International Comparison Tests and Transformation of National Education Policies: A Critical Perspective

Abstract

The demand for international comparison exams and their importance in the education policy agenda are increasing day by day. These examinations effectively generate references and justifications for educational policies in the transformation of global education and reforms in the education systems of countries. In the literature, it is possible to find many studies that examine the effects of these exams and both support and criticize these applications. In this study, examples are given in the context of the literature on the effects of international comparison exams on the education policies of countries; Criticism of the reforms made based on both the comparison tests and the results of these tests were mentioned. Finally, recommendations have been made for the implementation of these exams and changes in national education policy. As a result, the creation of an education system that focuses on standardized tests causes irreparable harm to students and educators. Neglecting differences and local values and evaluating the education system only with multiple choice tests lead to negative consequences in societies. Seeing the effects of the reforms in a short time causes doubts; media produces destructive and exaggerated discourses about education systems.

Keywords

• International exams
• PISA
• TIMSS
• PIRLS
• Education Policy

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