hypotheses, conduct experiments, and analyze results. Instead of merely presenting information about plant growth, for instance, teachers can guide students to plant seeds under different conditions and observe how various factors influence their development. This interactive learning method mirrors the scientificprocesses assessed in PISA, reinforcing critical thinking andpractical application. Real-world applications of science concepts further enhance primary education by making lessons more relevant and engaging. PISA assessments evaluate students’ ability to apply scientific principles to everyday life, such as understanding climate change, health issues, or technological advancements. Introducing real-life problems into the classroom—such as investigating the effects of pollution on local ecosystems or exploring how simple machines work—helps young learners see the relevance of science in their daily lives. This approach not only deepens understanding but also nurtures a sense of responsibility and curiosity about the world. Another essential aspect of PISA’s framework is fostering scientific reasoning, which involves interpreting data, making predictions, and drawing evidence-based conclusions. Primary school students can develop these skills through activities such as analyzing temperature patterns, predicting the weather, or classifying different materials based on their properties. Encouraging young learners to think critically about the information they receive, rather than simplyaccep