Australian children, teachers struggle with math, report shows

By Anadolu staff

ANKARA (AA) - It is not only the Australian children who are struggling with mathematics, but many teachers lack the confidence to teach the subject even at a year six level, a new report showed on Monday.

A Grattan Institute study has found that just 13% of Australian year four students excelled on a 2023 international math test, compared with 22% in England, 16% in Ireland and 32% in Japan, local broadcaster SBS News reported.

Just 11% of Australians excelled at year eight level.

The report called for a number of government commitments, including a long-term goal of 90% numeracy proficiency on National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) testing, clearer guidance to schools on teaching methods and more professional development for teachers.

NAPLAN is an annual assessment for students in years 3, 5, 7 and 9.

The report also found some teachers lacked the confidence to teach year six math, while many were concerned about their colleagues' ability to teach the subject.

According to Jordana Hunter, education program director at Grattan Institute, Australia had deprioritized math for decades.

"Governments have also been too slow to rule out faddish but unproven math teaching methods," she said.

Joanna Barbousas, an education expert at La Trobe University, said the study made it clear action was needed to halt the "numeracy crisis."