Explaining International Differences in Educational Achievements: The Role of Macroeconomic and Demographic Characteristics of Countries
Abstract
This study assesses the determinants of international differences in student performance and provides a systematic examination of the effect of macroeconomic and demographic factors and their combined effect with socioeconomic status on student performance in mathematics, science and reading. Using the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) database and utilizing the HLM technique, this study revealed substantial country effects on student grades. Thus, students may better achieve in countries which have more favorable national conditions for the operation of the education system. Moreover, as the socioeconomic status of students increases, these conditions further support students in their academic endeavors and can reduce educational inequality.