Appendix C1: TIMSS and TIMSS Advanced 2015 Main Study Questionnaires

The United States did not participate in the TIMSS 2015 field test at grades 4 and 8; therefore, the final international 

versions of TIMSS 2015 field test questionnaires are included here for review. The TIMSS 2015 main study 

questionnaires will be subsets of these final field test questionnaires, with possible edits and the addition of the U.S. 

adaptations described in Appendix C2 and a small set of questions that were added during the international meeting of 

TIMSS national research coordinators in mid-August, 2014, described in Appendix C3. 

The final U.S.-adapted TIMSS Advanced Field Test background questionnaires were submitted on January 31, 2014, as 

TIMSS:2015 Field Test and Recruitment for Field Test and Main Study – Final Questionnaire Versions Change Request

(OMB# 1850-0695 v.4). These U.S. national versions reflect all U.S. adaptations that have been made to the final 

international field test versions of the TIMSS Advanced instruments. The student background questionnaires appear in 

the back of each student’s test booklet. Because the cognitive items must be kept secure, the two versions that appear 

here include a blank page after the cover of the student test booklet. This blank page replaces the entirety of the 

cognitive instrument. 

The international versions of the TIMSS and TIMSS Advanced 2015 main study questionnaires will be finalized in late 

September 2014. At that time, NCES will propose to the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational 

Achievement (IEA) adaptions to the U.S. context (e.g., U.S. spelling and other conventions). The final (approved by 

IEA) TIMSS and TIMSS Advanced 2015 main study questionnaires including the U.S. adaptations will become 

available in October 2014, when NCES will submit them to OMB as a change request (83C). 

The following statements will appear on the front cover of each questionnaire (the phrase “search existing data 

resources, gather the data needed” will not be included on the student questionnaire): 

U.S. participation in this study is sponsored by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), U.S. Department of 

Education, and authorized by the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 (20 U.S.C., § 9543). Your responses are protected by 

federal statute (20 U.S.C., § 9573) and may be used only for statistical purposes and may not be disclosed, or used, in 

identifiable form for any other purpose except as required by law. 

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such 

collection displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this voluntary information collection is 

1850-0695. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average XX minutes per respondent, 

including the time to review instructions, search existing data resources, gather the data needed, and complete and review the 

information collection. If you have any comments concerning the accuracy of the time estimate(s), suggestions for improving the

form, or comments or concerns regarding the status of your individual submission of this form, write directly to: Trends in 

International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, 

1990 K Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006. 

OMB No. 1850-0695, Approval Expires xx/xx/2017. 

APPENDIX C1 TABLE OF CONTENTS 

TIMSS 2015 Grades 4 and 8 Field Test Instruments 

TIMSS 2015 Grade 4 Student Questionnaire (International) 2

TIMSS 2015 Grade 8 Student Questionnaire (International) 22 

TIMSS 2015 Grade 4 Teacher Questionnaire (International) 50 

TIMSS 2015 Grade 8 Mathematics Teacher Questionnaire (International) 74 

TIMSS 2015 Grade 8 Science Teacher Questionnaire (International) 94 

TIMSS 2015 Grade 4 School Questionnaire (International) 114 

TIMSS 2015 Grade 8 School Questionnaire (International) 126 

TIMSS Advanced 2015 Grade 12 Field Test Instruments

TIMSS Advanced 2015 Student Questionnaire: Advanced Mathematics (U.S. national version) 138 

TIMSS Advanced 2015 Student Questionnaire: Physics (U.S. national version) 170 

TIMSS Advanced 2015 Teacher Questionnaire: Advanced Mathematics (U.S. national version) 202 

TIMSS Advanced 2015 Teacher Questionnaire: Physics (U.S. national version) 218 

TIMSS Advanced 2015 School Questionnaire (U.S. national version) 234 
Identifi cation Label

© IEA, 2013

<TIMSS National Research Center Name>

<Address>

<Grade 4>

TRENDS IN INTERNATIONAL MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE STUDY

Student

Questionnaire

Field Test Version

2
<Grade 4> Student Questionnaire 1 <Grade 4> Student Questionnaire 2

In this booklet, you will fi nd questions about you and what you think. For each 

question, you should choose the answer you think is best.

Let us take a few minutes to practice the kinds of questions you will answer in this 

booklet.

Example 1 is one kind of question you will fi nd in this booklet.

Example 2 is another kind of question you will fi nd in this booklet. 

Example 1 

Do you go to school?

 

 Fill one circle only.

 Yes -- A

 No -- A

Example 2

How often do you do these things?

 Fill one circle for each line.

Every day Once or Once or Never or

or almost twice a twice a almost

every day week month never

a) I talk with my friends ------------------ A A A A

b) I play sports ------------------------------- A A A A

c) I ride a skateboard ---------------------- A A A A

Directions

3
<Grade 4> Student Questionnaire 2 <Grade 4> Student Questionnaire 3

Example 3 is another kind of question you will fi nd in this booklet. 

Example 3

What do you think? Tell how much you agree with these 

statements.

 Fill one circle for each line.

Agree Agree Disagree Disagree

a lot a little a little a lot

a) Watching movies is fun --------------- A A A A

b) I like eating ice cream ----------------- A A A A

c) I do not like waking up early -------- A A A A

d) I enjoy doing chores -------------------- A A A A

• Read each question carefully, and pick the answer you think is best.

• Fill in the circle next to or under your answer.

• If you decide to change your answer, draw an through your fi rst answer,

like this: A. Then, fi ll in the circle next to or under your new answer.

• Ask for help if you do not understand something or are not sure how to 

answer.

4
<Grade 4> Student Questionnaire 3 <Grade 4> Student Questionnaire 2

About you

 G1

Are you a girl or a boy?

 Fill one circle only.

Girl -- A

 Boy -- A

 G2

When were you born?

Fill the circles next to the month and year you were born.

a) Month b) Year

January -- A 2002 -- A

February -- A 2003 -- A

March -- A 2004 -- A

April -- A 2005 -- A

May -- A 2006 -- A

 June -- A 2007 -- A

 July -- A 2008 -- A

August -- A Other -- A

September -- A

October -- A

November -- A

December -- A

5
<Grade 4> Student Questionnaire 4 <Grade 4> Student Questionnaire 3

 G3

How often do you speak <language of test> at home?

 Fill one circle only.

I always speak

 <language of test> at home -- A

I almost always speak

 <language of test> at home -- A

 I sometimes speak <language

 of test> and sometimes speak

another language at home -- A

I never speak <language

of test> at home -- A

6
<Grade 4> Student Questionnaire 5 <Grade 4> Student Questionnaire 4

 G4

About how many books are there in your home? (Do not 

count magazines, newspapers, or your school books.) 

 Fill one circle only.

 None or very few (0–10 books) -- A This shows 10 books

 Enough to fi ll one shelf (11–25 books) -- A This shows 25 books

 Enough to fi ll one bookcase 

(26–100 books) -- A This shows 100 books

 Enough to fi ll two bookcases

(101–200 books) -- A This shows 200 books

 Enough to fi ll three or more bookcases

(more than 200) -- A This shows more than 200 books

7
<Grade 4> Student Questionnaire 6 <Grade 4> Student Questionnaire 5

 G5

Do you have any of these things at your home?

 Fill one circle for each line.

Yes No

a) A computer or tablet (such as

iPad) of your own ------------------------ A A

b) A computer or tablet (such as

iPad) that is shared with other

people at home ---------------------------- A A

c) Study desk/table for your use -------- A A

d) Your own room ---------------------------- A A

e) Internet connection ---------------------- A A

f) Your own mobile phone ---------------- A A

g) A gaming system 

(e.g., PlayStation®, Wii®, XBox®) -- A A

h) <country-specifi c indicator of 

wealth> ------------------------------------- A A

i) <country-specifi c indicator of 

wealth> ------------------------------------- A A

j) <country-specifi c indicator of 

wealth> ------------------------------------- A A

k) <country-specifi c indicator of 

wealth> ------------------------------------- A A

8
<Grade 4> Student Questionnaire 7 <Grade 4> Student Questionnaire 6

 G6

How often do you use a computer or tablet (such as iPad) 

in each of these places?

 Fill one circle for each line.

Every day Once or Once or Never or

or almost twice a twice a almost

every day week month never

a) At home ------------------------------------ A A A A

b) At school ----------------------------------- A A A A

c) Some other place ------------------------ A A A A

9
<Grade 4> Student Questionnaire 8 <Grade 4> Student Questionnaire 7

Your School

 G7

What do you think about your school? Tell how much 

you agree with these statements. 

 Fill one circle for each line.

Agree Agree Disagree Disagree

a lot a little a little a lot

a) I like being in school ------------------- A A A A

b) I feel safe when I am at school ------ A A A A

c) I feel like I belong at this school ---- A A A A

d) I like to see my classmates

at school ------------------------------------ A A A A

e) I like to go to school to

see my friends ---------------------------- A A A A

f) Teachers at my school are

fair to me ---------------------------------- A A A A

g) My teachers respect my ideas ------- A A A A

h) I am proud to go to this school ------ A A A A

i) I learn a lot in school ------------------- A A A A

10
<Grade 4> Student Questionnaire 9 <Grade 4> Student Questionnaire 8

 G8

During this year, how often have other students from 

your school done any of the following things to you 

(in person or through text messages, e-mails, or the 

Internet)?

 Fill one circle for each line.

At least Once or A few 

once a twice times 

week a month a year Never 

a) Made fun of me or

called me names ------------------------- A A A A

b) Left me out of their games

or activities -------------------------------- A A A A

c) Spread lies about me ------------------- A A A A

d) Stole something from me ------------- A A A A

e) Hit or hurt me (e.g., shoving,

hitting, kicking) -------------------------- A A A A

f) Made me do things I didn’t 

want to do --------------------------------- A A A A

g) Shared embarrassing

information about me ------------------- A A A A

h) Threatened me ---------------------------- A A A A

11
<Grade 4> Student Questionnaire 10 <Grade 4> Student Questionnaire 1

 MS1

How much do you agree with these statements about

learning mathematics?

 Fill one circle for each line.

Agree Agree Disagree Disagree

a lot a little a little a lot

a) I enjoy learning mathematics ------- A A A A

b) I wish I did not have to study

mathematics ------------------------------ A A A A

c) Mathematics is boring ----------------- A A A A

d) I learn many interesting

things in mathematics ----------------- A A A A

e) I like mathematics ---------------------- A A A A

f) It is important to do well

in mathematics -------------------------- A A A A

g) I like any schoolwork that

involves numbers ------------------------ A A A A

h) I like to solve mathematics

problems ----------------------------------- A A A A

i) I look forward to

mathematics lessons ------------------- A A A A

j) Mathematics is one of my

favorite subjects ------------------------- A A A A

k) Learning mathematics is

important for my future --------------- A A A A

Mathematics in school

12
<Grade 4> Student Questionnaire 11 <Grade 4> Student Questionnaire 2

 MS2

How much do you agree with these statements about 

your mathematics lessons?

 Fill one circle for each line.

Agree Agree Disagree Disagree

a lot a little a little a lot

a) I know what my teacher expects

me to do ------------------------------------ A A A A

b) My teacher is easy to understand -- A A A A

c) I am interested in what my

teacher says ------------------------------- A A A A

d) My teacher gives me interesting

things to do -------------------------------- A A A A

e) My teacher asks questions that

make me think --------------------------- A A A A

f) My teacher has clear answers to

my questions ------------------------------ A A A A

g) My teacher links new lessons

to what I already know ---------------- A A A A

h) My teacher is good at explaining

mathematics ------------------------------ A A A A

13
<Grade 4> Student Questionnaire 12 <Grade 4> Student Questionnaire 3

MS2 (continued)

How much do you agree with these statements about 

your mathematics lessons?

 Fill one circle for each line.

Agree Agree Disagree Disagree

a lot a little a little a lot

i) My teacher expects me to succeed

in mathematics -------------------------- A A A A

j) My teacher lets me show what

I have learned ---------------------------- A A A A

k) My teacher wants me to keep

working on mathematics problems

until I solve them ----------------------- A A A A

l) My teacher does a variety of

things to help us learn ----------------- A A A A 

m) My teacher tells me how to do

better when I make a mistake ------ A A A A

n) My teacher notices when I do not

understand something ----------------- A A A A

o) My teacher listens to what I

have to say --------------------------------- A A A A

14
<Grade 4> Student Questionnaire 13 <Grade 4> Student Questionnaire 4

MS3

How much do you agree with these statements about

mathematics?

 Fill one circle for each line.

Agree Agree Disagree Disagree

a lot a little a little a lot

a) I usually do well in mathematics --- A A A A

b) Mathematics is harder for me

than for many of my classmates ---- A A A A

c) I am just not good at mathematics - A A A A

d) I learn things quickly

in mathematics -------------------------- A A A A

e) Mathematics makes me nervous ---- A A A A

f) I am good at working out diffi cult

mathematics problems ---------------- A A A A

g) My teacher tells me I am good

at mathematics -------------------------- A A A A

h) Mathematics is harder for me

than any other subject ----------------- A A A A

i) Mathematics makes me confused --- A A A A

15
<Grade 4> Student Questionnaire 14 <Grade 4> Student Questionnaire 5

 MS4

How much do you agree with these statements about 

learning science? 

 Fill one circle for each line.

Agree Agree Disagree Disagree

a lot a little a little a lot

a) I enjoy learning science --------------- A A A A

b) I wish I did not have to

study science ------------------------------ A A A A

c) I read about science in my

spare time --------------------------------- A A A A

d) Science is boring ------------------------- A A A A

e) I learn many interesting

things in science ------------------------- A A A A

f) I like science ------------------------------ A A A A

g) It is important to do well

in science ---------------------------------- A A A A

h) I look forward to learning science

in school ------------------------------------ A A A A

i) Science teaches me how things in

the world work --------------------------- A A A A

j) I like to do science experiments ---- A A A A

k) Science is one of my

favorite subjects ------------------------- A A A A

l) Learning science is important

for my future ----------------------------- A A A A

Science in school

16
<Grade 4> Student Questionnaire 15 <Grade 4> Student Questionnaire 6

 MS5

How much do you agree with these statements about 

your science lessons? 

 Fill one circle for each line.

Agree Agree Disagree Disagree

a lot a little a little a lot

a) I know what my teacher expects

me to do ------------------------------------ A A A A

b) My teacher is easy to understand -- A A A A

c) I am interested in what my

teacher says ------------------------------- A A A A

d) My teacher gives me interesting

things to do -------------------------------- A A A A

e) My teacher asks questions

that make me think -------------------- A A A A

f) My teacher has clear answers to

my questions ------------------------------ A A A A

g) My teacher links new lessons to

what I already know ------------------- A A A A

h) My teacher is good at

explaining science ----------------------- A A A A

17
<Grade 4> Student Questionnaire 16 <Grade 4> Student Questionnaire 7

 MS5 (continued)

How much do you agree with these statements about 

your science lessons? 

 Fill one circle for each line.

Agree Agree Disagree Disagree

a lot a little a little a lot

i) My teacher expects me to

succeed in science ----------------------- A A A A

j) My teacher lets me show what 

I have learned ---------------------------- A A A A

k) My teacher wants me to keep

working on science problems

until I solve them ----------------------- A A A A

l) My teacher does a variety of things

to help us learn --------------------------- A A A A

m) My teacher tells me how to do

better when I make a mistake ------ A A A A

n) My teacher notices when I do not

understand something ----------------- A A A A

o) My teacher listens to what I

have to say --------------------------------- A A A A

18
<Grade 4> Student Questionnaire 17 <Grade 4> Student Questionnaire 8

 MS6

How much do you agree with these statements about

science?

 Fill one circle for each line.

Agree Agree Disagree Disagree

a lot a little a little a lot

a) I usually do well in science ----------- A A A A

b) Science is harder for me

than for many of my classmates ---- A A A A

c) I am just not good at science --------- A A A A

d) I learn things quickly

in science ---------------------------------- A A A A

e) My teacher tells me I am good

at science ---------------------------------- A A A A

f) Science is harder for me

than any other subject ----------------- A A A A

g) Science makes me confused ---------- A A A A

19
Thank You!

Thank you for fi lling out the questionnaire!

20
<Grade 4>

TRENDS IN INTERNATIONAL MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE STUDY

timssandpirls.bc.edu

© IEA, 2013

International Association

for the Evaluation of

Educational Achievement

Student

Questionnaire

Field Test Version

21
Identifi cation Label

© IEA, 2013

<TIMSS National Research Center Name>

<Address>

<Grade 8>

TRENDS IN INTERNATIONAL MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE STUDY

Student

Questionnaire

Field Test Version

22
<Grade 8> Student Questionnaire 1 <Grade 8> Student Questionnaire

In this booklet, you will fi nd questions about yourself. Some questions ask for facts 

while other questions ask for your opinion.

Each question is followed by a number of answers. Shade in the circle next to or 

under the answer of your choice as shown in Examples 1, 2, and 3.

Example 1

Do you go to school?

 Fill one circle only.

 Yes --A

 No --A

Example 2

How often do you do these things?

 Fill one circle for each line.

Every day Once or Once or Never or

or almost twice a twice a almost

every day week month never

a) I talk with my friends ------------------ A A A A

b) I play sports ------------------------------- A A A A

c) I ride a skateboard ---------------------- A A A A

Directions

23
<Grade 8> Student Questionnaire 2 <Grade 8> Student Questionnaire

Example 3

What do you think? Tell how much you agree with these 

statements.

 Fill one circle for each line.

Agree Agree Disagree Disagree

a lot a little a little a lot

a) Watching movies is fun --------------- A A A A

b) I like eating ice cream ----------------- A A A A

c) I do not like waking up early -------- A A A A

d) I enjoy doing chores -------------------- A A A A

• Read each question carefully, and pick the answer you think is best.

• Fill in the circle next to or under your answer.

• If you decide to change your answer, draw an through your fi rst answer,

like this: A. Then, fi ll in the circle next to or under your new answer.

• Ask for help if you do not understand something or are not sure how to answer.

24
<Grade 8> Student Questionnaire 3 <Grade 8> Student Questionnaire 1

 1

Are you a girl or a boy?

 Fill one circle only.

Girl --A

 Boy --A

 2

When were you born?

Fill the circles next to the month and year you were born.

a) Month b) Year

January -- A 1997 -- A

February -- A 1998 -- A

March -- A 1999 -- A

April -- A 2000 -- A

May -- A 2001 -- A

 June -- A 2002 -- A

 July -- A 2003 -- A

August -- A 2004 -- A

September -- A 2005 -- A

October -- A Other -- A

November -- A

December -- A

About you

25
<Grade 8> Student Questionnaire 4 

<Grade 8> Student Questionnaire 2

 3

How often do you speak <language of test> at home?

 Fill one circle only.

Always --A

Almost always --A

Sometimes --A

Never --A

 4

About how many books are there in your home? (Do not 

count magazines, newspapers, or your school books.) 

 Fill one circle only.

