According to a study by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, countries worldwide struggle with math. The study tested the math skills of 15-year-olds in 76 countries. It found that students in Asian countries outperformed their peers in other countries, such as Singapore, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.
However, students in Western countries, such as the United States and the United Kingdom, lagged. The study also found a wide range of abilities within each country. For example, in the United States, students from lower-income families scored an average of 2 years behind their peers from higher-income families.
This gap is even wider in other countries. For example, in the United Kingdom, students from low-income families scored three years behind their peers from high-income families.
The Countries Struggling The Most With Math
17. The Czech Republic
The Czech Republic has the tenth-highest percentage of 18-29-year-olds with low numeracy math skills, at 10.8 percent among OECD countries. This is according to the results of the latest Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA).
The PISA results are based on a test taken by half a million 15-year-olds in 72 countries and economies. They show how well young people are prepared for life after school. While the Czech Republic’s overall performance in math has improved since the last PISA test in 2012.
There is still a significant difference between the haves and have-nots regarding numeracy skills. This gap is particularly worrying, given that numeracy skills are increasingly important in our digital world.
16. Estonia
Estonia has 10.8 percent of 18-29-year-olds with low numeracy math skills in the OECD countries. This is according to the latest Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) results, which were released on Tuesday.
The PISA results showed that Estonia’s 15-year-olds scored 507 points in math, below the OECD average of 496 points. The results also showed that 10.8 percent of Estonian students did not reach Level 2 in math, considered the minimum level needed to function in today’s society.
Estonia’s poor showing in math is a cause for concern, as math skills are increasingly important in our digital world. Math skills are needed for jobs such as data analysis and coding, which are becoming more prevalent as our economy becomes more digitized.
15. Austria
According to a new study, Austria is one of the countries struggling the most with math. The study, which was conducted by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), found that 11.1 percent of 18-29-year-olds in Austria have low numeracy skills.
This is the 15th-highest percentage among all OECD countries. However, the study also found that Austria ranks near the bottom in math achievement among 15-year-olds. In 2015, only 31 percent of Austrian students reached the “intermediate” level or higher in math, compared to the OECD average of 48 percent.
So why are Austrians struggling with math? One reason may be that math education in Austria is not compulsory past age 10. As a result, many students do not get the opportunity to develop their math skills beyond a basic level.
14. Sweden
In a recent study by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Sweden was found to have 11.6 percent of 18-29-year-olds with low numeracy math skills out of all the countries studied. This is a cause for concern as mathematical ability is essential for many jobs in today’s economy.
There are various reasons why Sweden may have such a high percentage of young people with low math skills. One possibility is that the Swedish educational system does not place enough emphasis on mathematics. Another option is significant disparities in educational opportunities between different socioeconomic groups in Sweden.
Whatever the reasons for Sweden’s poor performance in mathematics, it is clear that something needs to be done to improve the situation. Otherwise, Sweden risks falling behind other countries in terms of economic competitiveness.
13. Slovakia
In the OECD countries, Slovakia ranks 12.8 percent of 18-29-year-olds with low numeracy math skills. This means that out of the 29 countries in the OECD, Slovakia is struggling the most when it comes to math skills among young adults.
The OECD average for this age group is 7.9 percent. In addition to ranking low compared to other countries in the OECD, Slovakia also has a significant gender gap in numeracy skills.
While 6.1 percent of young men in Slovakia have low numeracy skills, 17.4 percent of young women struggle in this area. This lack of math skills can be attributed to several factors, including poor educational quality and a lack of resources dedicated to teaching mathematics effectively.
12. Denmark
According to a recent study, Denmark has 13.7 percent of 18-29-year-olds with low numeracy math skills in the OECD countries. This is a significant problem because many young adults in Denmark are unprepared for the workforce.
Low numeracy skills can lead to underemployment and even unemployment. The good news is that there are programs and initiatives to help improve numeracy skills in Denmark. For example, the Danish government offers free online courses to help people improve their math skills.
These courses are available to anyone, regardless of their current skill level. There is also a growing movement among businesses and organizations to provide more opportunities for people with low numeracy skills. By creating internship and apprenticeship programs, companies can allow people to develop their skills and knowledge in a real-world setting.
11. Germany
According to the OECD, Germany is one of the countries struggling the most with math. For example, 14.7 percent of 18-29-year-olds in Germany have low numeracy skills, compared to an OECD average of 9.3 percent.
This problem is exacerbated by the fact that Germany has a higher proportion of low-skilled workers than many other OECD countries. In addition, the country’s education system is not adequately preparing students for the workforce.
The German government has acknowledged these problems and has taken steps to improve math education. However, more must be done to close the gap between Germany and the rest of the OECD.
10. Norway
According to the OECD, Norway is one of the countries struggling the most with math. For example, 16.9 percent of 18-29-year-olds in Norway have low numeracy skills, compared to the OECD average of 9.3 percent. On the other hand, this means that Norway has a higher percentage of young adults with soft math skills than most other developed countries.
The OECD’s report on international math education shows that Norway’s students lag behind their peers in other countries. In particular, they score lower than average on mathematical literacy and problem-solving ability tests. This is concerning because it suggests that Norwegian students are not getting the math education they need to compete in the global economy.
There are several possible explanations for why Norway has such a high percentage of young adults with low numeracy skills. One possibility is that Norwegian schools do not place enough emphasis on teaching math.
