South Korea and Japan have claimed top spots in overall education ranking, according to the Learning Curve 2014 report published by Pearson. Finland, which held the first position last year, dropped to fifth ?because of decreases in its reported reading, maths and science literacy?.
International comparisons in education have become increasingly significant and this latest league table is based upon a series of global test results combined with measures of education systems, such as how many people go on to study in a university and so on.
John Fallon, chief executive of Pearson, says one of the most pervasive and endemic problems in education in almost every country is the lack of attention paid to skills provision. ?In rich countries and emerging economies, the demand for better skills is urgent as governments strive to create rewarding jobs for their citizens,? he adds.
The UK holds a steady sixth position due to improvement in its Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) and Progress in International Reading Literacy Study test scores and a rise in its tertiary graduation rate. Countries such as Canada and the Netherlands are also in the top 10.
Global competition
The two education superpowers?South Korea and Japan?are followed by two other high-performing Asian education systems, Singapore and Hong Kong.
Many emerging economies are now putting increased funding into education; however, the report says, this is not yet improving outcomes.
For example, three of the world?s biggest emerging economies?Brazil, Mexico and Indonesia?are ranked at the bottom of the index.
South Korea outperforms all other countries in PISA; however, after the age of 20, their skills test on par or below average according to the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies results.
While Scandinavian countries fall behind Asia in the education rankings, they score highly in adult skill retention through encouraging adults to continuously develop their skills and providing the infrastructure for this.
While giving importance to skills gained in early education, the report also says, ?Basic skills gained in early education are essential to continued skill development and that continued use of skills in adulthood is crucial in slowing the inevitable decline over time.?
The report also emphasises the importance of high-quality teachers and the need to find ways to recruit the best staff. It asks both teachers and students to acquire a broader range of skills.
?New technologies require both teachers and students to acquire a broader range of skills, opening up the possibility for new teaching techniques. Countries and their governments must place importance on the role of teachers and treat the profession with respect,? says the report.
It also says success of a student depends on factors like holding the accountable to do well, flexible teaching, highlighting the importance of self-sufficiency. Moreover, the report adds, ?it?s evident that parental expectations impact on the students? performance and motivation too.?