Potential Factors That Explain the Difference Between Mathematics Achievement of Students in Korea and Turkey According to PISA 2018

The purpose of this study is to examine the difference between the potential factors (time spent using digital devices during mathematics lessons in a school week, perceived feedback, and competitiveness of students) influencing mathematics achievement of students in Korea and Turkey. The study sample was comprised of 13440 students who were 15 years old and in grade 7 (or above) in Korea and Turkey. As the data were obtained from the PISA 2018 dataset to compare independent variables at one single time, the design of the study was causal-comparative research. Students in Korea and Turkey were compared according to the variables by using independent sample t-tests. There was a significant difference between Turkey and Korea in each category. It was found that the time spent using digital devices during mathematics lessons in a school week of students in Turkey was higher than that of students in Korea. Students in Turkey were more competitive than those in Korea. However, the results showed that students in Korea perceived more feedback than students in Turkey. The current study also discusses the implications and recommendations based on the findings and literature.