9. Poland
According to a new study from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Poland is one of the countries struggling the most with math. The study found that Poland’s 16.9 percent of 18-29-year-olds have low numeracy skills.
Which placed the country near the bottom of the 34 OECD countries included in the study. This is a significant problem for Poland, as numeracy skills are becoming increasingly important in our digital world. Without solid math skills, young people will struggle to find good jobs and participate fully in society.
The Polish government has pledged to improve math education, but it will be a difficult task. In the meantime, parents and educators should do everything they can to help young people develop strong numeracy skills.
8. Australia
New research shows that young Australian adults struggle with numeracy skills more than their peers in developed countries. One in six 18-29-year-olds in Australia has low numeracy skills, according to the latest data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
That’s 17.3 percent of young Australians – the fifth highest proportion among OECD countries. It’s a worrying trend, given the importance of numeracy skills in everyday life and getting a good job.
It’s not just Australia: one in 10 young adults has low numeracy skills across the OECD. So what can be done to improve things? The OECD report recommends investing more in early childhood education and care to give all children a strong start in life.
7. Canada
According to a recent study by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Canada ranks near the bottom among developed countries regarding numeracy math skills among 18-29-year-olds. The study found that 18.7 percent of young Canadians lack the basic numeracy skills needed to function in today’s economy.
While Canada’s overall ranking is not good, it’s even worse when you consider that the country’s performance has been declining in recent years. For example, in 2003, only 12 percent of young Canadians were found to be lacking in numeracy skills.
So what is causing this decline? Some experts point out that Canadian students are not being taught math basics early enough. The problem is especially pronounced in rural and First Nations communities. Canada must invest in better teacher training and student resources to improve the situation.
6. France
In the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development’s (OECD) ranking of countries by the percentage of 18-29-year-olds with low numeracy math skills, France ranks near the bottom at 19.6 percent. This is significantly higher than the OECD average of 12.9 percent.
There are several possible explanations for France’s poor showing in this area. One is that the French educational system emphasizes math less than other subjects. Another possibility is that French students don’t have the same aptitude for math as their peers in other countries.
Whatever the reasons, it’s clear that France has a severe problem regarding math skills among its young people. It could have profound implications for the country’s economy in the future if not addressed.
5. Ireland
According to the OECD, 22.3 percent of 18-29-year-olds in Ireland have low numeracy math skills. This puts Ireland near the bottom of the OECD countries regarding math skills. The OECD is a group of developed countries that includes the United States, Canada, Japan, and several European countries.
Ireland’s poor showing in the OECD’s math skills rankings is a cause for concern. Math is a vital skill for many jobs and careers. Those who don’t have strong math skills are at a disadvantage in today’s economy.
The Irish government is working to improve math education in the country. They are investing in new resources and training for teachers. They are also working to ensure that all students have access to quality math instruction. With these efforts, hopefully, Ireland will see an improvement in its OECD ranking in the years to come.
4. Spain
According to a recent study, Spain has the second highest percentage of 18-29-year-olds with low numeracy math skills in the OECD countries. Furthermore, the study found that 22.8 percent of young adults in Spain lack the basic math skills needed to function in today’s society.
It is a significant problem because it can lead to several adverse outcomes, including lower educational attainment and economic opportunities. There are several possible explanations for why Spain has such a high rate of low numeracy among young adults.
One reason may be the country’s education system, which has been criticized for not providing enough opportunities for students to learn math and other essential skills. Another possibility is that many Spanish students are not interested in mathematics. Whatever the cause, it is clear that something needs to be done to improve the situation.
3. United Kingdom
According to a recent study by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the United Kingdom has the third highest percentage of low numeracy skills among 18-29-year-olds, with 25.4 percent of young adults falling into this category.
This puts the UK behind only Italy (26.1 percent) in terms of young people struggling with math skills. The OECD study looked at data from 20 countries and found that, on average, 18.4 percent of young adults have low numeracy skills.
It means that the UK is significantly above average in terms of the number of young people struggling with math. However, the study also found that countries with higher rates of low numeracy tend to have higher levels of inequality and poverty. This suggests that the UK’s high rate of low numeracy among young adults may indicate more significant socioeconomic issues.
2. Italy
In a new study from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, Italy ranks as one of the countries struggling the most with math. The study found that Italy’s 25.9 percent of 18-29-year-olds have low numeracy skills, placing them behind other OECD countries.
The cause for concern as numeracy skills are essential for success in many fields. Those with low numeracy skills are more likely to struggle in school and be unemployed later in life. They also tend to earn less than their peers.
The Italian government is aware of the problem and has been working to improve math education in the country. However, more must be done to close the achievement gap between Italy and other OECD countries.
1. United States
According to the latest data from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the United States ranks among the worst in numeracy skills for adults aged 18 to 29. Out of the 34 OECD countries, the US ranks 1st, with just over 29 percent of young adults having low numeracy skills.
This is a cause for concern as numeracy skills are essential for success in many fields. Numeracy skills are necessary not only for mathematical jobs but also for any job that requires critical thinking and problem-solving.
For example, healthcare, engineering, and even customer service jobs require some numeracy. In today’s economy, having these skills is more critical than ever. Yet, the US has struggled to improve its math education for years.
The Countries Struggling The Most With Math
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- United States: 29.0%
- Italy: 25.9%
- United Kingdom: 25.4%
- Spain: 22.8%
- Ireland: 22.3%
- France: 19.6%
- Canada: 18.7%
- Australia: 17.3%
- Poland: 16.9
- Norway: 16.9%
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