Evaluation of Turkey’s PISA Reading Literacy Scores

Abstract

The purpose of the current study is to evaluate Turkey’s International Student Assessment Program (PISA) reading literacy scores in view of Turkish Language teachers. For this reason the study was designed as a case study, one of qualitative approach. In the research, the data were collected from 15 Turkish language teachers through interviews. An interview form was developed and used as a data collection tool. Content analysis techniques were used to evaluate the research data obtained. As a result of the research, it was identified that most of the Turkish teachers did not follow the PISA results. Teachers regarded to the missing information and indifference as a reason for their incomplete command of this subject. The reason why teachers follow PISA results is to evaluate Turkey’s success in the field of education and to see the educational situation of other countries. Teachers also stated that it is necessary to follow the current developments in education as a requirement of their profession. A number of teachers assessed Turkey’s reading literacy scores in PISA as relatively low by pointing out the society’s and students’ lack of reading habit. In addition, they stated that the education system is not suitable for being successful in PISA. They offered that the education system, curriculum and course books should be updated in order to reach the desired score in PISA. They also suggested that teachers should be informed about PISA and its measurement and evaluation processes.