Use of Information Communications Technology (ICT) in Malaysian Science Teaching; A Microanalysis of TIMSS 2011

AbstractICT is a resource that is used by many science teachers worldwide. An evaluation of ICT use in learning science was carried out by Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2011. Resources used by teachers as classroom instruction is one of the major factors that influence students’ achievements. The objectives of this paper are to examine the use of ICT in teaching science in Malaysia and the effects on students’ achievement based on the TIMSS 2011 results. The results revealed that the average science score of Malaysian Form Two students was 426 which was lower than the international TIMSS scale average and Malaysian Form Two students were ranked number 32 in science among 45 participating countries. This study revealed that 33% of students were taught by teachers who used ICT for science instruction. This was about doubled the international average (16%). However, the percentage of students who had computers available for science lessons was 17% and the use of computers in a month was very low (14-17%). Students seldom use ICT to look up ideas and information, to perform scientific procedures or experiments, to study natural phenomena through simulations, to process and analyze data and to practice skills and procedures. Based on these findings, implications towards science teacher education will be discussed