None or very few

(0–10 books) --A

Enough to fi ll one shelf

 (11–25 books) --A

 Enough to fi ll one bookcase 

(26–100 books) --A

 Enough to fi ll two bookcases

(101–200 books) --A

 Enough to fi ll three or more bookcases

(more than 200) --A

26
<Grade 8> Student Questionnaire 5 <Grade 8> Student Questionnaire 3

 6

Do you have any of these things at your home?

 Fill one circle for each line.

Yes No

a) A computer or tablet (such as iPad) of your own ------------------------ A A

b) A computer or tablet (such as iPad) that is shared with other people

at home -------------------------------------- A A

c) Study desk/table for your use -------- A A

d) Your own room ---------------------------- A A

e) Internet connection ---------------------- A A

f) Your own mobile phone ---------------- A A

g) A gaming system (e.g., PlayStation®, Wii®, XBox®) -- A A

h) <country-specifi c indicator of wealth> ------------------------------------- A A

i) <country-specifi c indicator of wealth> ------------------------------------- A A

j) <country-specifi c indicator of wealth> ------------------------------------- A A

k) <country-specifi c indicator of wealth> ------------------------------------- A A

 5

How many digital information devices are there in your 

home? Count computers, tablets, smartphones, smart 

TVs, and e-readers. (Do not count other devices.)

 Fill one circle only.

 None --A

1-3 devices --A

4-6 devices --A

7-10 devices --A

More than 10 devices --A

27
<Grade 8> Student Questionnaire 6 <Grade 8> Student Questionnaire 4

 7

 A. What is the highest level of education completed by your 

mother <or stepmother or female guardian>?

 Fill one circle only.

 Some <Primary education— ISCED Level 1 or

 Lower secondary education—ISCED Level 2>

 or did not go to school --- A

 <Lower secondary education—ISCED Level 2> --- A

 <Upper secondary education—ISCED Level 3> --- A

<Post-secondary, non-tertiary 

education—ISCED Level 4> --- A

 <Short-cycle tertiary education—ISCED Level 5> --- A

 <Bachelor’s or equivalent level—ISCED Level 6> --- A

 <Master’s or equivalent level—ISCED Level 7> --- A

 <Doctor or equivalent level—ISCED Level 8> --- A

I don’t know --- A

 B. What is the highest level of education completed by your 

father <or stepfather or male guardian>?

 Fill one circle only.

 Some <Primary education— ISCED Level 1 or

 Lower secondary education—ISCED Level 2>

 or did not go to school --- A

 <Lower secondary education—ISCED Level 2> --- A

 <Upper secondary education—ISCED Level 3> --- A

<Post-secondary, non-tertiary 

education—ISCED Level 4> --- A

 <Short-cycle tertiary education—ISCED Level 5> --- A

 <Bachelor’s or equivalent level—ISCED Level 6> --- A

 <Master’s or equivalent level—ISCED Level 7> --- A

 <Doctor or equivalent level—ISCED Level 8> --- A

I don’t know --- A

28
<Grade 8> Student Questionnaire 7 <Grade 8> Student Questionnaire 5

 8

How far in your education do you expect to go?

 Fill one circle only.

Finish <Lower secondary

 education—ISCED Level 2> ------------------- A

Finish <Upper secondary

 education—ISCED Level 3> ------------------- A

 Finish <Post-secondary, non-tertiary

 education—ISCED Level 4> ------------------- A

 Finish <Short-cycle tertiary

 education—ISCED Level 5> ------------------- A

 Finish <Bachelor’s or equivalent

level—ISCED Level 6> ------------------- A

 Finish <Master’s or equivalent

level—ISCED Level 7> ------------------- A

 Finish <Doctor or equivalent

level—ISCED Level 8> ------------------- A

 9

 A. Was your mother <or stepmother or female guardian> 

born in <country>?

 Fill one circle only.

 Yes --A

 No --A

 B. Was your father <or stepfather or male guardian> born in 

<country>?

 Fill one circle only.

 Yes --A

 No --A

29
<Grade 8> Student Questionnaire 8 <Grade 8> Student Questionnaire 6

 10

 A. Were you born in <country>?

 Fill one circle only.

 Yes --A 

(If Yes, go to #11)

 No --A

If No,

 B. If you were not born in <country>, how old were

 you when you came to <country>?

 Fill one circle only.

Older than 10 years old --A

5 to 10 years old --A

Younger than 5 years old --A

 11

How often do you use a computer or tablet (such as iPad) 

in each of these places?

 Fill one circle for each line.

Every day Once or Once or Never or

or almost twice a twice a almost

every day week month never

a) At home ------------------------------------ A A A A

b) At school ----------------------------------- A A A A

c) Some other place ------------------------ A A A A

30
<Grade 8> Student Questionnaire 9 <Grade 8> Student Questionnaire 7

 12

Do you use the Internet to do any of the following tasks 

for schoolwork (including classroom tasks, homework, 

studying outside of class)?

 Fill one circle for each line.

Yes No

a) Access the textbook or other

course materials -------------------------- A A

b) Access assignments posted

online by my teacher -------------------- A A

c) Collaborate with classmates

on assignments or projects ------------ A A

d) Communicate with the teacher ------ A A

e) Find information, articles, or

tutorials to aid in understanding

mathematics ------------------------------- A A

f) Find information, articles, or

tutorials to aid in

understanding science ------------------ A A

31
<Grade 8> Student Questionnaire 10 <Grade 8> Student Questionnaire 8

 13

What do you think about your school? Tell how much 

you agree with these statements. 

 Fill one circle for each line.

Agree Agree Disagree Disagree

a lot a little a little a lot

a) I like being in school ------------------- A A A A

b) I feel safe when I am at school ------ A A A A

c) I feel like I belong at this school ---- A A A A

d) I like to see my classmates

at school ------------------------------------ A A A A

e) I like to go to school to see

my friends --------------------------------- A A A A

f) Teachers at my school are

fair to me ---------------------------------- A A A A

g) My teachers respect my ideas ------- A A A A

h) I am proud to go to

this school --------------------------------- A A A A

i) I learn a lot in school ------------------- A A A A

Your School

32
<Grade 8> Student Questionnaire 11 <Grade 8> Student Questionnaire 9

14

During this year, how often have other students from 

your school done any of the following things to you 

(in person or through text messages, e-mails, or the 

Internet)?

 Fill one circle for each line.

At least Once or A few 

once a twice times 

week a month a year Never 

a) Made fun of me or

called me names ------------------------- A A A A

b) Left me out of their games

or activities -------------------------------- A A A A

c) Spread lies about me ------------------- A A A A

d) Stole something from me ------------- A A A A

e) Hit or hurt me (e.g., shoving,

hitting, kicking) -------------------------- A A A A

f) Made me do things I didn’t 

want to do --------------------------------- A A A A

g) Shared embarrassing information

about me ----------------------------------- A A A A

h) Posted embarrassing things

about me online -------------------------- A A A A

i) Threatened me ---------------------------- A A A A

33
<Grade 8> Student Questionnaire 12 

<Grade 8> Student Questionnaire 10

Mathematics in School

15

How much do you agree with these statements about

learning mathematics?

 Fill one circle for each line.

Agree Agree Disagree Disagree

a lot a little a little a lot

a) I enjoy learning mathematics ------- A A A A

b) I wish I did not have to

study mathematics --------------------- A A A A

c) Mathematics is boring ----------------- A A A A

d) I learn many interesting

things in mathematics ----------------- A A A A

e) I like mathematics ---------------------- A A A A

f) It is important to do well

in mathematics -------------------------- A A A A

g) I like any schoolwork that

involves numbers ------------------------ A A A A

h) I like to solve

mathematics problems ---------------- A A A A

i) I look forward to

mathematics class ---------------------- A A A A

j) Mathematics is one of

my favorite subjects -------------------- A A A A

34
<Grade 8> Student Questionnaire 13 <Grade 8> Student Questionnaire 11

16

How much do you agree with these statements about

your mathematics lessons?

 Fill one circle for each line.

Agree Agree Disagree Disagree

a lot a little a little a lot

a) I know what my teacher

expects me to do ------------------------- A A A A

b) My teacher is easy to understand -- A A A A

c) I am interested in what my

teacher says ------------------------------- A A A A

d) My teacher gives me interesting

things to do -------------------------------- A A A A

e) My teacher asks questions that

make me think --------------------------- A A A A

f) My teacher has clear answers to

my questions ------------------------------ A A A A

g) My teacher links new lessons

to what I already know ---------------- A A A A

h) My teacher is good at explaining

mathematics ------------------------------ A A A A

35
<Grade 8> Student Questionnaire 14 

<Grade 8> Student Questionnaire 12

16 (continued)

How much do you agree with these statements about

your mathematics lessons?

 Fill one circle for each line.

Agree Agree Disagree Disagree

a lot a little a little a lot

i) My teacher expects me to succeed

in mathematics -------------------------- A A A A

j) My teacher lets me show what

I have learned ---------------------------- A A A A

k) My teacher wants me to keep

working on mathematics problems

until I solve them ----------------------- A A A A

l) My teacher does a variety of

things to help us learn ----------------- A A A A

m) My teacher tells me how to do

better when I make a mistake ------ A A A A

n) My teacher notices when I do not

understand something ----------------- A A A A

o) My teacher listens to what

I have to say ------------------------------ A A A A

36
<Grade 8> Student Questionnaire 15 <Grade 8> Student Questionnaire 13

17

How much do you agree with these statements about

mathematics?

 Fill one circle for each line.

Agree Agree Disagree Disagree

a lot a little a little a lot

a) I usually do well in mathematics --- A A A A

b) Mathematics is more diffi cult

for me than for many of

my classmates ---------------------------- A A A A

c) Mathematics is not one of

my strengths ------------------------------ A A A A

d) I learn things quickly

in mathematics -------------------------- A A A A

e) Mathematics makes me

nervous ------------------------------------- A A A A

f) I am good at working out

diffi cult mathematics problems ----- A A A A

g) My teacher tells me I am good at

mathematics ------------------------------ A A A A

h) Mathematics is harder for me

than any other subject ----------------- A A A A

i) Mathematics makes me

confused ------------------------------------ A A A A

37
<Grade 8> Student Questionnaire 16 

<Grade 8> Student Questionnaire 14

18

How much do you agree with these statements about

mathematics?

 Fill one circle for each line.

Agree Agree Disagree Disagree

a lot a little a little a lot

a) I think learning mathematics will

help me in my daily life --------------- A A A A

b) I need mathematics to learn other

school subjects --------------------------- A A A A

c) I need to do well in mathematics 

to get into the <university> of 

my choice ---------------------------------- A A A A

d) I need to do well in mathematics 

to get the job I want -------------------- A A A A

e) I would like a job that involves

using mathematics --------------------- A A A A

f) It is important to learn about

mathematics to get ahead

in the world ------------------------------- A A A A

g) Learning mathematics will

give me more job opportunities

when I am an adult --------------------- A A A A

h) My parents think that it is

important that I do well

in mathematics -------------------------- A A A A

i) It is important to do well

in my mathematics class -------------- A A A A

38
<Grade 8> Student Questionnaire 17 <Grade 8> Student Questionnaire 15

19

How much do you agree with these statements about

learning science?

 Fill one circle for each line.

Agree Agree Disagree Disagree

a lot a little a little a lot

a) I enjoy learning science --------------- A A A A

b) I wish I did not have to study

science -------------------------------------- A A A A

c) I read about science in my

spare time --------------------------------- A A A A

d) Science is boring ------------------------- A A A A

e) I learn many interesting

things in science ------------------------- A A A A

f) I like science ------------------------------ A A A A

g) It is important to do well

in science ---------------------------------- A A A A

h) I look forward to learning

science in school ------------------------- A A A A

i) Science teaches me how things

in the world work ----------------------- A A A A

j) I like to conduct science

experiments ------------------------------- A A A A

k) Science is one of my

favorite subjects ------------------------- A A A A

Science in School

39
<Grade 8> Student Questionnaire 18 

<Grade 8> Student Questionnaire 16

20

How much do you agree with these statements about

your science lessons?

 Fill one circle for each line.

Agree Agree Disagree Disagree

a lot a little a little a lot

a) I know what my teacher

expects me to do ------------------------- A A A A

b) My teacher is easy to understand -- A A A A

c) I am interested in what my

teacher says ------------------------------- A A A A

d) My teacher gives me interesting

things to do -------------------------------- A A A A

e) My teacher asks questions that

make me think --------------------------- A A A A

f) My teacher has clear answers to

my questions ------------------------------ A A A A

g) My teacher links new lessons

to what I already know ---------------- A A A A

h) My teacher is good at explaining

science -------------------------------------- A A A A

40
<Grade 8> Student Questionnaire 19 <Grade 8> Student Questionnaire 17

20 (continued)

How much do you agree with these statements about

your science lessons? 

 Fill one circle for each line.

Agree Agree Disagree Disagree

a lot a little a little a lot

i) My teacher expects me to succeed

in science ---------------------------------- A A A A

j) My teacher lets me show what

I have learned ---------------------------- A A A A

k) My teacher wants me to keep

working on science problems

until I solve them ----------------------- A A A A

l) My teacher does a variety of

things to help us learn ----------------- A A A A

m) My teacher tells me how to do

better when I make a mistake ------ A A A A

n) My teacher notices when I do not

understand something ----------------- A A A A

o) My teacher listens to what

I have to say ------------------------------ A A A A

41
<Grade 8> Student Questionnaire 20 

<Grade 8> Student Questionnaire 18

21

How much do you agree with these statements about

science?

 Fill one circle for each line.

Agree Agree Disagree Disagree

a lot a little a little a lot

a) I usually do well in science ----------- A A A A

b) Science is more diffi cult for me

than for many of my classmates ---- A A A A

c) Science is not one of

my strengths ------------------------------ A A A A

d) I learn things quickly

in science ---------------------------------- A A A A

e) I am good at working out

diffi cult science problems ------------- A A A A

f) My teacher tells me I am good

at science ---------------------------------- A A A A

g) Science is harder for me than

any other subject ------------------------ A A A A

h) Science makes me confused ---------- A A A A

42
<Grade 8> Student Questionnaire 21 <Grade 8> Student Questionnaire 19

22

How much do you agree with these statements about

science?

 Fill one circle for each line.

Agree Agree Disagree Disagree

a lot a little a little a lot

a) I think learning science will help

me in my daily life ---------------------- A A A A

b) I need science to learn other

school subjects --------------------------- A A A A

c) I need to do well in science to get

into the <university> of my choice - A A A A

d) I need to do well in science to get

the job I want ----------------------------- A A A A

e) I would like a job that involves

using science ------------------------------ A A A A

f) It is important to learn about

science to get ahead in

the world ----------------------------------- A A A A

g) Learning science will give me

more job opportunities when

I am an adult ----------------------------- A A A A

h) My parents think that it is

important that I do well

in science ----------------------------------- A A A A

i) It is important to do well

in my science class ---------------------- A A A A

43
<Grade 8> Student Questionnaire 22 

<Grade 8> Student Questionnaire 20

23

 A. How often does your teacher give you homework in 

mathematics?

 Fill one circle only.

Every day --A

3 or 4 times a week --A

1 or 2 times a week --A

Less than once a week --A

Never --A

 B. When your teacher gives you mathematics homework, 

about how many minutes do you usually spend on your 

homework?

 Fill one circle only.

 My teacher never gives me

 homework in mathematics --A

1–15 minutes -A

16–30 minutes --A

31–60 minutes --A

61–90 minutes --A

More than 90 minutes --A

Homework

44
<Grade 8> Student Questionnaire 23 <Grade 8> Student Questionnaire 21

24

 A. How often does your teacher give you homework in 

science?

 Fill one circle only.

Every day --A

3 or 4 times a week --A

1 or 2 times a week --A

Less than once a week --A

Never --A

 B. When your teacher gives you science homework, about 

how many minutes do you usually spend on your 

homework?

 Fill one circle only.

 My teacher never gives me

homework in science --A

1–15 minutes -A

16–30 minutes --A

31–60 minutes --A

61–90 minutes --A

More than 90 minutes --A

45
<Grade 8> Student Questionnaire 24 

<Grade 8> Student Questionnaire 22

25

Do you attend extra lessons outside of school in the 

following subjects?

 Fill one circle for each line.

Yes, Yes, 

to excel to not

in school fall behind No

a) Mathematics ------------------------------ A A A

b) Science -------------------------------------- A A A

46
Thank You!

Thank you for fi lling out the questionnaire!

47
48
<Grade 8>

TRENDS IN INTERNATIONAL MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE STUDY

timssandpirls.bc.edu

© IEA, 2013

International Association

for the Evaluation of

Educational Achievement

Student

Questionnaire

Field Test Version

49
Identifi cation Label

© IEA, 2013

<TIMSS National Research Center Name>

<Address>

<Grade 4>

TRENDS IN INTERNATIONAL MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE STUDY

Teacher

Questionnaire

Field Test Version

50
Teacher Questionnaire

TIMSS 2015

Your school has agreed to participate in TIMSS 2015 

(Trends in International Mathematics and Science 

Study), an educational research project sponsored 

by the International Association for the Evaluation 

of Educational Achievement (IEA). TIMSS measures 

trends in student achievement in mathematics and 

science and studies diff erences in national education 

systems in more than 60 countries in order to help 

improve teaching and learning worldwide.

This questionnaire is addressed to teachers of 

<fourth-grade> students, and seeks information 

about teachers’ academic and professional 

backgrounds, classroom resources, instructional 

practices, and attitudes toward teaching. Since your 

class has been selected as part of a nationwide 

sample, your responses are very important in 

helping to describe primary/elementary education in 

<country>.

Some of the questions in the questionnaire refer 

to the “TIMSS class” or “this class”. This is the class 

that is identifi ed on the front of this booklet, and 

which will be tested as part of TIMSS in your school. 

If you teach some but not all of the students in the 

TIMSS class, please think only of the students that 

you teach when answering these class-specifi c 

questions. It is important that you answer each 

question carefully so that the information that 

you provide refl ects your situation as accurately as 

possible.

Since TIMSS is an international study and all 

countries are using the same questionnaire, you may 

fi nd that some of the questions seem unusual or are 

not entirely relevant to you or schools in <country>. 

Nevertheless, it is important that you do your best to 

answer all of the questions so comparisons can be 

made across countries in the studies.

It is estimated that you will need approximately 

35 minutes to complete this questionnaire. We 

appreciate the time and eff ort that this takes and 

thank you for your cooperation and contribution.

When you have completed the questionnaire, 

please place it in the accompanying envelope and 

return it to:

<Insert country-specifi c information here>.

Thank you.

51
<Grade 4> Teacher <Grade 4> Teacher Questionnaire Questionnaire 21

About You

G4

What is the highest level of formal education you 

have completed?

Check one circle only.

 Did not complete <Upper

 secondary education—ISCED Level 3> --- A

 <Upper secondary education—

ISCED Level 3> --- A

 <Post-secondary, non-tertiary

 education—ISCED Level 4> --- A

<Short-cycle tertiary

 education—ISCED Level 5> --- A

 <Bachelor’s or equivalent

 level—ISCED Level 6> --- A

 <Master’s or equivalent

 level—ISCED Level 7> --- A

<Doctor or equivalent

 level—ISCED Level 8> --- A

G5

 A. During your <post-secondary> education, what 

was your major or main area(s) of study? 

