Causes of 8th Grade Students Low Achievement in TIMSS Study-2015 from Science Teachers and Educational Supervisors

The aim of the study was to examine causes of low achievement among Jordanian 8th grade students in TIMSS study- 2015 from science teachers and educational supervisor. Another objective of the study was to examine the role of position (teacher, supervisor), gender, experience, educational directorate on their perceptions. To achieve this aim, a (51) items questionnaire was administrated to the science male and female teacher whose schools have reported under average level in TIMSS study- 2015; totaling (100) teachers and (114) educational supervisors. The results of the study showed that causes of lower achievement among Jordanian 8th grade students were at high levels from science teachers and educational supervisors perceptions as school administration related causes ranked first. The results found no statistically significant differences due to gender in causes for low achievement in TIMSS, while differences were found in school administration related causes due to educational directorate, in favor of middle region, due to experience, in favor of (6-10) years of experience. In light of results, the study recommended the need for organizing conferences with ministry of education officials and science teachers to discuss the how to overcome the causes behind low achievement level in TIMSS study. Finally, future research is needed to compare the results reported in high achievement countries in TIMSS study with the ones reported in Jordan.