TIMSS is a trend study conducted every four years with the aim of examining the competency levels of fourth-grade students as well as their technical skills in the subjects of mathematics and science/technology. 

For example, the study aims to answer the following questions:

• What factors influence the development of students’ science/technology and mathematics skills and competencies?
• What significance does the framework have for students’ and teachers’ experience of mathematics and science/technology teaching?
• How do the learning outcomes vary across the different schools in Denmark and across the participating countries?

What is the purpose of TIMSS?

The aim of the study is to support teachers, school leaders and decision-makers in order to continue developing and strengthening the quality of teaching in mathematics and science/technology. 

The study has the following focus areas:

• The students’ skills and knowledge within mathematics and science/technology
• The students’ use of mathematics and science/technology when solving problems
• The students’ argumentation and academic justifications in mathematics and science/technology
• The students’ academic and social well-being
• The school’s physical surroundings
• The teachers’ teaching practice and experience of their work environment

This way, TIMSS helps to clarify how any structures, cultures and conditions in the educational systems of the participating countries influence the diverse results of those countries. 

The survey should therefore not be seen as a competition between the countries but as an opportunity to compare and learn from the various good ways of working with mathematics and science/technology in the various educational systems.

Data security and anonymity                                                     

The participating schools and classes were randomly selected, providing a representative sample of Danish primary and lower secondary schools with one or more fourth-grade classes.

TIMSS 2023 is conducted in accordance with Section 10, Article 6(1)(e) of the GDPR (regarding statistical scientific studies), but does not publish data that can be attributed to named individuals or institutions.

This applies both in Denmark and internationally. DPU thus only provides IEA with anonymised data.