Check one circle for each line.

 Yes

 No

a) Education—Primary/Elementary -------------- A A

b) Education—Secondary ------------------------- A A

c) Mathematics ------------------------------------- A A

d) Science ------------------------------------------- A A

e) <language of test> ----------------------------- A A

f) Other --------------------------------------------- A A

 B. If your major or main area of study was

education, did you have a <specialization>

in any of the following? 

Check one circle for each line.

 Yes

 No

a) Mathematics ------------------------------------- A A

b) Science ------------------------------------------- A A

c) Language/reading ------------------------------- A A

d) Other subject ------------------------------------ A A

G1

By the end of this school year, how many years will 

you have been teaching altogether?

_____________ years

Please round to the nearest whole number.

G2

Are you female or male?

Check one circle only.

 Female -- A

 Male -- A

G3

How old are you?

Check one circle only.

Under 25 -- A

 25–29 -- A

 30–39 -- A

 40–49 -- A

 50–59 -- A

60 or more -- A

52
32 <Grade 4> Teacher <Grade 4> Teacher Questionnaire Questionnaire

G6

How would you characterize each of the following within your school? 

Check one circle for each line.

 Very high

 High

 Medium

 Low

 Very

 low

 

a) Teachers’ understanding of

the school’s curricular goals --- A A A A A

b) Teachers’ degree of 

success in implementing 

the school’s curriculum -------- A A A A A

c) Teachers’ expectations

for student achievement ------- A A A A A

d) Teachers working together

to improve student

achievement ------------------- A A A A A

e) Teachers’ ability to

inspire students ---------------- A A A A A

f) Parental involvement

in school activities ------------- A A A A A

g) Parental commitment to

ensure that students are

ready to learn ------------------ A A A A A

h) Parental expectations for

student achievement ---------- A A A A A

i) Parental support for 

student achievement ---------- A A A A A

j) Parental pressure for the

school to maintain high

academic standards ------------ A A A A A

School Emphasis on Academic Success

 

Check one circle for each line.

 Very high

 High

 Medium

 Low

 Very

 low 

 

 

k) Students’ desire to do

well in school ------------------- A A A A A

l) Students’ ability to reach

school’s academic goals -------- A A A A A

m) Students’ respect for

classmates who excel

in school ------------------------ A A A A A

n) Clarity of the school’s

educational objectives --------- A A A A A

o) Collaboration between

school leadership and

teachers to plan instruction --- A A A A A

p) Amount of instructional

support provided to teachers 

by school leadership ----------- A A A A A

q) School leadership’s

support for teachers’

professional development ----- A A A A A

r) Teachers’ job satisfaction------- A A A A A

53
<Grade 4> Teacher <Grade 4> Teacher Questionnaire Questionnaire 43

G7

Thinking about your current school, indicate the 

extent to which you agree or disagree with each of 

the following statements.

Check one circle for each line.

 Agree a lot

 Agree a little

 Disagree a little

 Disagree

 a lot

a) This school is located in

a safe neighborhood ---------- A A A A

b) I feel safe at this school -------- A A A A

c) This school’s security policies

and practices are suffi cient ---- A A A A

d) The students behave in an

orderly manner ---------------- A A A A

e ) The students are respectful

of the teachers ----------------- A A A A

f ) The students respect

school property ---------------- A A A A

g) This school has clear rules

about student conduct -------- A A A A

h) This school's rules are

enforced in a fair and

consistent manner ------------- A A A A

G8

In your current school, how severe is each problem?

Check one circle for each line.

 Not a problem

 Minor problem

 Moderate problem

 Serious

 problem

a) The school building needs

signifi cant repair -------------- A A A A

b) Teachers do not have 

adequate workspace (e.g., for

preparation, collaboration,

or meeting with students) ---- A A A A

c) Teachers do not have

adequate instructional 

materials and supplies -------- A A A A

d) The school classrooms are

not cleaned often enough ----- A A A A

e) The school classrooms need

maintenance work ------------ A A A A

f) Teachers do not have

adequate technological

resources ----------------------- A A A A

g) Teachers do not have

adequate support for

using technology -------------- A A A A

h) There are too many

students in the classes -------- A A A A

i) Teachers have too many

teaching hours ----------------- A A A A

j) Teachers have too much

material to cover

in classes ----------------------- A A A A

54
54 <Grade 4> Teacher <Grade 4> Teacher Questionnaire Questionnaire

About Being a Teacher

G9

How often do you have the following types of 

interactions with other teachers?

Check one circle for each line.

 Very Often

 Often

 Sometimes

 Never or

 almost

 never

a) Discuss how to teach 

a particular topic -------------- A A A A

b) Collaborate in planning 

and preparing instructional 

materials ----------------------- A A A A

c) Share what I have

learned about my 

teaching experiences ---------- A A A A

d) Visit another classroom

to learn more about teaching - A A A A

e) Work together to

try out new ideas -------------- A A A A

f) Go to other teachers

for help ------------------------ A A A A

g) Work as a group on

implementing the

curriculum --------------------- A A A A

h) Work with teachers from

other grades to ensure

continuity in learning --------- A A A A

i) Participate in teacher

mentoring --------------------- A A A A

G10

How frequently do you feel the following way

about being a teacher?

 Check one circle for each line.

 Very Often

 Often

 Sometimes

 Never or

 almost

 never

a) I am content with my

profession as a teacher -------- A A A A

b) I am satisfi ed with being

a teacher at this school -------- A A A A

c) I fi nd my work full of

meaning and purpose --------- A A A A

d) I am enthusiastic

about my job ------------------ A A A A

e) My work inspires me ----------- A A A A

f) I am proud of the work I do --- A A A A

g) I am frustrated as a teacher ---- A A A A

h) I am supported by the

teachers at my school ---------- A A A A

i) I am going to continue

teaching for as long as I can --- A A A A

55
<Grade 4> Teacher <Grade 4> Teacher Questionnaire Questionnaire 65

About Teaching the

TIMSS Class

G11

 A. How many students are in this class?

_____________ students

Write in a number.

 B. How many of the students in #G11A are in

<fourth grade>?

_____________ <fourth-grade> students

Write in a number.

G12

How many <fourth-grade> students experience 

diffi culties understanding spoken <language of 

test>?

_____________ students in this class

Write in a number.

G13

How often do you do the following in teaching this 

class?

Check one circle for each line.

 Every or almost every lesson

 About half the lessons

 Some lessons

 Never 

a) Summarize what students 

should have learned from 

the lesson ---------------------- A A A A

b) Relate the lesson to 

students’ daily lives ------------ A A A A

c) Ask questions to elicit 

reasons and explanations ----- A A A A

d) Ask questions to check

that students understand

what I am teaching ----------- A A A A 

e) Encourage all students to 

improve their performance --- A A A A

f) Praise students for 

good performance ------------- A A A A

g) Bring interesting materials 

to class ------------------------- A A A A

h) Ask students to complete

challenging exercises

that require them to

go beyond the instruction ----- A A A A

i) Encourage classroom

discussions among

students ----------------------- A A A A

j) Link new content to

students’ prior knowledge ---- A A A A

k) Ask students to decide

their own problem

solving procedures ------------ A A A A

l) Encourage students to

express their ideas in class ---- A A A A

56
76 <Grade 4> Teacher <Grade 4> Teacher Questionnaire Questionnaire

G14

In your view, to what extent do the following limit 

how you teach this class?

Check one circle for each line.

Not at all

 Some

 A lot

a) Students lacking prerequisite

knowledge or skills ------------ A A A

b) Students suff ering from 

lack of basic nutrition --------- A A A

c) Students suff ering from 

not enough sleep -------------- A A A

d) Students with special needs 

(e.g., physical disabilities,

mental or emotional/

psychological impairment) ---- A A A

e) Disruptive students ----------- A A A

f) Uninterested students --------- A A A

57
<Grade 4> Teacher <Grade 4> Teacher Questionnaire Questionnaire 81

M3

In teaching mathematics to this class, how often do 

you ask students to do the following?

Check one circle for each line.

Every or almost every lesson

 About half the lessons

 Some lessons

 Never

a) Listen to me explain new

mathematics content ---------- A A A A

b) Listen to me explain how to

solve problems ---------------- A A A A

c) Memorize rules, procedures,

and facts ----------------------- A A A A

d) Work problems (individually or

with peers) with my guidance A A A A

e) Work problems together in the

whole class with direct

guidance from me ------------- A A A A

f) Work problems (individually or

with peers) while I am occupied

by other tasks ------------------ A A A A

g) Explain their answers ---------- A A A A

h) Relate what they are

learning in mathematics

to their daily lives -------------- A A A A

i) Take a written test or quiz ----- A A A A

j) Work in mixed ability groups -- A A A A

k) Work in same ability groups -- A A A A

Teaching Mathematics to the 

TIMSS Class

 Questions M1–M3 ask about mathematics 

instruction for the <fourth-grade> students in 

the TIMSS class.

M1

In a typical week, how much time do you spend 

teaching mathematics to the students in this class?

_____________ minutes per week 

Write in the number of minutes per week

Please convert the number of hours into minutes.

M2

In teaching mathematics to this class, how confi dent 

do you feel to do the following?

Check one circle for each line.

Very confi dent

 Somewhat confi dent

 Not confi dent

a) Answer students’ questions 

about mathematics ------------ A A A

b) Show students a variety of 

problem solving strategies ---- A A A

c) Provide challenging tasks 

for the highest

achieving students ------------ A A A

d) Adapt my teaching to 

engage students’ interest ----- A A A

e) Help students appreciate 

the value of learning 

mathematics ------------------- A A A

f) Inspire students who are

unmotivated to learn

mathematics ------------------- A A A

g) Assess student comprehension

of mathematics ---------------- A A A

h) Improve the understanding

of struggling students --------- A A A

i) Build supportive relationships

with students ------------------ A A A

j) Manage the classroom to

avoid disruptions -------------- A A A

k) Make mathematics

relevant to students ----------- A A A

l) Challenge students into

developing higher order

thinking skills ------------------ A A A

58
92 <Grade 4> Teacher <Grade 4> Teacher Questionnaire Questionnaire

Resources for Teaching 

Mathematics

 Questions M4–M6 ask about resources for 

teaching mathematics to the <fourth-grade> 

students in the TIMSS class.

M4

When you teach mathematics to this class, how 

do you use the following resources?

Check one circle for each line.

 Basis for instruction 

 Supplement

 Not used

a) Textbooks ---------------------- A A A

b) Workbooks or 

worksheets -------------------- A A A

c) Concrete objects or

materials that help

students understand

quantities or procedures ------- A A A

d) Computer software/

applications (apps) for

mathematics instruction ------ A A A

e) Internet resources -------------- A A A

M5

Are the students in this class permitted to use 

calculators during mathematics lessons?

Check one circle only.

 Yes, with unrestricted use --- A

 Yes, with restricted use --- A

 No, calculators are not permitted - A

M6

 A. Do the students in this class have computers 

(including tablets such as iPads) available to use 

during their mathematics lessons?

Check one circle only.

 Yes --- A

 No --- A 

(If No, go to #M7)

If Yes,

 B. How many of the computers have access to the 

Internet?

Check one circle only.

 All --- A

 Most --- A

 Some --- A 

None --- A

C. How often do you have the students do the 

following activities on computers during 

mathematics lessons?

Check one circle for each line.

Every or almost every day

 Once or twice a week

 Once or twice a

 month

 Never or

 almost

 never

a) Explore mathematics

principles and concepts -------- A A A A

b) Practice skills and procedures - A A A A

c) Look up ideas and 

information -------------------- A A A A

59
<Grade 4> Teacher <Grade 4> Teacher Questionnaire Questionnaire 103

M7

The following list includes the main topics addressed by the TIMSS mathematics test. Choose the response that 

best describes when the students in this class have been taught each topic. If a topic was in the curriculum before 

the <fourth grade>, please choose “Mostly taught before this year.” If a topic was taught half this year but not 

yet completed, please choose “Mostly taught this year.” If a topic is not in the curriculum, please choose “Not yet 

taught or just introduced.”

Check one circle for each line.

Mostly taught before this year 

Mostly taught this year 

Not yet taught or 

just introduced

A. Number 

a) Concepts of whole numbers, including place value and ordering ----------------------------------------------------------- A A A

b) Adding, subtracting, multiplying, and/or dividing with whole numbers --------------------------------------------------- A A A

c) Concepts of multiples and factors; odd and even numbers ----------------------------------------------------------------- A A A

d) Concepts of fractions (fractions as parts of a whole or of a collection, or as a location on a number line) ----------------- A A A

e) Adding and subtracting with fractions, comparing and ordering fractions ------------------------------------------------- A A A

f) Concepts of decimals, including place value and ordering, adding and subtracting with decimals ----------------------- A A A

g) Number sentences (fi nding the missing number, modeling simple situations with number sentences) ------------------ A A A

h) Number patterns (extending number patterns and fi nding missing terms) ------------------------------------------------ A A A

B. Geometric Shapes and Measures 

a) Lines: measuring, estimating length of; parallel and perpendicular lines -------------------------------------------------- A A A

b) Comparing and drawing angles ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A

c) Using informal coordinate systems to locate points in a plane (e.g., in square B4) ----------------------------------------- A A A

d) Elementary properties of common geometric shapes ----------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A

e) Refl ections and rotations ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A

f) Relationships between two-dimensional and three-dimensional shapes ------------------------------------------------- A A A

g) Finding and estimating areas, perimeters, and volumes -------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A

C. Data Display 

a) Reading and representing data from tables, pictographs, bar graphs, or pie charts --------------------------------------- A A A

b) Drawing conclusions from data displays ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A

Mathematics Topics Taught

Question M7 asks about the topics taught and the content covered in teaching mathematics to the

<fourth-grade> students in the TIMSS class.

60
114 <Grade 4> Teacher <Grade 4> Teacher Questionnaire Questionnaire

 Question M9 asks about mathematics 

assessment for the <fourth-grade> students in 

the TIMSS class.

M9

How much emphasis do you place on the 

following sources to monitor students’ progress in 

mathematics?

Check one circle for each line.

Major emphasis

 Some emphasis

 Little or no 

 emphasis

a) Evaluation of students’

ongoing work ------------------ A A A

b) Classroom tests (for

example, teacher-made or

textbook tests) ---------------- A A A

c) National or regional

achievement tests ------------- A A A

 Question M8 asks about mathematics 

homework for the <fourth-grade> students in 

the TIMSS class.

M8

 A. How often do you usually assign mathematics 

homework to the students in this class?

Check one circle only.

 I do not assign mathematics

 homework --- A 

(Go to #M9)

 Less than once a week --- A

 1 or 2 times a week --- A

 3 or 4 times a week --- A

Every day --- A

 B. When you assign mathematics homework to the 

students in this class, about how many minutes 

do you usually assign? (Consider the time it would 

take an average student in your class.)

Check one circle only.

 15 minutes or less --- A

 16–30 minutes --- A

 31–60 minutes --- A

 more than 60 minutes --- A

 C. How often do you do the following with the 

mathematics homework assignments for this 

class?

Check one circle for each line.

Always or almost always

 Sometimes

 Never or almost

 never

a) Correct assignments and

give feedback to students ----- A A A

b) Discuss the homework

in class ------------------------- A A A

c) Monitor whether or not the

homework was completed ---- A A A

Mathematics Homework Mathematics Assessment

61
<Grade 4> Teacher <Grade 4> Teacher Questionnaire Questionnaire 125

Preparation to Teach 

Mathematics

M10

In the past two years, have you participated 

in professional development in any of the 

following? 

Check one circle for each line.

 Yes

 No

a) Mathematics content ---------------------------- A A

b) Mathematics pedagogy/instruction ------------ A A

c) Mathematics curriculum ------------------------ A A

d) Integrating information

technology into mathematics ------------------- A A

e) Mathematics assessment ----------------------- A A

f) Addressing individual students’ needs ---------- A A

M11

 In the past two years, how many hours in total 

have you spent in formal <in-service/professional 

development> (e.g., workshops, seminars, etc.)

for mathematics? 

Check one circle only.

 None --- A

 Less than 6 hours --- A

6–15 hours --- A

16–35 hours --- A

 More than 35 hours --- A

62
136 <Grade 4> Teacher <Grade 4> Teacher Questionnaire Questionnaire

M12

How well prepared do you feel you are to teach the following mathematics topics? 

If a topic is not in the <fourth-grade> curriculum or you are not responsible for teaching this topic, please choose 

“Not applicable.”

Check one circle for each line.

Not applicable

 Very well prepared 

Somewhat

prepared

Not well

prepared

A. Number 

a) Concepts of whole numbers, including place value and ordering ----------------------------------------------------------- A A A A

b) Adding, subtracting, multiplying, and/or dividing with whole numbers --------------------------------------------------- A A A A

c) Concepts of multiples and factors; odd and even numbers ----------------------------------------------------------------- A A A A

d) Concepts of fractions (fractions as parts of a whole or of a collection, or as a location on a number line) ----------------- A A A A

e) Adding and subtracting with fractions, comparing and ordering fractions ------------------------------------------------- A A A A

f) Concepts of decimals, including place value and ordering, adding and subtracting with decimals ----------------------- A A A A

g) Number sentences (fi nding the missing number, modeling simple situations with number sentences) ------------------ A A A A

h) Number patterns (extending number patterns and fi nding missing terms) ------------------------------------------------ A A A A

B. Geometric Shapes and Measures 

a) Lines: measuring, estimating length of; parallel and perpendicular lines -------------------------------------------------- A A A A

b) Comparing and drawing angles ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A A

c) Using informal coordinate systems to locate points in a plane (e.g., in square B4) ----------------------------------------- A A A A

d) Elementary properties of common geometric shapes ----------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A A

e) Refl ections and rotations ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A A

f) Relationships between two-dimensional and three-dimensional shapes ------------------------------------------------- A A A A

g) Finding and estimating areas, perimeters, and volumes -------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A A

C. Data Display 

a) Reading and representing data from tables, pictographs, bar graphs, or pie charts --------------------------------------- A A A A

b) Drawing conclusions from data displays ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A A

63
<Grade 4> Teacher DRAFT <Grade 4> Teacher Questionnaire Questionnaire 141

 Questions S1–S3 ask about science instruction 

for the <fourth-grade> students in the 

TIMSS class.

S1

 A. Is science taught mainly as a separate subject (i.e., 

not integrated with other subjects) to the students 

in this class?

Check one circle only.

 Yes --- A

 No --- A

 B. Please estimate the time that you spend on science 

topics with students in this class.

_____________ minutes per week 

Write in the number of minutes per week

Please convert the number of hours into minutes.

Teaching Science to the 

TIMSS Class

S2

In teaching science to this class, how confi dent do 

you feel to do the following?

Check one circle for each line.

