Philippines Lowest in Reading Comprehension Among 79 Countries

Introduction

• The Philippines scored the lowest in reading comprehension among 79 countries in the 2018 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA).
• The assessment, conducted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), evaluates 15-year-old students’ knowledge in reading, mathematics, and science.

PISA Results Highlights

• The Philippines scored an average of 340 in reading, significantly lower than China (555) and the OECD average (487).
• The country also ranked second-lowest in mathematics (353) and science (357), only above the Dominican Republic.
• China topped the rankings in both mathematics and science.

Performance Details

• Both boys and girls in the Philippines ranked lowest among the participating countries in reading.
• Reading proficiency is highlighted as essential for various human activities, including following instructions, understanding events, and communication.
• The Philippines displayed the largest percentage of low performers in reading among socio-economically disadvantaged students.

Socio-Economic Factors

• Socio-economic status accounts for 18% of the variance in reading performance in the Philippines, compared to the OECD average of 12%.
• The country has the largest average class sizes of 15-year-olds and the highest student-to-teacher ratios in disadvantaged schools.
• The Philippines recorded the highest percentage of students reporting being bullied at least a few times a month.

Filipino Officials’ Reactions

• Education Secretary Leonor Briones expressed that they did not expect high marks, referencing the National Achievement Test showing low proficiency in Science, Math, and English.

Conclusion

• The 2018 PISA results have highlighted significant challenges in the Philippines' education system, particularly in reading comprehension and socio-economic inequalities affecting student performance.
• These findings suggest a need for policy and educational practice reform to improve learning outcomes and address socio-economic disparities.