Skip to main content
European Commission logo

Eurydice

EACEA National Policies Platform:Eurydice
Mathematics and science learning in schools 2022

Comparative Reports

Comparative Reports

Mathematics and science learning in schools 2022

16 June 2022
Increasing achievement and motivation in mathematics and science learning in schools.

In our fast-changing and technology-driven societies, education in mathematics and science is crucial for ensuring that children and young people have the necessary skills, knowledge and mind-set to be responsible and active citizens. Despite the emphasis on numeracy and scientific literacy in the European Education Area, the share of pupils not reaching basic achievement levels remains considerably above the agreed maximum of 15%.

This report investigates what education authorities across Europe do to strengthen student motivation, raise achievement and help those that are falling behind in mathematics and science. It brings together qualitative Eurydice data on national policies and legislation in 39 European education systems, and quantitative data from several student assessment surveys. The results highlight the importance of allocating sufficient instruction time, providing timely learning support, ensuring specialised teacher training and monitoring student achievement systematically. Ample examples are provided on how the mathematics and science curricula can foster reflection and relate to students’ lives.

Chapters:

Chapter 1: Student achievement in mathematics and science

Chapter 2: Teaching and learning in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic

Chapter 3: Instruction time

Chapter 4: Curriculum organisation, teachers and assessment

Chapter 5: Teaching and learning to increase motivation

Chapter 6: Supporting low achievers

Chapter 7: Towards a conclusion: explaining differences in low-achievement rates

 

Infographics: Increasing achievement and motivation in mathematics and science learning in schools
Image
Factors influencing achievement
Image
Home environment - Instruction time
Image
National tests - Ethics and science
Image
Learning support - Teacher shortage

Latest Comparative Reports

2024 - Eurydice publications

16 April 2025

In 2024, Eurydice published a number of reports on various educational topics. An overview of our 2024 publications is now available. With just one click, you can easily get access to all our reports!

...

Teachers and school heads salaries and allowances in Europe 2022/2023 – Fact sheet

02 April 2025

The fact sheet provides key findings on salaries and allowances of full-time, fully qualified teachers and school heads. It covers 39 education systems within the Eurydice network and is based on the most recent data for reference year 2022/2023.

...

Key data on early childhood education and care in Europe - 2025

24 January 2025

Early childhood education and care (ECEC) is a basic right for all children and a foundation for lifelong learning. It plays a critical role in reducing inequalities and enhancing women’s participation in the workforce. This third edition of Key data on early childhood education and care in Europe aims to help build accessible, inclusive and high-quality ECEC systems by providing policymakers, researchers and parents with detailed data and examples of ECEC policies across Europe.

...

The European Higher Education Area in 2024: Bologna Process Implementation Report

27 May 2024

The Bologna Process Implementation report provides an overview of the latest policy commitments in the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) and assesses their implementation across the countries. 

...