Very confi dent

 Somewhat confi dent

 Not confi dent

a) Answer students’ questions 

about science ------------------ A A A

b) Explain science concepts 

or principles by doing 

science experiments ----------- A A A

c) Provide challenging tasks 

for the highest

achieving students ------------ A A A

d) Adapt my teaching to 

engage students’ interest ----- A A A

e) Help students appreciate 

the value of learning 

science ------------------------- A A A

f) Inspire students who are

unmotivated to learn

science ------------------------- A A A

g) Assess student comprehension

of science ---------------------- A A A

h) Improve the understanding

of struggling students --------- A A A

i) Build supportive relationships

with students ------------------ A A A

j) Manage the classroom to

avoid disruptions -------------- A A A

k) Make science

relevant to students ----------- A A A

l) Challenge students into

developing higher order

thinking skills ------------------ A A A

m) Teach science using inquiry

methods ----------------------- A A A

64
152 DRAFT <Grade 4> Teacher <Grade 4> Teacher Questionnaire Questionnaire

S3

In teaching science to the students in this class, how 

often do you ask them to do the following?

Check one circle for each line.

Every or almost every lesson

 About half the lessons

 Some lessons

 Never

a) Listen to me explain

new science content ----------- A A A A

b) Observe natural phenomena

such as the weather or a

plant growing and describe

what they see ------------------ A A A A

c) Watch me demonstrate an

experiment or investigation --- A A A A

d) Design or plan experiments

or investigations --------------- A A A A

e) Conduct experiments or

investigations ------------------ A A A A

f) Present data from experiments

or investigations --------------- A A A A

g) Interpret data from experiments

or investigations --------------- A A A A

h) Use evidence from experiments

or investigations to support

conclusions -------------------- A A A A

i) Read their textbooks or

other resource materials ------ A A A A

j) Have students memorize

facts and principles ------------ A A A A

k) Give explanations about

something they are

studying ----------------------- A A A A

l) Relate what they are

learning in science to

their daily lives ---------------- A A A A

m) Do fi eld work outside the class A A A A

n) Take a written test or quiz ----- A A A A

o) Work in mixed ability groups -- A A A A

p) Work in same ability groups -- A A A A

Resources for Teaching Science

 Questions S4–S5 ask about resources for 

teaching science to the <fourth-grade> students 

in the TIMSS class.

S4

When you teach science to this class, how 

do you use the following resources?

Check one circle for each line.

Basis for instruction 

 Supplement

 Not used

a) Textbooks ---------------------- A A A

b) Workbooks or 

worksheets -------------------- A A A

c) Science equipment and

materials ----------------------- A A A

d) Computer software/

applications (apps) for

science instruction ------------- A A A

e) Internet resources ------------- A A A

65
<Grade 4> Teacher DRAFT <Grade 4> Teacher Questionnaire Questionnaire 163

S5

 A. Do the students in this class have computers 

(including tablets such as iPads) available to use 

during their science lessons?

Check one circle only.

 Yes --- A

 No --- A 

(If No, go to #S6)

If Yes, 

 B. How many of the computers have access to the 

Internet?

Check one circle only.

 All --- A

 Most --- A

 Some --- A 

None --- A

 C. How often do you have the students do the 

following activities on computers during

science lessons?

Check one circle for each line.

Every or almost every day

 Once or twice a week

 Once or twice a

 month

 Never or

 almost

 never

a) Practice skills and procedures - A A A A

b) Look up ideas and 

information -------------------- A A A A

c) Do scientifi c procedures

or experiments ----------------- A A A A

d) Study natural phenomena

through simulations ----------- A A A A

66
417 DRAFT <Grade 4> Teacher <Grade 4> Teacher Questionnaire Questionnaire

S6

The following list includes the main topics addressed by the TIMSS science test. Choose the response that best describes 

when the students in this class have been taught each topic. If a topic was in the curriculum before the <fourth grade>, please 

choose “Mostly taught before this year.” If a topic was taught half this year but not yet completed, please choose “Mostly 

taught this year.” If a topic is not in the curriculum, please choose “Not yet taught or just introduced.”

Check one circle for each line.

Mostly taught before this year

Mostly taught this year

Not yet taught or

just introduced

A. Life Science

a) Major body structures and their functions in humans and other organisms (plants and animals) ------------------------ A A A

b) Life cycles and reproduction in plants and animals ------------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A

c) Physical features, behavior, and survival of organisms living in diff erent environments ----------------------------------- A A A

d) Relationships in a given community (e.g., simple food chains, predator-prey relationships), human impact

on the environment ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A

e) Human health (e.g., transmission/prevention of communicable diseases, signs of health/illness, diet, exercise) -------- A A A

B. Physical Science

a) States of matter (solids, liquids, gases) and diff erences in their physical properties (shape, volume), including changes in state of matter by heating and cooling --------------------------------------------------------------- A A A

b) Classifi cation of objects/materials based on physical properties (e.g., weight/mass, volume, magnetic attraction) ----- A A A

c) Forming and separating mixtures ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A

d) Familiar chemical changes in materials (e.g., decaying, burning, rusting, cooking) --------------------------------------- A A A

e) Common energy sources/forms and their practical uses (e.g., the Sun, electricity, water, wind/electricity, heat) -------- A A A

f) Light (e.g., sources, behavior) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ A A A

g) Electricity and simple electrical systems ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A

h) Magnetic attraction and repulsion ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A

i) Forces that cause objects to move (e.g., gravity, push/pull forces) --------------------------------------------------------- A A A

C. Earth Science

a) Common features of Earth’s landscape (e.g., mountains, plains, rivers, deserts) and relationship 

to human use (e.g., farming, irrigation, land development) ---------------------------------------------------------------- A A A

b) Water on Earth (location, types, and movement) and air (composition, proof of its existence, uses) --------------------- A A A

c) Weather conditions from day to day or over the seasons ------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A

d) Fossils of animals and plants (age, location, formation) -------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A

e) Earth’s solar system (planets, Sun, Moon) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A

f) Day, night, and shadows due to Earth’s rotation and its relationship to the Sun ------------------------------------------- A A A

g) Seasons related to Earth’s movement around the Sun ---------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A

Question S6 asks about the topics taught and the content covered in teaching science to the

<fourth-grade> students in the TIMSS class.

Science Topics Taught

67
<Grade 4> Teacher DRAFT <Grade 4> Teacher Questionnaire Questionnaire 185

 Question S7 asks about science homework for 

the <fourth-grade> students in the

TIMSS class.

S7

 A. How often do you usually assign science 

homework to the students in this class?

Check one circle only.

 I do not assign science

 homework --- A 

(Go to #S8)

 Less than once a week --- A

 1 or 2 times a week --- A

 3 or 4 times a week --- A

Every day --- A

 B. When you assign science homework to the 

students in this class, about how many minutes 

do you usually assign? (Consider the time it would 

take an average student in your class.)

Check one circle only.

 15 minutes or less --- A

 16–30 minutes --- A

 31–60 minutes --- A

 more than 60 minutes --- A

 C. How often do you do the following with the 

science homework assignments for this class?

Check one circle for each line.

Always or almost always

 Sometimes

 Never or almost

 never

a) Correct assignments and

give feedback to students ----- A A A

b) Discuss the homework

in class ------------------------- A A A

c) Monitor whether or not the

homework was completed ---- A A A

Science Homework

 Question S8 asks about science assessment for 

the <fourth-grade> students in the

TIMSS class.

S8

How much emphasis do you place on the following 

sources to monitor students’ progress in science?

Check one circle for each line.

Major emphasis

 Some emphasis

 Little or no

 emphasis

a) Evaluation of students’

ongoing work ------------------ A A A

b) Classroom tests (for

example, teacher-made or

textbook tests) ---------------- A A A

c) National or regional

achievement tests ------------- A A A

Science Assessment

68
196 DRAFT <Grade 4> Teacher <Grade 4> Teacher Questionnaire Questionnaire

Preparation to Teach Science

S9

In the past two years, have you participated 

in professional development in any of the 

following? 

Check one circle for each line.

 Yes

 No

a) Science content ---------------------------------- A A

b) Science pedagogy/instruction ------------------ A A

c) Science curriculum ------------------------------ A A

d) Integrating information

technology into science ------------------------- A A

e) Science assessment ------------------------------ A A

f) Addressing individual students’ needs ---------- A A

g) Integrating science with other subjects

(e.g. mathematics, technology) ----------------- A A

S10

 In the past two years, how many hours in total 

have you spent in formal <in-service/professional 

development> (e.g., workshops, seminars, etc.)

for science? 

Check one circle only.

 None --- A

 Less than 6 hours --- A

6–15 hours --- A

16–35 hours --- A

 More than 35 hours --- A

69
<Grade 4> Teacher DRAFT <Grade 4> Teacher Questionnaire Questionnaire 207

S11

How well prepared do you feel you are to teach the following science topics? 

If a topic is not in the <fourth-grade> curriculum or you are not responsible for teaching this topic, please choose 

“Not applicable.”

Check one circle for each line.

Not applicable

Very well prepared

Somewhat

prepared

Not well

prepared

A. Life Science

a) Major body structures and their functions in humans and other organisms (plants and animals) ------------------------ A A A A

b) Life cycles and reproduction in plants and animals ------------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A A

c) Physical features, behavior, and survival of organisms living in diff erent environments ----------------------------------- A A A A

d) Relationships in a given community (e.g., simple food chains, predator-prey relationships), human impact

on the environment ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A A

e) Human health (e.g., transmission/prevention of communicable diseases, signs of health/illness, diet, exercise) -------- A A A A

B. Physical Science

a) States of matter (solids, liquids, gases) and diff erences in their physical properties (shape, volume), including changes in state of matter by heating and cooling --------------------------------------------------------------- A A A A

b) Classifi cation of objects/materials based on physical properties (e.g., weight/mass, volume, magnetic attraction) ----- A A A A

c) Forming and separating mixtures ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A A

d) Familiar chemical changes in materials (e.g., decaying, burning, rusting, cooking) --------------------------------------- A A A A

e) Common energy sources/forms and their practical uses (e.g., the Sun, electricity, water, wind/electricity, heat) -------- A A A A

f) Light (e.g., sources, behavior) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ A A A A

g) Electricity and simple electrical systems ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A A

h) Magnetic attraction and repulsion ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A A

i) Forces that cause objects to move (e.g., gravity, push/pull forces) --------------------------------------------------------- A A A A

C. Earth Science

a) Common features of Earth’s landscape (e.g., mountains, plains, rivers, deserts) and relationship 

to human use (e.g., farming, irrigation, land development) ---------------------------------------------------------------- A A A A

b) Water on Earth (location, types, and movement) and air (composition, proof of its existence, uses) --------------------- A A A A

c) Weather conditions from day to day or over the seasons ------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A A

d) Fossils of animals and plants (age, location, formation) -------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A A

e) Earth’s solar system (planets, Sun, Moon) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A A

f) Day, night, and shadows due to Earth’s rotation and its relationship to the Sun ------------------------------------------- A A A A

g) Seasons related to Earth’s movement around the Sun ---------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A A

70
Thank you for the thought, time, and eff ort you have 

put into completing this questionnaire.

Thank You

71
72
<Grade 4>

TRENDS IN INTERNATIONAL MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE STUDY

timssandpirls.bc.edu

© IEA, 2013

International Association

for the Evaluation of

Educational Achievement

Teacher

Questionnaire

Field Test Version

73
Identifi cation Label

© IEA, 2013

<TIMSS National Research Center Name>

<Address>

<Grade 8>

TRENDS IN INTERNATIONAL MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE STUDY

Teacher Questionnaire

Mathematics

Field Test Version

74
Teacher Questionnaire

TIMSS 2015

Your school has agreed to participate in TIMSS 2015 

(Trends in International Mathematics and Science 

Study), an educational research project sponsored 

by the International Association for the Evaluation 

of Educational Achievement (IEA). TIMSS measures 

trends in student achievement in mathematics and 

science and studies diff erences in national education 

systems in more than 60 countries in order to help 

improve teaching and learning worldwide.

This questionnaire is addressed to teachers of 

<eighth-grade> students, and seeks information 

about teachers’ academic and professional 

backgrounds, classroom resources, instructional 

practices, and attitudes toward teaching. Since your 

class has been selected as part of a nationwide 

sample, your responses are very important in helping 

to describe secondary education in <country>.

Some of the questions in the questionnaire refer 

to the “TIMSS class” or “this class”. This is the class 

that is identifi ed on the front of this booklet, and 

which will be tested as part of TIMSS in your school. 

If you teach some but not all of the students in the 

TIMSS class, please think only of the students that 

you teach when answering these class-specifi c 

questions. It is important that you answer each 

question carefully so that the information that 

you provide refl ects your situation as accurately as 

possible.

Since TIMSS is an international study and all 

countries are using the same questionnaire, you may 

fi nd that some of the questions seem unusual or are 

not entirely relevant to you or schools in <country>. 

Nevertheless, it is important that you do your best to 

answer all of the questions so comparisons can be 

made across countries in the studies.

It is estimated that you will need approximately 

35 minutes to complete this questionnaire. We 

appreciate the time and eff ort that this takes and 

thank you for your cooperation and contribution.

When you have completed the questionnaire, 

please place it in the accompanying envelope and 

return it to:

<Insert country-specifi c information here>.

Thank you.

75
<Grade 8> Teacher <Grade 8> Teacher Questionnaire Questionnaire — Mathematics 21

About You

 4

What is the highest level of formal education you 

have completed?

Check one circle only.

 Did not complete <Upper

 secondary education—ISCED Level 3> --- A

 <Upper secondary education—

ISCED Level 3> --- A

 <Post-secondary, non-tertiary

 education—ISCED Level 4> --- A

<Short-cycle tertiary

 education—ISCED Level 5> --- A

 <Bachelor’s or equivalent

 level—ISCED Level 6> --- A

 <Master’s or equivalent

 level—ISCED Level 7> --- A

<Doctor or equivalent

 level—ISCED Level 8> --- A

 5

During your <post-secondary> education, what was 

your major or main area(s) of study? 

Check one circle for each line.

 Yes

 No

a) Mathematics ------------------------------------- A A

b) Biology ------------------------------------------- A A

c) Physics ------------------------------------------- A A

d) Chemistry ---------------------------------------- A A

e) <Earth Science> -------------------------------- A A

f) Education–Mathematics ------------------------ A A

g) Education–Science ------------------------------ A A

h) Education–General ------------------------------ A A

i) Other --------------------------------------------- A A

 1 

By the end of this school year, how many years will 

you have been teaching altogether?

_____________ years

Please round to the nearest whole number.

 2

Are you female or male?

Check one circle only.

 Female --- A

 Male --- A

 3 

How old are you?

Check one circle only.

Under 25 --- A

 25–29 --- A

 30–39 --- A

 40–49 --- A

 50–59 --- A

60 or more --- A

76
32 <Grade 8> Teacher <Grade 8> Teacher Questionnaire — Mathematics Questionnaire

School Emphasis on Academic Success

 6

How would you characterize each of the following within your school? 

Check one circle for each line.

 Very high

 High

 Medium

 Low

 Very

 low

 

a) Teachers’ understanding of

the school’s curricular goals --- A A A A A

b) Teachers’ degree of 

success in implementing 

the school’s curriculum -------- A A A A A

c) Teachers’ expectations

for student achievement ------- A A A A A

d) Teachers working together

to improve student

achievement ------------------- A A A A A

e) Teachers’ ability to

inspire students ---------------- A A A A A

f) Parental involvement

in school activities ------------- A A A A A

g) Parental commitment to

ensure that students are

ready to learn ------------------ A A A A A

h) Parental expectations for

student achievement ---------- A A A A A

i) Parental support for 

student achievement ---------- A A A A A

j) Parental pressure for the

school to maintain high

academic standards ------------ A A A A A

 

Check one circle for each line.

 Very high

 High

 Medium

 Low

 Very

 low 

 

 

k) Students’ desire to do

well in school ------------------- A A A A A

l) Students’ ability to reach

school’s academic goals -------- A A A A A

m) Students’ respect for

classmates who excel

in school ------------------------ A A A A A

n) Clarity of the school’s

educational objectives --------- A A A A A

o) Collaboration between

school leadership and

teachers to plan instruction --- A A A A A

p) Amount of instructional

support provided to teachers 

by school leadership ----------- A A A A A

q) School leadership’s

support for teachers’

professional development ----- A A A A A

r) Teachers’ job satisfaction------- A A A A A

77
<Grade 8> Teacher <Grade 8> Teacher Questionnaire Questionnaire — Mathematics 43

 7

Thinking about your current school, indicate the 

extent to which you agree or disagree with each of 

the following statements.

Check one circle for each line.

 Agree a lot

 Agree a little

 Disagree a little

 Disagree

 a lot

a) This school is located in

a safe neighborhood ---------- A A A A

b) I feel safe at this school -------- A A A A

c) This school’s security policies

and practices are suffi cient ---- A A A A

d) The students behave in an

orderly manner ---------------- A A A A

e ) The students are respectful

of the teachers ----------------- A A A A

f ) The students respect

school property ---------------- A A A A

g) This school has clear rules

about student conduct -------- A A A A

h) This school’s rules are

enforced in a fair and

consistent manner ------------- A A A A

 8

In your current school, how severe is each problem?

Check one circle for each line.

 Not a problem

 Minor problem

 Moderate problem

 Serious

 problem

a) The school building needs

signifi cant repair -------------- A A A A

b) Teachers do not have 

adequate workspace (e.g., for

preparation, collaboration,

or meeting with students) ---- A A A A

c) Teachers do not have

adequate instructional 

materials and supplies -------- A A A A

d) The school classrooms are

not cleaned often enough ----- A A A A

e) The school classrooms need

maintenance work ------------ A A A A

f) Teachers do not have

adequate technological

resources ----------------------- A A A A

g) Teachers do not have

adequate support for

using technology -------------- A A A A

h) There are too many

students in the classes -------- A A A A

i) Teachers have too many

teaching hours ----------------- A A A A

j) Teachers have too much

material to cover

in classes ----------------------- A A A A

School Climate

78
54 <Grade 8> Teacher <Grade 8> Teacher Questionnaire — Mathematics Questionnaire

 9

How often do you have the following types of 

interactions with other teachers?

Check one circle for each line.

 Very Often

 Often

 Sometimes

 Never or

 almost

 never

a) Discuss how to teach 

a particular topic -------------- A A A A

b) Collaborate in planning 

and preparing instructional 

materials ----------------------- A A A A

c) Share what I have

learned about my 

teaching experiences ---------- A A A A

d) Visit another classroom

to learn more about teaching - A A A A

e) Work together to

try out new ideas -------------- A A A A

f) Go to other teachers

for help ------------------------ A A A A

g) Work as a group on

implementing the

curriculum --------------------- A A A A

h) Work with teachers from

other grades to ensure

continuity in learning --------- A A A A

i) Participate in teacher

mentoring --------------------- A A A A

10

How frequently do you feel the following way

about being a teacher?

 Check one circle for each line.

