Using International Test Results in Educational Research

The course will analyze the origin and rationales given for various international tests, including FIMS, SIMS, TIMSS, PISA, the UNESO tests in Latin America and Africa, and how they have been used in research and educational policy. The readings will cover the critiques leveled at such tests, the pros and cons about each type of test, the advantages and limitations of using international test data for policy research. The class will probably also do group projects utilizing data from the tests so students can familiarize themselves directly with the data.