Journal of Science and Education (JSE)
Vol. 7 No. 1 (2026): September 2026

Using TIMSS International Assessment to Develop Natural Science Literacy in Prospective Chemistry Teachers

Gulnoza Asadullayeva Asadulla Qizi (Termiz State Pedagogical Institute, Termez, Uzbekistan)



Article Info

Publish Date
20 Aug 2026

Abstract

This study addresses the problem of preparing prospective chemistry teachers for the cognitive requirements of TIMSS and, through this preparation, developing their natural science literacy. The objective was to design and empirically test a methodology for developing natural science literacy in prospective chemistry teachers based on TIMSS-type tasks. A quasi-experimental design with control and experimental groups was applied at three Uzbek higher education institutions (Navoiy State University, Urganch State Pedagogical Institute and Termez State Pedagogical Institute) during 2023-2026, involving 434 second- and third-year chemistry-major students. Experimental groups studied Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and Methods of Teaching Chemistry through graphic-design, context-based tasks aligned with the TIMSS cognitive domains of knowing, applying and reasoning, while control groups received traditional instruction. Reliability of the differences was verified using Pearson's chi-square criterion. Observed values (8.72-9.36, mean 9.13) exceeded the critical value (7.815, p=0.05, df=2) at all institutions, confirming statistical significance. Experimental groups achieved 16.8% higher overall performance than control groups. It is concluded that systematic integration of TIMSS-type context tasks into chemistry teacher training curricula effectively develops natural science literacy, and corresponding recommendations for curriculum design and teacher-training modules are proposed.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jse

Publisher

Subject

Automotive Engineering Chemical Engineering, Chemistry & Bioengineering Civil Engineering, Building, Construction & Architecture Computer Science & IT Education Engineering Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Mathematics Physics

Description

Journal of Science and Education (JSE) aims to facilitate and promote the inquiry into and dissemination of research results on primary education, secondary education, higher education, teacher education, special education, adult education, non-formal education, and any new development and ...