 Very Often

 Often

 Sometimes

 Never or

 almost

 never

a) I am content with my

profession as a teacher -------- A A A A

b) I am satisfi ed with being

a teacher at this school -------- A A A A

c) I fi nd my work full of

meaning and purpose --------- A A A A

d) I am enthusiastic

about my job ------------------ A A A A

e) My work inspires me ----------- A A A A

f) I am proud of the

work I do ----------------------- A A A A

g) I am frustrated as a teacher ---- A A A A

h) I am supported by the

teachers at my school ---------- A A A A

i) I am going to continue

teaching for as long as I can --- A A A A

About Being a Teacher

79
<Grade 8> Teacher <Grade 8> Teacher Questionnaire Questionnaire — Mathematics 65

About Teaching the

TIMSS Class

11 

How many students are in this class?

_____________ students

Write in a number.

12 

How many <eighth-grade> students experience 

diffi culties understanding spoken <language of 

test>?

_____________ students in this class

Write in a number.

13

How often do you do the following in teaching this 

class?

Check one circle for each line.

 Every or almost every lesson

 About half the lessons

 Some lessons

 Never 

a) Summarize what students 

should have learned from 

the lesson ---------------------- A A A A

b) Ask questions to elicit 

reasons and explanations ----- A A A A

c) Ask questions to check

that students understand

what I am teaching ----------- A A A A 

d) Encourage all students to 

improve their performance --- A A A A

e) Praise students for 

good performance ------------- A A A A

f) Ask students to complete

challenging exercises

that require them to

go beyond the instruction ----- A A A A

g) Encourage classroom

discussions among

students ----------------------- A A A A

h) Link new content to

students’ prior knowledge ---- A A A A

i) Ask students to decide

their own problem

solving procedures ------------ A A A A

j) Encourage students to

express their ideas in class ---- A A A A

80
76 <Grade 8> Teacher <Grade 8> Teacher Questionnaire — Mathematics Questionnaire

14

In your view, to what extent do the following limit 

how you teach this class?

Check one circle for each line.

Not at all

 Some

 A lot

a) Students lacking prerequisite

knowledge or skills ------------ A A A

b) Students suff ering from 

lack of basic nutrition --------- A A A

c) Students suff ering from 

not enough sleep -------------- A A A

d) Students with special needs 

(e.g., physical disabilities,

mental or emotional/

psychological impairment) ---- A A A

e) Disruptive students ----------- A A A

f) Uninterested students --------- A A A

81
<Grade 8> Teacher <Grade 8> Teacher Questionnaire — Mathematics Questionnaire — Mathematics 81

Teaching Mathematics to the 

TIMSS Class

 Questions 15-17 ask about mathematics 

instruction for the <eighth-grade> students in 

the TIMSS class.

15

In a typical week, how much time do you spend 

teaching mathematics to the students in this class?

_____________ minutes per week 

Write in the number of minutes per week

Please convert the number of hours into minutes.

16

In teaching mathematics to this class, how confi dent 

do you feel to do the following?

Check one circle for each line.

Very confi dent

 Somewhat confi dent

 Not confi dent

a) Answer students’ questions 

about mathematics ------------ A A A

b) Show students a variety of 

problem solving strategies ---- A A A

c) Provide challenging tasks 

for the highest

achieving students ------------ A A A

d) Adapt my teaching to 

engage students’ interest ----- A A A

e) Help students appreciate 

the value of learning 

mathematics ------------------- A A A

f) Inspire students who are

unmotivated to learn

mathematics ------------------- A A A

g) Assess student comprehension

of mathematics ---------------- A A A

h) Improve the understanding

of struggling students --------- A A A

i) Build supportive relationships

with students ------------------ A A A

j) Manage the classroom to

avoid disruptions -------------- A A A

k) Make mathematics

relevant to students ----------- A A A

l) Challenge students into

developing higher order

thinking skills ------------------ A A A

82
92 <Grade 8> Teacher <Grade 8> Teacher Questionnaire — Mathematics Questionnaire — Mathematics

17

In teaching mathematics to this class, how often do 

you usually ask students to do the following?

Check one circle for each line.

Every or almost every lesson

 About half the lessons

 Some lessons

 Never

a) Listen to me explain new

mathematics content ---------- A A A A

b) Listen to me explain how to

solve problems ---------------- A A A A

c) Memorize rules, procedures,

and facts ----------------------- A A A A

d) Work problems (individually

or with peers) with my

guidance ----------------------- A A A A

e) Work problems together in

the whole class with direct

guidance from me ------------- A A A A

f) Work problems (individually

or with peers) while I am

occupied by other tasks ------- A A A A

g) Explain their answers ---------- A A A A

h) Relate what they are

learning in mathematics

to their daily lives -------------- A A A A

i) Decide on their own

procedures for solving

complex problems ------------- A A A A

j) Work on problems for

which there is no

immediately obvious

method of solution ------------ A A A A

k) Take a written test or quiz ----- A A A A

l) Work in mixed ability groups -- A A A A

m) Work in same ability groups -- A A A A

83
<Grade 8> Teacher <Grade 8> Teacher Questionnaire — Mathematics Questionnaire — Mathematics 103

Resources for Teaching 

Mathematics

 Questions 18–20 ask about resources for 

teaching mathematics to the <eighth-grade> 

students in the TIMSS class.

18

When you teach mathematics to this class, how 

do you use the following resources?

Check one circle for each line.

Basis for instruction 

 Supplement

 Not used

a) Textbooks ---------------------- A A A

b) Workbooks or 

worksheets -------------------- A A A

c) Concrete objects or

materials that help

students understand

quantities or procedures ------- A A A

d) Computer software/

applications (apps) for

mathematics instruction ------- A A A

e) Internet resources -------------- A A A

19

 A. Are the students in this class permitted to use 

calculators during mathematics lessons?

Check one circle only.

 Yes, with unrestricted use --- A

 Yes, with restricted use --- A

 No, calculators are not permitted - A 

(If No, go to #20)

If Yes, 

 B. How often do students in this class use calculators 

in their mathematics lessons for the following 

activities?

Check one circle for each line.

Every or almost every lesson

 About half the lessons

 Some lessons

 Never

a) Check answers ----------------- A A A A

b) Do routine computations ------ A A A A

c) Solve complex problems ------ A A A A

d) Explore number concepts ----- A A A A

84
114 <Grade 8> Teacher <Grade 8> Teacher Questionnaire — Mathematics Questionnaire — Mathematics

20

 A. Do the students in this class have computers 

(including tablets such as iPads) available to use 

during their mathematics lessons?

Check one circle only.

 Yes --- A

 No --- A 

(If No, go to #21)

If Yes,

 B. How many of the computers have access to

the Internet?

Check one circle only.

 All --- A

 Most --- A

 Some --- A 

None --- A

C. How often do you have the students do the 

following activities on computers during 

mathematics lessons?

Check one circle for each line.

Every or almost every day

 Once or twice a week

 Once or twice a

 month

 Never or

 almost

 never

a) Explore mathematics

principles and concepts -------- A A A A

b) Practice skills and procedures - A A A A

c) Look up ideas and 

information -------------------- A A A A

d) Process and analyze data ------ A A A A

85
<Grade 8> Teacher <Grade 8> Teacher Questionnaire — Mathematics Questionnaire — Mathematics 125

21

The following list includes the main topics addressed by the TIMSS mathematics test. Choose the response that 

best describes when the students in this class have been taught each topic. If a topic was in the curriculum before 

the <eighth grade>, please choose “Mostly taught before this year.” If a topic was taught half this year but not 

yet completed, please choose “Mostly taught this year.” If a topic is not in the curriculum, please choose “Not yet 

taught or just introduced.”

Check one circle for each line.

Mostly taught before this year 

 Mostly taught this year 

Not yet taught or 

just introduced

A. Number 

a) Computing with whole numbers -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A

b) Comparing and ordering rational numbers ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A

c) Computing with rational numbers (fractions, decimals, and integers) ----------------------------------------------------- A A A

d) Concepts of irrational numbers ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A

e) Problem solving involving percents or proportions -------------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A

B. Algebra 

a) Simplifying and evaluating algebraic expressions --------------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A

b) Simple linear equations and inequalities ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ A A A

c) Simultaneous (two variables) equations ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ A A A

d) Numeric, algebraic, and geometric patterns or sequences (extension, missing terms, generalization of patterns) ------- A A A

e) Representation of functions as ordered pairs, tables, graphs, words, or equations ---------------------------------------- A A A

f) Properties of functions (slopes, intercepts, etc.) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A

C. Geometry 

a) Geometric properties of angles and geometric shapes (triangles, quadrilaterals, and other common polygons) --------- A A A

b) Congruent fi gures and similar triangles ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A

c) Relationship between three-dimensional shapes and their two-dimensional representations --------------------------- A A A

d) Using appropriate measurement formulas for perimeters, circumferences, areas, surface areas, and volumes ----------- A A A

e) Points on the Cartesian plane ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ A A A

f) Translation, refl ection, and rotation ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A

D. Data and Chance 

a) Characteristics of data sets (mean, median, mode, and shape of distributions) ------------------------------------------- A A A

b) Interpreting data sets (e.g., draw conclusions, make predictions, and estimate values between and 

beyond given data points) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A

c) Judging, predicting, and determining the chances of possible outcomes -------------------------------------------------- A A A

Mathematics Topics Taught

Question 21 asks about the topics taught and the content covered in teaching mathematics

to the <eighth-grade> students in the TIMSS class.

86
136 <Grade 8> Teacher <Grade 8> Teacher Questionnaire — Mathematics Questionnaire — Mathematics

 Question 22 asks about mathematics homework 

for the <eighth-grade> students in the TIMSS 

class.

22

A. How often do you usually assign mathematics 

homework to the students in this class?

Check one circle only.

 I do not assign mathematics

 homework --- A 

(Go to #23)

 Less than once a week --- A

 1 or 2 times a week --- A

 3 or 4 times a week --- A

Every day --- A

 B. When you assign mathematics homework to the 

students in this class, about how many minutes 

do you usually assign? (Consider the time it would 

take an average student in your class.)

Check one circle only.

 15 minutes or less --- A

 16–30 minutes --- A

 31–60 minutes --- A

 61–90 minutes --- A

 More than 90 minutes --- A

Mathematics Homework

 C. How often do you do the following with the 

mathematics homework assignments for this 

class?

Check one circle for each line.

Always or almost always

 Sometimes

 Never or

 almost never

a) Correct assignments and

give feedback to students ----- A A A

b) Have students correct

their own homework ---------- A A A

c) Discuss the homework

in class ------------------------- A A A

d) Monitor whether or not the

homework was completed ---- A A A

e) Use the homework to

contribute towards

students’ grades or marks ----- A A A

87
<Grade 8> Teacher <Grade 8> Teacher Questionnaire — Mathematics Questionnaire — Mathematics 147

 Questions 23–25 ask about mathematics 

assessment for the <eighth-grade> students in 

the TIMSS class.

23

 How much emphasis do you place on the 

following sources to monitor students’ progress in 

mathematics?

Check one circle for each line.

Major emphasis

 Some emphasis

 Little or no

 emphasis

a) Evaluation of students’

ongoing work ------------------ A A A

b) Classroom tests (for

example, teacher-made or

textbook tests) ---------------- A A A

c) National or regional

achievement tests ------------- A A A

24

How often do you give a mathematics test or 

examination to this class?

Check one circle only.

 About once a week --- A

 About every two weeks --- A

About once a month --- A

 A few times a year --- A

 Never --- A

Mathematics Assessment

25

How often do you include the following types 

of questions in your mathematics tests or 

examinations?

Check one circle for each line.

Always or almost always

 Sometimes

 Never or 

 almost never

a) Questions based on recall

of facts and procedures -------- A A A

b) Questions involving

application of mathematical

procedures --------------------- A A A

c) Questions requiring

explanations or 

justifi cations ------------------- A A A

88
158 <Grade 8> Teacher <Grade 8> Teacher Questionnaire — Mathematics Questionnaire — Mathematics

Preparation to Teach 

Mathematics

26

In the past two years, have you participated 

in professional development in any of the 

following? 

Check one circle for each line.

 Yes

 No

a) Mathematics content ---------------------------- A A

b) Mathematics pedagogy/instruction ------------ A A

c) Mathematics curriculum ------------------------ A A

d) Integrating information

technology into mathematics ------------------- A A

e) Improving students’ critical thinking or

problem solving skills --------------------------- A A

f) Mathematics assessment ----------------------- A A

g) Addressing individual students’ needs ---------- A A

27

 In the past two years, how many hours in total 

have you spent in formal <in-service/professional 

development> (e.g., workshops, seminars, etc.)

for mathematics? 

Check one circle only.

 None --- A

 Less than 6 hours --- A

6–15 hours --- A

16–35 hours --- A

 More than 35 hours --- A

89
<Grade 8> Teacher <Grade 8> Teacher Questionnaire — Mathematics Questionnaire — Mathematics 169

28

How well prepared do you feel you are to teach the following mathematics topics?

If a topic is not in the <eighth-grade> curriculum or you are not responsible for teaching this topic, please choose 

“Not applicable.”

Check one circle for each line.

Not applicable

 Very well prepared 

Somewhat

prepared

Not well

prepared

A. Number 

a) Computing with whole numbers -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A A

b) Comparing and ordering rational numbers ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A A

c) Computing with rational numbers (fractions, decimals, and integers) ----------------------------------------------------- A A A A

d) Concepts of irrational numbers ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A A

e) Problem solving involving percents or proportions -------------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A A

B. Algebra 

a) Simplifying and evaluating algebraic expressions --------------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A A

b) Simple linear equations and inequalities ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ A A A A

c) Simultaneous (two variables) equations ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ A A A A

d) Numeric, algebraic, and geometric patterns or sequences (extension, missing terms, generalization of patterns) ------- A A A A

e) Representation of functions as ordered pairs, tables, graphs, words, or equations ---------------------------------------- A A A A

f) Properties of functions (slopes, intercepts, etc.) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A A

C. Geometry 

a) Geometric properties of angles and geometric shapes (triangles, quadrilaterals, and other common polygons) --------- A A A A

b) Congruent fi gures and similar triangles ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A A

c) Relationship between three-dimensional shapes and their two-dimensional representations --------------------------- A A A A

d) Using appropriate measurement formulas for perimeters, circumferences, areas, surface areas, and volumes ----------- A A A A

e) Points on the Cartesian plane ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ A A A A

f) Translation, refl ection, and rotation ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A A

D. Data and Chance 

a) Characteristics of data sets (mean, median, mode, and shape of distributions) ------------------------------------------- A A A A

b) Interpreting data sets (e.g., draw conclusions, make predictions, and estimate values between and 

beyond given data points) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A A

c) Judging, predicting, and determining the chances of possible outcomes -------------------------------------------------- A A A A

90
Thank you for the thought, time, and eff ort you have 

put into completing this questionnaire.

Thank You

91
92
<Grade 8>

TRENDS IN INTERNATIONAL MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE STUDY

timssandpirls.bc.edu

© IEA, 2013

International Association

for the Evaluation of

Educational Achievement

Teacher Questionnaire

Mathematics

Field Test Version

93
Identifi cation Label

© IEA, 2013

<TIMSS National Research Center Name>

<Address>

<Grade 8>

TRENDS IN INTERNATIONAL MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE STUDY

Teacher Questionnaire

Science

Field Test Version

94
Teacher Questionnaire

TIMSS 2015

Your school has agreed to participate in TIMSS 2015 

(Trends in International Mathematics and Science 

Study), an educational research project sponsored 

by the International Association for the Evaluation 

of Educational Achievement (IEA). TIMSS measures 

trends in student achievement in mathematics and 

science and studies diff erences in national education 

systems in more than 60 countries in order to help 

improve teaching and learning worldwide.

This questionnaire is addressed to teachers of 

<eighth-grade> students, and seeks information 

about teachers’ academic and professional 

backgrounds, classroom resources, instructional 

practices, and attitudes toward teaching. Since your 

class has been selected as part of a nationwide 

sample, your responses are very important in helping 

to describe secondary education in <country>.

Some of the questions in the questionnaire refer 

to the “TIMSS class” or “this class”. This is the class 

that is identifi ed on the front of this booklet, and 

which will be tested as part of TIMSS in your school. 

If you teach some but not all of the students in the 

TIMSS class, please think only of the students that 

you teach when answering these class-specifi c 

questions. It is important that you answer each 

question carefully so that the information that 

you provide refl ects your situation as accurately as 

possible.

Since TIMSS is an international study and all 

countries are using the same questionnaire, you may 

fi nd that some of the questions seem unusual or are 

not entirely relevant to you or schools in <country>. 

Nevertheless, it is important that you do your best to 

answer all of the questions so comparisons can be 

made across countries in the studies.

It is estimated that you will need approximately 

35 minutes to complete this questionnaire. We 

appreciate the time and eff ort that this takes and 

thank you for your cooperation and contribution.

When you have completed the questionnaire, 

please place it in the accompanying envelope and 

return it to:

<Insert country-specifi c information here>.

Thank you.

95
<Grade 8> Teacher <Grade 8> Teacher Questionnaire – Science Questionnaire 21

About You

 4

What is the highest level of formal education you 

have completed?

Check one circle only.

 Did not complete <Upper

 secondary education—ISCED Level 3> --- A

 <Upper secondary education—

ISCED Level 3> --- A

 <Post-secondary, non-tertiary

 education—ISCED Level 4> --- A

<Short-cycle tertiary

 education—ISCED Level 5> --- A

 <Bachelor’s or equivalent

 level—ISCED Level 6> --- A

 <Master’s or equivalent

 level—ISCED Level 7> --- A

<Doctor or equivalent

 level—ISCED Level 8> --- A

 5

During your <post-secondary> education, what was 

your major or main area(s) of study? 

Check one circle for each line.

 Yes

 No

a) Mathematics ------------------------------------- A A

b) Biology ------------------------------------------- A A

c) Physics ------------------------------------------- A A

d) Chemistry ---------------------------------------- A A

e) <Earth Science> -------------------------------- A A

f) Education–Mathematics ------------------------ A A

g) Education–Science ------------------------------ A A

h) Education–General ------------------------------ A A

i) Other --------------------------------------------- A A

 1 

By the end of this school year, how many years will 

you have been teaching altogether?

_____________ years

Please round to the nearest whole number.

 2

Are you female or male?

Check one circle only.

 Female --- A

 Male --- A

 3 

How old are you?

Check one circle only.

Under 25 --- A

 25–29 --- A

 30–39 --- A

 40–49 --- A

 50–59 --- A

60 or more --- A

96
32 <Grade 8> Teacher <Grade 8> Teacher Questionnaire – Science Questionnaire

School Emphasis on Academic Success

 6

How would you characterize each of the following within your school? 

Check one circle for each line.

 Very high

 High

 Medium

 Low

 Very

 low

 

a) Teachers’ understanding of

the school’s curricular goals --- A A A A A

b) Teachers’ degree of 

success in implementing 

the school’s curriculum -------- A A A A A

c) Teachers’ expectations

for student achievement ------- A A A A A

d) Teachers working together

to improve student

achievement ------------------- A A A A A

e) Teachers’ ability to

inspire students ---------------- A A A A A

f) Parental involvement

in school activities ------------- A A A A A

g) Parental commitment to

ensure that students are

ready to learn ------------------ A A A A A

h) Parental expectations for

student achievement ---------- A A A A A

i) Parental support for 

student achievement ---------- A A A A A

j) Parental pressure for the

school to maintain high

academic standards ------------ A A A A A

 

Check one circle for each line.

