A Cross-National Examination of the Effect of the Schwartz Human Values on PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) Performance Assessments

• In Event: 32.083 - Roundtable Session 12
  In Roundtable Session: 32.083-10 - Social Contexts Research in International Education Settings

Abstract

The present study aimed to highlight societal cultural values as significant factors in explaining a country’s students’ performance in PISA assessments. Combining the data from the World Values Survey with the PISA scores database, we examined how the Schwartz values relate to student achievement at the national level. Results of hierarchical regression analysis indicated that when controlling for GDP per capita, tradition remains the best predictor of PISA tests in the three core disciplines. Beyond economic disparity, cultural values, the tradition value in particular, play a significant role in explaining academic achievements per country. Paradoxically, while globalization challenges traditions; still, the tradition may serve to build group identities, and national solidarity necessary in the global ere.

Authors

• Pascale Sarah Benoliel, Bar-Ilan University

• Izhak Berkovich, The Open University of Israel