Journal of Education and Human Development

Updated Content of Education in Kazakhstan: Longitudinal Trajectories of Learning Performance in Mathematics and Science
Dimiter Milkov Dimitrov, Olga Ivanovna Mozhayeva, Aidana Senbekovna Shilibekova, Dinara Balakazovna Ziyedenova, Zamira Kenshilbayevna Rakhymbayeva

Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of the Updated Content of Education (UCE) project in Kazakhstan on longitudinal trajectories of learners‟ performance on diagnostic tests conducted under the piloting of UCE (2015/2019) in the areas of Mathematics and Science. Research Methods. A longitudinal growth modeling was used to study targeted UCE effects based on a study sample of 2,509 students from 30 pilot schools and 1,082 from control schools. Findings. The results revealed positive UCE effects on the learners‟ growth and performance in Mathematics and Science, the presence of two latent classes of growth trajectories in Science, no gender effects, and partial effects of school location (rural/urban) on the learners‟ performance. Implications for Research and Practice. It is necessary to continue the work on development of teachers‟ professional competencies, the development of teaching aids and didactic materials, and criteria-based assessments. Learners from different latent classes of performance in Science need to be identified and provided with support in differential learning strategies.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jehd.v9n1a9