 Very high

 High

 Medium

 Low

 Very

 low 

 

 

k) Students’ desire to do

well in school ------------------- A A A A A

l) Students’ ability to reach

school’s academic goals -------- A A A A A

m) Students’ respect for

classmates who excel

in school ------------------------ A A A A A

n) Clarity of the school’s

educational objectives --------- A A A A A

o) Collaboration between

school leadership and

teachers to plan instruction --- A A A A A

p) Amount of instructional

support provided to teachers 

by school leadership ----------- A A A A A

q) School leadership’s

support for teachers’

professional development ----- A A A A A

r) Teachers’ job satisfaction------- A A A A A

97
<Grade 8> Teacher <Grade 8> Teacher Questionnaire – Science Questionnaire 43

 7

Thinking about your current school, indicate the 

extent to which you agree or disagree with each of 

the following statements.

Check one circle for each line.

 Agree a lot

 Agree a little

 Disagree a little

 Disagree

 a lot

a) This school is located in

a safe neighborhood ---------- A A A A

b) I feel safe at this school -------- A A A A

c) This school’s security policies

and practices are suffi cient ---- A A A A

d) The students behave in an

orderly manner ---------------- A A A A

e ) The students are respectful

of the teachers ----------------- A A A A

f ) The students respect

school property ---------------- A A A A

g) This school has clear rules

about student conduct -------- A A A A

h) This school’s rules are

enforced in a fair and

consistent manner ------------- A A A A

 8

In your current school, how severe is each problem?

Check one circle for each line.

 Not a problem

 Minor problem

 Moderate problem

 Serious

 problem

a) The school building needs

signifi cant repair -------------- A A A A

b) Teachers do not have 

adequate workspace (e.g., for

preparation, collaboration,

or meeting with students) ---- A A A A

c) Teachers do not have

adequate instructional 

materials and supplies -------- A A A A

d) The school classrooms are

not cleaned often enough ----- A A A A

e) The school classrooms need

maintenance work ------------ A A A A

f) Teachers do not have

adequate technological

resources ----------------------- A A A A

g) Teachers do not have

adequate support for

using technology -------------- A A A A

h) There are too many

students in the classes -------- A A A A

i) Teachers have too many

teaching hours ----------------- A A A A

j) Teachers have too much

material to cover

in classes ----------------------- A A A A

School Climate

98
54 <Grade 8> Teacher <Grade 8> Teacher Questionnaire – Science Questionnaire

 9

How often do you have the following types of 

interactions with other teachers?

Check one circle for each line.

 Very Often

 Often

 Sometimes

 Never or

 almost

 never

a) Discuss how to teach 

a particular topic -------------- A A A A

b) Collaborate in planning 

and preparing instructional 

materials ----------------------- A A A A

c) Share what I have

learned about my 

teaching experiences ---------- A A A A

d) Visit another classroom

to learn more about teaching - A A A A

e) Work together to

try out new ideas -------------- A A A A

f) Go to other teachers

for help ------------------------ A A A A

g) Work as a group on

implementing the

curriculum --------------------- A A A A

h) Work with teachers from

other grades to ensure

continuity in learning --------- A A A A

i) Participate in teacher

mentoring --------------------- A A A A

10

How frequently do you feel the following way

about being a teacher?

 Check one circle for each line.

 Very Often

 Often

 Sometimes

 Never or

 almost

 never

a) I am content with my

profession as a teacher -------- A A A A

b) I am satisfi ed with being

a teacher at this school -------- A A A A

c) I fi nd my work full of

meaning and purpose --------- A A A A

d) I am enthusiastic

about my job ------------------ A A A A

e) My work inspires me ----------- A A A A

f) I am proud of the

work I do ----------------------- A A A A

g) I am frustrated as a teacher ---- A A A A

h) I am supported by the

teachers at my school ---------- A A A A

i) I am going to continue

teaching for as long as I can --- A A A A

About Being a Teacher

99
<Grade 8> Teacher <Grade 8> Teacher Questionnaire – Science Questionnaire 65

About Teaching the

TIMSS Class

11 

How many students are in this class?

_____________ students

Write in a number.

12 

How many <eighth-grade> students experience 

diffi culties understanding spoken <language of 

test>?

_____________ students in this class

Write in a number.

13

How often do you do the following in teaching this 

class?

Check one circle for each line.

 Every or almost every lesson

 About half the lessons

 Some lessons

 Never 

a) Summarize what students 

should have learned from 

the lesson ---------------------- A A A A

b) Ask questions to elicit 

reasons and explanations ----- A A A A

c) Ask questions to check

that students understand

what I am teaching ----------- A A A A 

d) Encourage all students to 

improve their performance --- A A A A

e) Praise students for 

good performance ------------- A A A A

f) Ask students to complete

challenging exercises

that require them to

go beyond the instruction ----- A A A A

g) Encourage classroom

discussions among

students ----------------------- A A A A

h) Link new content to

students’ prior knowledge ---- A A A A

i) Ask students to decide

their own problem

solving procedures ------------ A A A A

j) Encourage students to

express their ideas in class ---- A A A A

100
76 <Grade 8> Teacher <Grade 8> Teacher Questionnaire – Science Questionnaire

14

In your view, to what extent do the following limit 

how you teach this class?

Check one circle for each line.

Not at all

 Some

 A lot

a) Students lacking prerequisite

knowledge or skills ------------ A A A

b) Students suff ering from 

lack of basic nutrition --------- A A A

c) Students suff ering from 

not enough sleep -------------- A A A

d) Students with special needs 

(e.g., physical disabilities,

mental or emotional/

psychological impairment) ---- A A A

e) Disruptive students ----------- A A A

f) Uninterested students --------- A A A

101
<Grade 8> Teacher <Grade 8> Teacher Questionnaire – Science Questionnaire – Science 81

 Questions 15–17 ask about science instruction 

for the <eighth-grade> students in the <TIMSS 

class/class with the TIMSS students>.

Teaching Science to the <TIMSS

Class/Class with the TIMSS students>

15

In a typical week, how much time do you spend 

teaching science to the students in this class?

_____________ minutes per week 

Write in the number of minutes per week.

Please convert the number of hours into minutes.

16

In teaching science to this class, how confi dent do 

you feel to do the following?

Check one circle for each line.

Very confi dent

 Somewhat confi dent

 Not confi dent

a) Answer students’ questions 

about science ------------------ A A A

b) Explain science concepts 

or principles by doing 

science experiments ----------- A A A

c) Provide challenging tasks 

for the highest

achieving students ------------ A A A

d) Adapt my teaching to 

engage students’ interest ----- A A A

e) Help students appreciate 

the value of learning 

science ------------------------- A A A

f) Inspire students who are

unmotivated to learn

science ------------------------- A A A

g) Assess student comprehension

of science ---------------------- A A A

h) Improve the understanding

of struggling students --------- A A A

i) Build supportive relationships

with students ------------------ A A A

j) Manage the classroom to

avoid disruptions --------------- A A A

k) Make science relevant

to students --------------------- A A A

l) Challenge students into

developing higher order

thinking skills ------------------ A A A

m) Teach science using inquiry

methods ----------------------- A A A

102
92 <Grade 8> Teacher <Grade 8> Teacher Questionnaire – Science Questionnaire – Science

17

In teaching science to the students in this class, how 

often do you usually ask them to do the following?

Check one circle for each line.

Every or almost every lesson

 About half the lessons

 Some lessons

 Never

a) Listen to me explain new

science content ---------------- A A A A

b) Observe natural phenomena

and describe what they see --- A A A A

c) Watch me demonstrate

an experiment or

investigation ------------------- A A A A

d) Design or plan experiments

or investigations --------------- A A A A

e) Conduct experiments or

investigations ------------------ A A A A

f) Present data from experiments

or investigations --------------- A A A A

g) Interpret data from experiments

or investigations --------------- A A A A

h) Use evidence from experiments

or investigations to

support conclusions ----------- A A A A

i) Read their textbooks or

other resource materials ------ A A A A

j) Have students memorize

facts and principles ------------ A A A A

k) Use scientifi c formulas and

laws to solve routine

problems ----------------------- A A A A

l) Give explanations about

something they are

studying ----------------------- A A A A

m) Relate what they are

learning in science to

their daily lives ---------------- A A A A

n) Do fi eld work outside of class - A A A A

o) Take a written test or quiz ----- A A A A

p) Work in mixed ability groups -- A A A A

q) Work in same ability groups --- A A A A

103
<Grade 8> Teacher <Grade 8> Teacher Questionnaire – Science Questionnaire – Science 103

19 

 A. Do the students in this class have computers 

(including tablets such as iPads) available to use 

during their science lessons?

Check one circle only.

 Yes --- A

 No --- A 

(If No, go to #20)

If Yes,

 B. How many of the computers have access to

the Internet?

Check one circle only.

 All --- A

 Most --- A

 Some --- A 

None --- A

C. How often do you have the students do the 

following activities on computers during

science lessons?

Check one circle for each line.

 Every or almost every day

 Once or twice a week

 Once or twice a

 month

 Never or

 almost

 never

a) Practice skills and

procedures --------------------- A A A A

b) Look up ideas and

information -------------------- A A A A

c) Do scientifi c procedures

or experiments ---------------- A A A A

d) Study natural phenomena

through simulations ----------- A A A A

e) Process and analyze data ------ A A A A

Resources for Teaching Science

 Questions 18–19 ask about resources for 

teaching science to the <eighth-grade> students 

in the <TIMSS class/class with the TIMSS 

students>.

18

When you teach science to this class, how do you 

use the following resources?

Check one circle for each line.

Basis for instruction 

 Supplement

 Not used

a) Textbooks ---------------------- A A A

b) Workbooks or 

worksheets -------------------- A A A

c) Science equipment and

materials ----------------------- A A A

d) Computer software/

applications (apps) for

science instruction ------------- A A A

e) Internet resources ------------- A A A

104
114 <Grade 8> Teacher <Grade 8> Teacher Questionnaire – Science Questionnaire – Science

 Question 20 asks about the topics taught and the content covered in teaching science

to the <eighth-grade> students in the <TIMSS class/class with the TIMSS students>.

Science Topics Taught

20

The following list includes the main topics addressed by the TIMSS science test. Choose the response that best 

describes when the students in this class have been taught each topic. If a topic was in the curriculum before 

the <eighth grade>, please choose “Mostly taught before this year.” If a topic was taught half this year but not 

yet completed, please choose “Mostly taught this year.” If a topic is not in the curriculum, please choose “Not yet 

taught or just introduced.”

Check one circle for each line.

Mostly taught before this year 

Mostly taught this year 

Not yet taught or 

just introduced

A. Biology

a) Diff erences among major taxonomic groups of organisms (plants, animals, fungi, mammals, birds,

reptiles, fi sh, amphibians) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A

b) Major organs and organ systems in humans and other organisms (structure/function, life processes that 

maintain stable bodily conditions) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ A A A

c) Cells, their structure and functions, including respiration and photosynthesis as cellular processes ---------------------- A A A

d) Life cycles, sexual reproduction, and heredity (passing on of traits, inherited versus acquired/learned

characteristics) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A

e) Role of variation and adaptation in survival/extinction of species in a changing environment (including fossil

evidence for changes in life on Earth over time) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A

f) Interdependence of populations of organisms in an ecosystem (e.g., energy fl ow, food webs, competition, 

predation) and factors aff ecting population size in an ecosystem ---------------------------------------------------------- A A A

g) Human health (causes of infectious diseases, methods of infection, prevention, immunity) and the importance 

of diet and exercise in maintaining health ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A

B. Chemistry

a) Classifi cation, composition, and particulate structure of matter (elements, compounds, mixtures, molecules, 

atoms, protons, neutrons, electrons) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A

b) Physical and chemical properties of matter --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A

c) Mixtures and solutions (solvent, solute, concentration/dilution, eff ect of temperature on solubility) -------------------- A A A

d) Properties and uses of common acids and bases ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A

e) Chemical change (transformation of reactants, evidence of chemical change, conservation of matter, 

common oxidation reactions – combustion, rusting, tarnishing) ---------------------------------------------------------- A A A

f) The role of electrons in chemical bonds ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A

105
<Grade 8> Teacher <Grade 8> Teacher Questionnaire – Science Questionnaire – Science 125

20

The following list includes the main topics addressed by the TIMSS science test. Choose the response that best 

describes when the students in this class have been taught each topic. If a topic was in the curriculum before 

the <eighth grade>, please choose “Mostly taught before this year.” If a topic was taught half this year but not 

yet completed, please choose “Mostly taught this year.” If a topic is not in the curriculum, please choose “Not yet 

taught or just introduced.”

Check one circle for each line.

Mostly taught before this year 

Mostly taught this year 

Not yet taught or 

just introduced

C. Physics

a) Physical states and changes in matter (explanations of properties in terms of movement and distance 

between particles; phase change, thermal expansion, and changes in volume and/or pressure) ------------------------- A A A

b) Energy forms, transformations, heat, and temperature --------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A

c) Basic properties/behaviors of light (refl ection, refraction, light and color, simple ray diagrams)

and sound (transmission through media, loudness, pitch, amplitude, frequency) ----------------------------------------- A A A

d) Electric circuits (fl ow of current; types of circuits - parallel/series) and properties 

and uses of permanent magnets and electromagnets ---------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A

e) Forces and motion (types of forces, basic description of motion, eff ects of density and pressure) ------------------------ A A A

D. Earth Science

a) Earth’s structure and physical features (Earth’s crust, mantle and core; composition and relative distribution 

of water, and composition of air) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A

b) Earth’s processes, cycles and history (rock cycle; water cycle; weather versus climate; major geological events; 

formation of fossils and fossil fuels) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A

c) Earth’s resources, their use and conservation (e.g., renewable/nonrenewable resources, human use of 

land/soil, water resources) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A

d) Earth in the solar system and the universe (phenomena on Earth - day/night, tides, phases of moon, eclipses, 

seasons; physical features of Earth compared to other bodies) ------------------------------------------------------------- A A A

(continued)

106
136 <Grade 8> Teacher <Grade 8> Teacher Questionnaire – Science Questionnaire – Science

 Question 21 asks about science homework for 

the <eighth-grade> students in the <TIMSS 

class/class with the TIMSS students>.

21

 A. How often do you usually assign science 

homework to the students in this class?

Check one circle only.

 I do not assign science

 homework --- A

(Go to #22)

 Less than once a week --- A

 1 or 2 times a week --- A

 3 or 4 times a week --- A

Every day --- A

 B. When you assign science homework to the 

students in this class, about how many minutes 

do you usually assign? (Consider the time it would 

take an average student in your class.)

Check one circle only.

 15 minutes or less --- A

 16–30 minutes --- A

 31–60 minutes --- A

 61–90 minutes --- A

 More than 90 minutes --- A

Science Homework

 C. How often do you do the following with the 

science homework assignments for this class?

Check one circle for each line.

Always or almost always

 Sometimes

 Never or

 almost never

a) Correct assignments and

give feedback to students ----- A A A

b) Have students correct

their own homework ---------- A A A

c) Discuss the homework

in class ------------------------- A A A

d) Monitor whether or not the

homework was completed ---- A A A

e) Use the homework to

contribute towards

students’ grades or marks ----- A A A

107
<Grade 8> Teacher <Grade 8> Teacher Questionnaire – Science Questionnaire – Science 147

 Questions 22–24 ask about science assessment 

for the <eighth-grade> students in the <TIMSS 

class/class with the TIMSS students>.

22

How much emphasis do you place on the following 

sources to monitor students’ progress in science?

Check one circle for each line.

 Major emphasis

 Some emphasis

 Little or no

 emphasis

a) Evaluation of students’

ongoing work ------------------ A A A

b) Classroom tests (for

example, teacher-made or

textbook tests) ---------------- A A A

c) National or regional

achievement tests ------------- A A A

23

How often do you give a science test or examination 

to this class?

Check one circle only.

 About once a week --- A

 About every two weeks --- A

About once a month --- A

 A few times a year --- A

 Never --- A

Science Assessment

24

How often do you include the following types of 

questions in your science tests or examinations?

Check one circle for each line.

 Always or almost always

 Sometimes

 Never or

 almost never

a) Questions based on

knowing facts and concepts --- A A A

b) Questions based on the

application of knowledge

and understanding ------------ A A A

c) Questions requiring

explanations or 

justifi cations ------------------- A A A

108
158 <Grade 8> Teacher <Grade 8> Teacher Questionnaire – Science Questionnaire – Science

Preparation to Teach Science

25

In the past two years, have you participated 

in professional development in any of the 

following? 

Check one circle for each line.

 Yes

 No

a) Science content ---------------------------------- A A

b) Science pedagogy/instruction ------------------ A A

c) Science curriculum ------------------------------ A A

d) Integrating information technology

into science -------------------------------------- A A

e) Improving students’ critical thinking or

inquiry skills ------------------------------------- A A

f) Science assessment ------------------------------ A A

g) Addressing individual students’ needs ---------- A A

26

 In the past two years, how many hours in total 

have you spent in formal <in-service/professional 

development> (e.g., workshops, seminars, etc.)

for science? 

Check one circle only.

 None --- A

 Less than 6 hours --- A

6–15 hours --- A

16–35 hours --- A

 More than 35 hours --- A

109
<Grade 8> Teacher <Grade 8> Teacher Questionnaire – Science Questionnaire – Science 169

27

How well prepared do you feel you are to teach the following science topics?

If a topic is not in the <eighth-grade> curriculum or you are not responsible for teaching this topic, please choose 

“Not applicable.”

Check one circle for each line.

Not applicable

 Very well prepared

Somewhat

prepared

Not well

prepared

A. Biology

a) Diff erences among major taxonomic groups of organisms (plants, animals, fungi, mammals, birds,

reptiles, fi sh, amphibians) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A A

b) Major organs and organ systems in humans and other organisms (structure/function, life processes that 

maintain stable bodily conditions) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ A A A A

c) Cells, their structure and functions, including respiration and photosynthesis as cellular processes ---------------------- A A A A

d) Life cycles, sexual reproduction, and heredity (passing on of traits, inherited versus acquired/learned

characteristics) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A A

e) Role of variation and adaptation in survival/extinction of species in a changing environment (including fossil

evidence for changes in life on Earth over time) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A A

f) Interdependence of populations of organisms in an ecosystem (e.g., energy fl ow, food webs, competition, 

predation) and factors aff ecting population size in an ecosystem ---------------------------------------------------------- A A A A

g) Human health (causes of infectious diseases, methods of infection, prevention, immunity) and the importance 

of diet and exercise in maintaining health ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A A

B. Chemistry

a) Classifi cation, composition, and particulate structure of matter (elements, compounds, mixtures, molecules, 

atoms, protons, neutrons, electrons) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A A

b) Physical and chemical properties of matter --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A A

c) Mixtures and solutions (solvent, solute, concentration/dilution, eff ect of temperature on solubility) -------------------- A A A A

d) Properties and uses of common acids and bases ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A A

e) Chemical change (transformation of reactants, evidence of chemical change, conservation of matter, 

common oxidation reactions – combustion, rusting, tarnishing) ---------------------------------------------------------- A A A A

f) The role of electrons in chemical bonds ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A A

110
170 <Grade 8> Teacher <Grade 8> Teacher Questionnaire – Science Questionnaire – Science

27

How well prepared do you feel you are to teach the following science topics?

