Potential predictors of student attainment: A longitudinal study at global level

Using panel data from the last five PISA cycles and data on various institutional variables, the role of ICT resources, parents' occupation, school characteristics and institutions in student attainment was explored. The data were collected from 2.5 million students in 94 countries/economies representing more than 140 million students worldwide. Fixed-effects (FE) models with robust standard errors were constructed and analyzed. The main findings included (i) students with mothers that attained a higher occupational status are more successful in all subjects but the same predisposition does not hold true for fathers; (ii) an effective government does not necessarily mean an effective education system; (iii) relax environment in politically and economically freer countries may hinder academic success; (iv) internet connections at schools may not be used properly and/or for educational purposes; (v) students in overcrowded classes perform worse than those in lightly populated ones; and (vi) use of ICT resources at schools contributes to success in mathematics. The urgent need for uniform and better micro-level data on education in terms of quality, quantity and frequency is highlighted.

Automated summary

This study investigates the effects of ICT resources, parents' occupation, school characteristics, and institutions on student attainment using panel data from the last five PISA cycles. The findings suggest that the occupational status of mothers positively influences student success in all subjects, while the same predisposition does not hold true for fathers. The study also reveals that an effective government does not necessarily translate into an effective education system and that a relaxed environment in politically and economically freer countries may hinder academic success. Additionally, the use of ICT resources at schools contributes to success in mathematics. The study emphasizes the urgent need for improved micro-level data on education in terms of quality, quantity, and frequency.