A couple of days ago, the results for the PISA 2022 tests were published, bringing along new data on how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected student performance and well-being. 

However, the studies show that moving to an online environment was not the biggest risk factor for students, as one would expect. 

Overview of the PISA 2022 results and its significance 

PISA, or The Programme for International Student Assessment, is a study conducted globally by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in member and non-member nations. 

The study, initially launched in 2000, is a catalyst for testing 15-year-olds’ skills and academic levels in reading, mathematics, and science and the last test was conducted in 2018 before COVID-19 happened. 

Compared to the last test scores from 2018, the mean performance fell by 10 score points in reading and by almost 15 score points in maths, according to the OECD’s report. 

Understanding the PISA 2022 Results 

The 2022 PISA results show that Education is done differently from country to country. 

If, for some countries, the period of COVID-19 didn’t signify a roadblock in education, others seem to have been affected by the transition to digital learning. 

Key findings from PISA 2022 - according to the PISA Report Summary 

• Eighteen countries and economies performed above the OECD average in mathematics, reading and science in 2022 
• Between 2018 and 2022, mean performance in mathematics across OECD countries fell by a record 15 points 
• Reading fell 10 points, twice the previous record, whereas science performance did not change significantly 
• On average, reading and science trajectories had been falling for a decade, though math had remained stable between 2003-2018 
• Colombia, Macao (China), Peru and Qatar improved in all three subjects on average since they began to take part in PISA. 
• Many countries, including Cambodia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Indonesia, Morocco, Paraguay and Romania, have rapidly expanded access to education over the past decade - making significant progress towards universal secondary education

Struggles in specific areas 

The studies show that children who have not been going to school for longer periods have been scoring lower on PISA tests than those who returned to school quicker during the COVID-19 period. 

This should not mean that digitalisation is not the way, but the fact that we might not prepared to tackle it responsibly or accordingly. 

The report of the results also notes the fact that there were significant differences in test results between students who reported receiving extra support from teachers during the COVID-19 period and those who had to learn autonomously most of the time. 

Challenges in Traditional Education Systems 

The PISA report highlighted some challenges that the current education system faces worldwide: 

• Inadequate Resources 
• Teacher Shortages and Quality 
• Outdated Curricula and Teaching methods 

When it comes to the topic of wellbeing in schools, some countries are doing a great job in turning schools into safe spaces and focusing on their students’ wellbeing. 

However, this is not the case everywhere, and there’s still much to improve.

This is exactly why online high schools like Spark School are fighting the great fight of making education universally accessible for students no matter where they are in the world. Because everyone should have a chance to get a quality education. 

Advantages of Online Education in Overcoming Educational Disparities 

Online education offers crucial advantages in addressing educational disparities: 

1. Accessibility: Reaching remote and underserved areas 

Online platforms like MySpark can bridge gaps by providing access to education for remote and underserved areas, as highlighted by the results revealed by the PISA 2022 testing. 

2. Customised Learning: Tailoring education to individual needs 

Tailored learning experiences cater to individual needs and learning paces, ensuring inclusive education regardless of diverse learning abilities. 

At Spark, students can study what they want, when they want to, from anywhere in the world. Because they understand the need for different types of learning and lifestyles. 

3. Quality Resources: Access to updated, high-quality educational materials 

Access to regularly updated, high-quality educational materials enriches learning experiences, surpassing limitations faced by traditional education systems in resource availability. 

4. Global Collaboration: Breaking down geographical barriers to learning and collaboration 

Geographical barriers are dismantled as online education enables global interactions and cultural exchange, fostering global competencies. 

Key things to take away 

Education is and will always be in a constant state of change. 

In a world where academic stability is not always granted automatically, online schools like Spark want to be the beacon of hope for ambitious students needing quality education. 

With technology still on the rise, we should be mindful of the changes happening in our society, and we should learn to trust and consider technology an ally in our lives.

Lots of courses are freely available on the internet, and for other things like digital literacy, we should learn to be our own teachers. 

After all, autonomous learning was one of the weak points that the PISA 2022 reported in students. 

Remember… 

No matter if we are enrolled in a traditional schooling system or not, there are always additional resources available to us - thanks to digitalisation. 

The Spark Cambridge Academic courses are a great resource for students enrolled in traditional education systems to enhance their learning experiences and be better prepared for University Admission. 

And for students dreaming of flexibility and a curriculum tailored to their needs, the Spark High School experience might be the best possible fit. 

And just like that, learning can happen anytime, from anywhere in the world.

*This is Partner Content.