If a topic is not in the <eighth-grade> curriculum or you are not responsible for teaching this topic, please choose 

“Not applicable.”

Check one circle for each line.

Not applicable

 Very well prepared

Somewhat

prepared

Not well

prepared

C. Physics

a) Physical states and changes in matter (explanations of properties in terms of movement and distance 

between particles; phase change, thermal expansion, and changes in volume and/or pressure) ------------------------- A A A A

b) Energy forms, transformations, heat, and temperature --------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A A

c) Basic properties/behaviors of light (refl ection, refraction, light and color, simple ray diagrams)

and sound (transmission through media, loudness, pitch, amplitude, frequency) ----------------------------------------- A A A A

d) Electric circuits (fl ow of current; types of circuits - parallel/series) and properties 

and uses of permanent magnets and electromagnets ---------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A A

e) Forces and motion (types of forces, basic description of motion, eff ects of density and pressure) ------------------------ A A A A

D. Earth Science

a) Earth’s structure and physical features (Earth’s crust, mantle and core; composition and relative distribution 

of water, and composition of air) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A A

b) Earth’s processes, cycles and history (rock cycle; water cycle; weather versus climate; major geological events; 

formation of fossils and fossil fuels) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A A

c) Earth’s resources, their use and conservation (e.g., renewable/nonrenewable resources, human use of 

land/soil, water resources) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A A A A

d) Earth in the solar system and the universe (phenomena on Earth - day/night, tides, phases of moon, eclipses, 

seasons; physical features of Earth compared to other bodies) ------------------------------------------------------------- A A A A

(continued)

111
Thank you for the thought, time, and eff ort you have 

put into completing this questionnaire.

Thank You

112
<Grade 8>

TRENDS IN INTERNATIONAL MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE STUDY

timssandpirls.bc.edu

© IEA, 2013

International Association

for the Evaluation of

Educational Achievement

Teacher Questionnaire

Science

Field Test Version

113
Identifi cation Label

© IEA, 2013

<TIMSS National Research Center Name>

<Address>

<Grade 4>

TRENDS IN INTERNATIONAL MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE STUDY

School

Questionnaire

Field Test Version

114
School Questionnaire

TIMSS 2015

Your school has agreed to participate in TIMSS 2015 

(Trends in International Mathematics and Science 

Study), an educational research project sponsored 

by the International Association for the Evaluation 

of Educational Achievement (IEA). TIMSS measures 

trends in student achievement in mathematics and 

science, and studies diff erences in national education 

systems in more than 60 countries in order to help 

improve teaching and learning worldwide.

This questionnaire is addressed to school 

principals and department heads who are asked to 

supply information about their schools. Since your 

school has been selected as part of a nationwide 

sample, your responses are very important in 

helping to describe primary/elementary education in 

<country>.

It is important that you answer each question 

carefully so that the information provided refl ects 

the situation in your school as accurately as possible. 

Some of the questions will require that you look up 

school records, so you may wish to arrange for the 

assistance of another staff member to help provide 

this information. 

Since TIMSS is an international study and all 

countries are using the same questionnaire, you may 

fi nd that some of the questions seem unusual or are 

not entirely relevant to you or schools in <country>. 

Nevertheless, it is important that you do your best to 

answer all of the questions so comparisons can be 

made across countries in the study.

It is estimated that you will need approximately 

30 minutes to complete this questionnaire. We 

appreciate the time and eff ort that this takes and 

thank you for your cooperation and contribution.

When you have completed the questionnaire, 

please place it in the accompanying envelope and 

return it to:

<Insert country-specifi c information here>.

Thank you.

115
<Grade 4> School <Grade 4> School Questionnaire Questionnaire 21

School Enrollment and Characteristics

 1

What is the total enrollment of students in your 

school as of <fi rst day of month TIMSS testing 

begins, 2014>? 

_____________ students

Write in a number.

 2

What is the total enrollment of <fourth-grade> 

students in your school as of <fi rst day of month 

TIMSS testing begins, 2014>?

_____________ students

Write in a number.

 3

Approximately what percentage of students in your 

school have the following backgrounds?

Check one circle for each line.

 0 to 10%

 11 to 25%

 26 to 50%

 More than

 50%

a) Come from economically 

disadvantaged homes --------- A A A A

b) Come from economically 

affl uent homes ----------------- A A A A

 4

Approximately what percentage of students in 

your school have <language of test> as their native 

language?

 Check one circle only.

 More than 90% --- A

76 to 90% --- A

51 to 75% --- A

26 to 50% --- A

25% or less --- A

 5 

 A. How many people live in the city, town, or area 

where your school is located?

 Check one circle only.

 More than 500,000 people -- A

 100,001 to 500,000 people -- A

 50,001 to 100,000 people -- A

 30,001 to 50,000 people -- A

 15,001 to 30,000 people -- A

 3,001 to 15,000 people -- A

 3,000 people or fewer -- A

 B. Which best describes the immediate area in which 

your school is located?

 Check one circle only.

 Urban–Densely populated --- A

 Suburban–On fringe or

outskirts of urban area --- A

 Medium size city or large town --- A

Small town or village --- A

Remote rural --- A

116
32 <Grade 4> School <Grade 4> School Questionnaire Questionnaire

Instructional Time Resources and Technology

 6

For the <fourth-grade> students in your school:

 A. How many days per year is your school open for 

instruction?

__________days

Write in the number. 

 B. What is the total instructional time, excluding

breaks, in a typical day?

__________minutes

Write in the number of minutes per day.

Please convert the number of hours into minutes.

 C. In one calendar week, how many days is the school 

open for instruction?

 Check one circle only.

6 days --- A

5 1/2 days --- A

5 days --- A

4 1/2 days --- A

4 days --- A

 Other --- A

 8

How many computers does your school have for

use by <fourth grade> students? Include tablets 

such as iPads.

___________computers 

Write in the number.

 9

Does your school have a science laboratory that can 

be used by <fourth-grade> students?

 Check one circle only.

 Yes --- A

 No --- A

 7

Is student achievement used to assign students to 

classes (e.g., streaming, tracking)?

 Check one circle only.

 Yes --- A

 No --- A

117
<Grade 4> School <Grade 4> School Questionnaire Questionnaire 43

 10

Does your school have a school library?

 Check one circle only.

 Yes --- A

 No --- A 

(If No, go to #11)

If Yes, 

 A. Approximately how many books (print and digital) 

with diff erent titles does your school library have 

(exclude magazines and periodicals)?

 Check one circle in each column.

250 or fewer --- A A

 251–500 --- A A

 501–2,000 --- A A

 2,001–5,000 --- A A

 5,001–10,000 --- A A

 More than 10,000 --- A A

 B. Approximately how many titles of magazines and 

other periodicals (print and digital) does your 

school library have?

 Check one circle in each column.

 0 --- A A

 1–5 --- A A

 6–10 --- A A

 11–30 --- A A

31 or more --- A A

Print Digital

Print Digital

118
54 <Grade 4> School <Grade 4> School Questionnaire Questionnaire

Check one circle for each line.

 Not at all

 A little

 Some

 A lot

A. General School Resources

a) Instructional materials (e.g., 

textbooks) ---------------------- A A A A

b) Supplies (e.g., papers, 

pencils, materials) ------------- A A A A

c) School buildings and 

grounds ------------------------ A A A A

d) Heating/cooling and lighting

systems ------------------------- A A A A

e) Instructional space (e.g., 

classrooms) --------------------- A A A A

f) Technologically competent

staff ----------------------------- A A A A

g) Audio-visual resources

for delivery of instruction

(e.g. interactive white

boards, digital projectors) ----- A A A A

h) Computer technology for

teaching and learning

(e.g. computers or tablets

such as iPads for

student use) -------------------- A A A A

i) Resources for

disabled students -------------- A A A A

Check one circle for each line.

Not at all

 A little

 Some

 A lot

B. Resources for Mathematics 

Instruction

a) Teachers with a specialization

in mathematics ---------------- A A A A

b) Computer software/

applications for

mathematics instruction ------- A A A A

c) Library resources relevant

to mathematics instruction ---- A A A A

d) Calculators for mathematics

instruction ---------------------- A A A A

e) Concrete objects or materials 

to help students understand 

quantities or procedures ------- A A A A

C. Resources for Science 

Instruction

a) Teachers with a

specialization in science ------- A A A A

b) Computer software/

applications for

science instruction ------------- A A A A

c) Library resources relevant

to science instruction ---------- A A A A

d) Science equipment and

materials for experiments ----- A A A A

11 

How much is your school’s capacity to provide instruction aff ected by a shortage or inadequacy 

of the following?

119
<Grade 4> School <Grade 4> School Questionnaire Questionnaire 65

13

 To what degree is each of the following a problem 

among <fourth-grade> students in your school?

Check one circle for each line.

Not a problem

 Minor problem

 Moderate problem

 Serious

 problem

a) Arriving late at school ---------- A A A A

b) Absenteeism (i.e., 

unjustifi ed absences) ---------- A A A A

c) Classroom disturbance --------- A A A A

d) Cheating ------------------------ A A A A

e) Profanity ----------------------- A A A A

f) Vandalism ---------------------- A A A A

g) Theft ---------------------------- A A A A

h) Intimidation or verbal abuse

among students (including 

texting, emailing, etc.) -------- A A A A

i) Physical fi ghts among 

students ------------------------ A A A A

j) Intimidation or verbal abuse

of teachers or staff (including 

texting, emailing, etc.) --------- A A A A

School Emphasis

on Academic Success

12

How would you characterize each of the following 

within your school? 

Check one circle for each line.

 Very high

 High

 Medium

 Low

 Very

 low

 

a) Teachers’ understanding of

the school’s curricular goals --- A A A A A

b) Teachers’ degree of 

success in implementing 

the school’s curriculum -------- A A A A A

c) Teachers’ expectations

for student achievement ------- A A A A A

d) Teachers working together

to improve student

achievement ------------------- A A A A A

e) Teachers’ ability to

inspire students ---------------- A A A A A

f) Parental involvement

in school activities ------------- A A A A A

g) Parental commitment to

ensure that students are

ready to learn ------------------ A A A A A

h) Parental expectations for

student achievement ---------- A A A A A

i) Parental support for 

student achievement ---------- A A A A A

j) Parental pressure for the

school to maintain high

academic standards ------------ A A A A A

k) Students’ desire to do

well in school ------------------- A A A A A

l) Students’ ability to reach

school’s academic goals -------- A A A A A

m) Students’ respect for

classmates who excel

in school ------------------------ A A A A A

School Climate

120
76 <Grade 4> School <Grade 4> School Questionnaire Questionnaire

Leadership Activities

14 

During the past year, approximately how much time 

have you spent on the following school 

leadership activities in your role as a school 

principal?

Check one circle for each line.

 No time

 A little time

 Some time

 A lot of

 time

a) Promoting the school’s

educational vision or goals ---- A A A A

b) Developing the school’s

curricular and

educational goals -------------- A A A A

c) Monitoring teachers’

implementation of the

school’s educational goals

in their teaching --------------- A A A A

d) Monitoring students’

learning progress to ensure

that the school’s educational

goals are reached -------------- A A A A

e) Keeping an orderly

atmosphere in the school ----- A A A A

f) Addressing disruptive

student behavior -------------- A A A A

g) Advising teachers who have

questions or problems with

their teaching ------------------ A A A A

h) Initiating educational

projects or improvements ----- A A A A

i) Participating in professional

development activities

specifi cally for

school principals --------------- A A A A

School Readiness

15 

About how many of the students in your school can 

do the following when they begin the <fi rst grade> 

of primary/elementary school?

Check one circle for each line.

 Less than 25%

 25–50%

 51–75%

 More than

 75%

a) Recognize most of the 

letters of the alphabet --------- A A A A 

b) Read some words -------------- A A A A

c) Read sentences ---------------- A A A A

d) Write letters of the alphabet -- A A A A 

e) Write some words ------------- A A A A

f) Count up to 100 or higher ----- A A A A 

g) Recognize written numbers

from 1-10 ---------------------- A A A A

h) Recognize numbers higher

than 10 ------------------------ A A A A

i) Write numbers from 1-10 ----- A A A A 

j) Do simple addition ------------ A A A A

k) Do simple subtraction --------- A A A A

121
Thank you for the thought, time, and eff ort you have 

put into completing this questionnaire.

Thank You

122
123
124
<Grade 4>

TRENDS IN INTERNATIONAL MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE STUDY

timssandpirls.bc.edu

© IEA, 2013

International Association

for the Evaluation of

Educational Achievement

School

Questionnaire

Field Test Version

125
Identifi cation Label

© IEA, 2013

<TIMSS National Research Center Name>

<Address>

<Grade 8>

TRENDS IN INTERNATIONAL MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE STUDY

School

Questionnaire

Field Test Version

126
School Questionnaire

TIMSS 2015

Your school has agreed to participate in TIMSS 2015 

(Trends in International Mathematics and Science 

Study), an educational research project sponsored 

by the International Association for the Evaluation 

of Educational Achievement (IEA). TIMSS measures 

trends in student achievement in mathematics and 

science, and studies diff erences in national education 

systems in more than 60 countries in order to help 

improve teaching and learning worldwide.

This questionnaire is addressed to school 

principals and department heads who are asked to 

supply information about their schools. Since your 

school has been selected as part of a nationwide 

sample, your responses are very important in helping 

to describe secondary education in <country>.

It is important that you answer each question 

carefully so that the information provided refl ects 

the situation in your school as accurately as possible. 

Some of the questions will require that you look up 

school records, so you may wish to arrange for the 

assistance of another staff member to help provide 

this information. 

Since TIMSS is an international study and all 

countries are using the same questionnaire, you may 

fi nd that some of the questions seem unusual or are 

not entirely relevant to you or schools in <country>. 

Nevertheless, it is important that you do your best to 

answer all of the questions so comparisons can be 

made across countries in the study.

It is estimated that you will need approximately 

30 minutes to complete this questionnaire. We 

appreciate the time and eff ort that this takes and 

thank you for your cooperation and contribution.

When you have completed the questionnaire, 

please place it in the accompanying envelope and 

return it to:

<Insert country-specifi c information here>.

Thank you.

127
<Grade 8> School <Grade 8> School Questionnaire Questionnaire 21

 1 

What is the total enrollment of students in your 

school as of <fi rst day of month TIMSS testing 

begins, 2014>? 

_____________ students

Write in a number.

 2

What is the total enrollment of <eighth-grade> 

students in your school as of <fi rst day of month 

TIMSS testing begins, 2014>?

_____________ students

Write in a number.

School Enrollment 

and Characteristics

 3

Approximately what percentage of students in your 

school have the following backgrounds?

Check one circle for each line.

 0 to 10%

 11 to 25%

 26 to 50%

 More than

 50%

a) Come from economically 

disadvantaged homes --------- A A A A

b) Come from economically 

affl uent homes ---------------- A A A A

 4

Approximately what percentage of students in 

your school have <language of test> as their native 

language?

 Check one circle only.

 More than 90% -- A

76 to 90% -- A

51 to 75% -- A

26 to 50% -- A

25% or less -- A

 5 

 A. How many people live in the city, town, or area 

where your school is located?

 Check one circle only.

 More than 500,000 people -- A

 100,001 to 500,000 people -- A

 50,001 to 100,000 people -- A

 30,001 to 50,000 people -- A

 15,001 to 30,000 people -- A

 3,001 to 15,000 people -- A

 3,000 people or fewer -- A

 B. Which best describes the immediate area in which 

your school is located?

 Check one circle only.

 Urban–Densely populated -- A

 Suburban–On fringe or

 outskirts of urban area -- A

 Medium size city or large town -- A

 Small town or village -- A

Remote rural -- A

128
32 <Grade 8> School <Grade 8> School Questionnaire Questionnaire

Instructional Time Resources and Technology

 6

For the <eighth-grade> students in your school:

 A. How many days per year is your school open for 

instruction?

__________days

Write in the number.

 B. What is the total instructional time, excluding

breaks, in a typical day?

__________minutes

Write in the number of minutes per day.

Please convert the number of hours into minutes.

 C. In one calendar week, how many days is the school 

open for instruction?

 Check one circle only.

6 days --- A

5 1/2 days --- A

5 days --- A 

4 1/2 days --- A

4 days --- A

 Other --- A

 8 

How many computers does your school have for

use by <eighth grade> students? Include tablets 

such as iPads.

___________computers 

Write in the number.

 9

 A. Does your school have a science laboratory that 

can be used by <eighth-grade> students?

 Check one circle only.

 Yes --- A

 No --- A

 B. Do teachers usually have assistance available when 

students are conducting science experiments?

 Check one circle only.

 Yes --- A

 No --- A

 7

Is student achievement used to assign students to 

classes (e.g., streaming, tracking)?

 Check one circle only.

 Yes --- A

 No --- A

129
<Grade 8> School <Grade 8> School Questionnaire Questionnaire 43

 10

Does your school have a school library?

 Check one circle only.

 Yes --- A

 No --- A 

(If No, go to #11)

If Yes, 

 A. Approximately how many books (print and digital) 

with diff erent titles does your school library have 

(exclude magazines and periodicals)?

 Check one circle in each column.

250 or fewer --- A A

 251–500 --- A A

 501–2,000 --- A A

 2,001–5,000 --- A A

 5,001–10,000 --- A A

 More than 10,000 --- A A

 B. Approximately how many titles of magazines and 

other periodicals (print and digital) does your 

school library have?

 Check one circle in each column.

 0 --- A A

 1–5 --- A A

 6–10 --- A A

 11–30 --- A A

31 or more --- A A

Print Digital

Print Digital

130
54 <Grade 8> School <Grade 8> School Questionnaire Questionnaire

Check one circle for each line.

 Not at all

 A little

 Some

 A lot

A. General School Resources

a) Instructional materials (e.g., 

textbooks) ---------------------- A A A A

b) Supplies (e.g., papers, 

pencils, materials) ------------- A A A A

c) School buildings and 

grounds ------------------------ A A A A

d) Heating/cooling and lighting

systems ------------------------- A A A A

e) Instructional space (e.g., 

classrooms) --------------------- A A A A

f) Technologically competent

staff ----------------------------- A A A A

g) Audio-visual resources

for delivery of instruction

(e.g. interactive white

boards, digital projectors) ----- A A A A

h) Computer technology for

teaching and learning

(e.g. computers or tablets

such as iPads for

student use) -------------------- A A A A

i) Resources for

disabled students -------------- A A A A

Check one circle for each line.

