The Relationship between Opportunity to Learn and Students' Science Achievement in TIMSS 2003

[[abstract]] In this study, we analyzed the relationship between opportunity to learn and the science achievement of grade 8 students in Taiwan with the database of TIMSS 2003, and established a predictable regression model with factors of opportunity to learn. The results showed that: 1) when teachers spent less time on classroom management and assigned homework with appropriate frequency, the academic learning time would be longer and the students would get higher science achievement; 2) the students in the classes with assessments once a week had the highest science achievement; 3) there was no significant relationship between teaching resources and science achievement; 4) the better learning environment and climate was, the higher science achievement; 5) the more parents supported, the higher science achievement; 6) the best item for predicting the science achievement of students was parents’ support. There were several suggestions in this study for schools, teachers and parents: schools should provide sufficient information equipment, make the sufficient application, repair old and dangerous buildings and setup security. Teachers should increase their ability in classroom management, assign homework for the students in 30~60 minutes with appropriate frequency and give tests before monthly exam. Parents should apply support for children’s learning and school activities.