Not at all

 A little

 Some

 A lot

B. Resources for Mathematics 

Instruction

a) Teachers with a specialization

in mathematics ---------------- A A A A

b) Computer software/

applications for

mathematics instruction ------- A A A A

c) Library resources relevant

to mathematics instruction ---- A A A A

d) Calculators for mathematics

instruction ---------------------- A A A A

e) Concrete objects or materials

to help students understand

quantities or procedures ------- A A A A

C. Resources for Science 

Instruction

a) Teachers with a

specialization in science ------- A A A A

b) Computer software/

applications for

science instruction ------------- A A A A

c) Library resources relevant

to science instruction ---------- A A A A

d) Calculators for science

instruction ---------------------- A A A A

e) Science equipment and

materials for experiments ----- A A A A

11 

How much is your school’s capacity to provide instruction aff ected by a shortage or inadequacy 

of the following?

131
<Grade 8> School <Grade 8> School Questionnaire Questionnaire 65

13

 To what degree is each of the following a problem 

among <eighth-grade> students in your school?

Check one circle for each line.

Not a problem

 Minor problem

 Moderate problem

 Serious

 problem

a) Arriving late at school ---------- A A A A

b) Absenteeism (i.e., 

unjustifi ed absences) ---------- A A A A

c) Classroom disturbance --------- A A A A

d) Cheating ------------------------ A A A A

e) Profanity ----------------------- A A A A

f) Vandalism ---------------------- A A A A

g) Theft ---------------------------- A A A A

h) Intimidation or verbal abuse

among students (including 

texting, emailing, etc.) -------- A A A A

i) Physical injury to other 

students ------------------------ A A A A

j) Intimidation or verbal abuse

of teachers or staff (including 

texting, emailing, etc.) --------- A A A A

k) Physical injury to teachers

or staff -------------------------- A A A A

School Emphasis

on Academic Success

12

How would you characterize each of the following 

within your school? 

Check one circle for each line.

 Very high

 High

 Medium

 Low

 Very

 low 

 

 

a) Teachers’ understanding of

the school’s curricular goals --- A A A A A

b) Teachers’ degree of 

success in implementing 

the school’s curriculum -------- A A A A A

c) Teachers’ expectations

for student achievement ------- A A A A A

d) Teachers working together

to improve student

achievement ------------------- A A A A A

e) Teachers’ ability to

inspire students ---------------- A A A A A

f) Parental involvement

in school activities ------------- A A A A A

g) Parental commitment to

ensure that students are

ready to learn ------------------ A A A A A

h) Parental expectations for

student achievement ---------- A A A A A

i) Parental support for 

student achievement ---------- A A A A A

j) Parental pressure for the

school to maintain high

academic standards ------------ A A A A A

k) Students’ desire to do

well in school ------------------- A A A A A

l) Students’ ability to reach

school’s academic goals -------- A A A A A

m) Students’ respect for

classmates who excel

in school ------------------------ A A A A A

School Climate

132
76 <Grade 8> School <Grade 8> School Questionnaire Questionnaire <Grade 8> School Questionnaire 6

15

Does your school currently use any incentives 

(e.g., pay, housing, signing bonus, smaller classes) 

to recruit or retain <eighth-grade> teachers in the 

following fi elds?

Check one circle for each line.

 Yes

 No

a) Mathematics ------------------------------------- A A

b) Science ------------------------------------------- A A

c) Other --------------------------------------------- A A

Teachers in Your School

14

How diffi cult was it to fi ll <eighth-grade> teaching 

vacancies for this school year for the following 

subjects?

Check one circle for each line.

Were no vacancies in this subject

 Easy to fi ll vacancies

 Somewhat diffi cult

 Very

 diffi cult

a) Mathematics ------------------- A A A A

b) Science ------------------------- A A A A

c) Other --------------------------- A A A A

133
<Grade 8> School <Grade 8> School Questionnaire Questionnaire 87

Check one circle for each line.

No time

 A little time

 Some time

 A lot of

 time

a) Promoting the school’s

educational vision or goals ---- A A A A

b) Developing the school’s 

curricular and educational

goals --------------------------- A A A A

c) Monitoring teachers’

implementation of the

school’s educational goals

in their teaching --------------- A A A A

d) Monitoring students’

learning progress to ensure

that the school’s educational

goals are reached -------------- A A A A

e) Keeping an orderly

atmosphere in the school ----- A A A A

Leadership Activities

Check one circle for each line.

No time

 A little time

 Some time

 A lot of

 time

f) Addressing disruptive

student behavior -------------- A A A A

g) Advising teachers who have 

questions or problems with 

their teaching ------------------ A A A A

h) Initiating educational

 projects or improvements ---- A A A A

i) Participating in professional

development activities

specifi cally for school

principals ---------------------- A A A A

16 

During the past year, approximately how much time have you spent on the following school leadership activities 

in your role as a school principal?

134
Thank you for the thought, time, and eff ort you have 

put into completing this questionnaire.

Thank You

135
136
<Grade 8>

TRENDS IN INTERNATIONAL MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE STUDY

timssandpirls.bc.edu

© IEA, 2013

International Association

for the Evaluation of

Educational Achievement

School

Questionnaire

Field Test Version

137
National Center for Education Statistics

U.S. Department of Education

1990 K St. NW

Washington, DC 20006-5650

Mathematics

Booklet

© IEA, 2013

TRENDS IN INTERNATIONAL MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE STUDY

Field Test

U.S. participation in this study is sponsored by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), U.S. Department of Education. Your responses are protected by federal statute 

(20 U.S.C., § 9573). Your answers may be used only for statistical purposes and may not be disclosed, or used, in identifi able form for any other purpose except as required by 

law.

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control 

number. The valid OMB control number for this voluntary information collection is 1850-0695. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average 

30 minutes per respondent for the questionnaire portion of this booklet, including time to review instructions, and complete and review the information collection. If you have 

any comments concerning the accuracy of the time estimate(s) or suggestions for improving the form, please write to: U.S. Department of Education, Washington, D.C. 

20202-4537. If you have comments or concerns regarding the status of your individual submission of this form, write directly to: Trends in International Mathematics 

and Science Study (TIMSS), National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, 1990 K Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006-5650. 

OMB No. 1850-0695, Approval Expires 11/30/2016.

Place Label Here

Student ID: ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ 

Participation Status: TB ____ STQ ____

1

138
139
TRENDS IN INTERNATIONAL MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE STUDY

Field Test Version

© IEA, 2013

Student Questionnaire

Advanced Mathematics

Do Not Turn Page Until 

Instructed To Do So.

140
Student Questionnaire — Advanced Mathematics 2 2

 Directions

In	this	booklet,	you	will	fi	nd	questions	about	yourself.	Some	questions	ask	for	facts	

while	other	questions	ask	for	your	opinion.

Each	question	is	followed	by	a	number	of	answers.	Fill	in	the	circle	next	to	or	under	

the	answer	of	your	choice	as	shown	in	the	Example.

 Example 

How often do you do these things?

Fill in one circle for each line.

Every day Once or Once or Never or

or almost twice a twice a almost

every day week month never

a)	 I	talk	with	my	friends	------------------ A 2 3 4

b)	 I	play	sports	 ------------------------------- 1 A 3 4

c)	 I	listen	to	music	 -------------------------- 1 2 A 4

•	 Read	each	question	carefully,	and	pick	the	answer	you	think	is	best.

•	 Fill	in	the	circle	next	to	or	under	your	answer.

•	 If	you	decide	to	change	your	answer,	completely	erase	your	fi	rst	choice.	Then,	fi	ll	in	

the	circle	next	to	or	under	your	new	answer.

•	 Ask	for	help	if	you	do	not	understand	something	or	are	not	sure	how	to	answer.

141
Student Questionnaire — Advanced Mathematics 3

Thank You!

Thank you for fi lling out the questionnaire!

1

 1

 A. Are you female or male?

Fill in one circle only.

Female --1

Male --2

 B. Are you Hispanic or Latino?

Fill in one circle only.

	 Yes,	I	am	Hispanic	or	Latino --1

	 No,	I	am	not	Hispanic	or	Latino --2

C. Which of the following best describes you? 

Fill in one or more circles.

 White --1

Black	or	African	American --1

Asian --1

	 American	Indian	or	Alaska	Native --1

	 Native	Hawaiian	or	Pacifi	c	Islander --1

About you

142
Student Questionnaire — Advanced Mathematics 2 4

 2

When were you born?

Fill in the circles next to the month and year you were born.

a) Month b) Year

January -- 0 1993 -- 1

February -- 0 1994 -- 2

March -- 0 1995 -- 3

April -- 0 1996 -- 4

May -- 0 1997 -- 5

 June -- 0 1998 -- 6

 July -- 0 1999 -- 7

August -- 0 2000 -- 8

September -- 0 2001 -- 9

October -- 0	 Other -- 0

November -- 0

December -- 0

143
Student Questionnaire — Advanced Mathematics 5 3

 4

How many days were you absent from school in the last 

month?

Fill in one circle only.

 None --1

1	or	2	days --2

3	or	4	days --3

5	to	10	days --4

More	than	10	days --5

 3

 A. How often do you speak English at home?

Fill in one circle only.

Always --1 If	Always,	please	go	to	question	4

Almost	always --2

Sometimes --3

Never --4

 If	Almost always, Sometimes, Never, 

																																																											please	go	to	question	3B

 

 B. What language do you speak at home (other than English)?

Fill in one circle only.

Spanish --1

Other --2 Please	specify

144
Student Questionnaire — Advanced Mathematics 4 6

 5

Have you ever repeated a grade?

Fill in one circle for each line.

Yes No

a)	 In	elementary	school -------------------- 1 2

b)	 In	middle	or	junior	high	school ------ 1 2

c)	 In	high	school ----------------------------- 1 2

 6

About how many books are there in your home? (Do not 

count magazines, newspapers, or your school books.) 

Fill in one circle only.

None	or	very	few

(0–10	books) --1

Enough	to	fi	ll	one	shelf

		(11–25	books) --2

	 Enough	to	fi	ll	one	bookcase	

(26–100	books) --3

	 Enough	to	fi	ll	two	bookcases

(101–200	books) --4

	Enough	to	fi	ll	three	or	more	bookcases

(more	than	200) --5

145
Student Questionnaire — Advanced Mathematics 7 5

 7

How many digital information devices are there in your 

home? Count computers, tablets, smartphones, smart 

TVs, and e-readers. (Do not count other devices.)

Fill in one circle only.

 None --1

1-3	devices --2

4-6	devices --3

7-10	devices --4

More	than	10	devices --5

 8

Do you have any of these things?

Fill in one circle for each line.

Yes No

a)	 Your	own	computer	 --------------------- 1 2

b)	 Your	own	tablet	 -------------------------- 1 2

c)	 Your	own	smartphone ------------------ 1 2

d)	 Your	own	graphing	calculator -------- 1 2

e)	 A	gaming	system

(e.g.,	PlayStation®,	Wii®,	XBox®) -- 1 2

f)	 Study	desk/table	for	your	use -------- 1 2

g)	 Your	own	room ---------------------------- 1 2

h)	 Your	own	car ------------------------------- 1 2

146
Student Questionnaire — Advanced Mathematics 6 8

 9

 A. What is the highest level of education completed by your 

mother (or stepmother or female guardian)?

Fill in one circle only.

																																														Less	than	high	school --- 1

																																																						Some	high	school --- 2

																																															High	school	graduate --- 3

											Associate’s	degree	(2-year	college	program) --- 4

												Bachelor’s	degree	(4-year	college	program) --- 5

																		Master’s	degree	or	professional	degree	

																																			(MD,	DDS,	lawyer,	minister) --- 6

																																								Doctorate	(Ph.D.,	or	EdD) --- 7

 

 B. What is the highest level of education completed by your 

father (or stepfather or male guardian)?

Fill in one circle only.

Less	than	high	school --- 1

																																																						Some	high	school --- 2

																																															High	school	graduate --- 3

											Associate’s	degree	(2-year	college	program) --- 4

												Bachelor’s	degree	(4-year	college	program) --- 5

																		Master’s	degree	or	professional	degree	

																																			(MD,	DDS,	lawyer,	minister) --- 6

																																								Doctorate	(Ph.D.,	or	EdD) --- 7

147
Student Questionnaire — Advanced Mathematics 9 7

 10

What kind of work do your father (or stepfather or 

male guardian) and mother (or stepmother or female 

guardian) do for their main jobs?

For each, fi ll in the circle for the job category that best describes what he/she 

does. Each category has a few examples to help you decide the correct category. 

If your father or mother is not working now, think about the last job he/she had.

 Fill in one circle in each column.

Your Your

father mother

a)	 Has	never	worked	for	pay	 ------------ 1 2

b)	 Small	Business	Owner	 ---------------- 1 2

	 Includes	owners	of	small	businesses	

(fewer	than	25	employees)	such	as	

retail	shops,	services,	restaurants

c)	 Clerk	 ---------------------------------------- 1 2

	 Includes	offi	ce	clerks;	secretaries;	typists;	

data	entry	operators;	customer	service	

clerks

d)	 Service	or	Sales	Worker	 --------------- 1 2

Includes	travel	attendants;	restaurant	

service	workers;	personal	care	workers;	

protective	service	workers;	junior	military	

and	police;	salespersons;	street	vendors

e)	 Skilled	Agricultural	or

Fishery	Worker	 -------------------------- 1 2

	 Includes	farmers;	forestry	workers;	

fi	shery	workers;	hunters	and	trappers

f)	 Craft	or	Trade	Worker	 ----------------- 1 2

	 Includes	builders,	carpenters,	plumbers,	

electricians,	metal	workers;	machine	

mechanics;	handicraft	workers

Continued on next page

148
Student Questionnaire — Advanced Mathematics 810

 10 (continued)

 

Your Your

father mother

g)	 Plant	or	Machine	Operator	 ---------- 1 2

	 Includes	plant	and	machine	operators;	

assembly-line	operators;	motor-vehicle	

drivers

h)	 General	Laborers	 ------------------------ 1 2

	 Includes	domestic	helpers	and	cleaners;	

building	caretakers;	messengers,	

porters,	and	doorkeepers;	farm,	fi	shery,	

agricultural,	and	construction	workers

i)	 Corporate	Manager	or

Senior	Offi	cial	 ---------------------------- 1 2

	 Includes	corporate	managers	such	as	

managers	of	large	companies	(25	or	more	

employees)	or	managers	of	departments	

within	large	companies;	legislators	or	

senior	government	offi	cials;	senior	offi	cials	

of	special-interest	organizations;	military	

offi	cers

j)	 Professional	 ------------------------------- 1 2

	 Includes	scientists;	mathematicians;	

computer	scientists;	architects;	engineers;	

life	science	and	health	professionals;	

teachers;	legal	professionals;	social	

scientists;	writers	and	artists;	religious	

professionals

k)	 Technician	or	Associate

Professional	 ------------------------------- 1 2

	 Includes	science,	engineering,	and	

computer	associates	and	technicians;	

life	science	and	health	technicians	and	

assistants;	teacher	aides;	fi	nance	and	

sales	associate	professionals;	business	

service	agents;	administrative	assistants

l)	 Not	applicable	 ---------------------------- 1 2

149
Student Questionnaire — Advanced Mathematics 119

 11

How far in your education do you expect to go?

 Fill in one circle only.

																											Complete	high	school	 ------------------- 1

																											Complete	an	Associate’s	degree	

																											(2-year	college	program)	 --------------- 2

																											Complete	a	Bachelor’s	degree

																											(4-year	college	program)	 --------------- 3

	 																				Complete	a	Master’s	degree	or	

																				professional	degree	(MD,	DDS,

																				lawyer,	minister)	-------------------------	4

																											Complete	Doctorate	(Ph.D.,	EdD) --- 5

150
Student Questionnaire — Advanced Mathematics 1012

 12

If you plan to continue your education, which area(s) do 

you intend study?

Fill in the circle(s) that apply.

Mathematics	or	Statistics -------------------------1

Physics -------------------------1

Chemistry -------------------------1

Biological	and	Biomedical	Sciences	

(e.g.,	dentistry,	medicine,	nursing,	

pharmacology,	veterinary	medicine)	 ------------------------1

	 Engineering	and	Engineering	Technologies	

	 (e.g.,	aerospace	engineering,	chemical

	 engineering,	civil	engineering,	electrical	

	 engineering,	mechanical	engineering) -------------------------1

Computer	and	Information	Sciences -------------------------1

Education -------------------------1

	 Business		(e.g.,	accounting,	marketing,	

	 administration,	fi	nance,	management) -------------------------1

Law -------------------------1

	Social	Sciences	(e.g.,	sociology,	political	science,	

economics,	psychology) -------------------------1

	 Arts	and	Humanities	(e.g.,	art,	language,	

literature,	history,	philosophy) -------------------------1

Other	Science	Fields	of	Study -------------------------1

Other	Non-science	Fields	of	Study -------------------------1

151
Student Questionnaire — Advanced Mathematics 1311

 13

In the future, do you want to work in any of the 

following professional fi elds?

Fill in one circle for each line.

Yes Maybe No

a)			Education	(e.g.,	teacher,	university	professor) --1 2 3

b)			Engineering	and	Engineering	Technologies	

(e.g.,	aerospace	engineer,	chemical	

engineer,	civil	engineer,	electrical	

engineer,	mechanical	engineer) ---------------------- 1 2 3

c)			Computer	and	Information	Sciences	

(e.g.,	database	administrator,	network	

administrator,	software	or	application	

developer,	systems	analyst) ---------------------------1 2 3

c)			Finance/Banking -----------------------------------------1 2 3

e)			Biological	and	Biomedical	Sciences

(e.g.,	biomedical	engineer,	biochemist,	

biophysicist,	dentist,	medical	doctor,	nurse,	

veterinarian) ----------------------------------------------1 2 3

f)			Environmental	Sciences --------------------------------1 2 3

g)			Agriculture	and	Agricultural	Sciences -------------1 2 3

h)			Actuarial	Sciences	(i.e.,	uses	mathematical

and	statistical	methods	to	assess	risk) ------------1 2 3

i)			Other	Fields ------------------------------------------------1 2 3

152
Student Questionnaire — Advanced Mathematics 14

14

A. Was your mother (or stepmother or female guardian) 

born in the United States?

Fill in one circle only.

Yes --1

No --2

B. Was your father (or stepfather or male guardian) born in 

the United States?

Fill in one circle only.

Yes --1

No --2

153
Student Questionnaire — Advanced Mathematics 15

15

A. Were you born in the United States?

Fill in one circle only.

Yes --1 

(If Yes, go to question 16)

No --2

If No,

B. If you were not born in the United States, how old were

you when you came to the United States?

Fill in one circle only.

Older than 15 years old --1

11 to 15 years old --2

5 to 10 years old --3

Younger than 5 years old --4

154
Student Questionnaire — Advanced Mathematics 16 1

16

How much time do you spend in mathematics class each 

week?

______________minutes per week

Write in the number of minutes per week.

Please convert the number of classes/periods into minutes.

17

How much time do you spend on mathematics outside of 

class each week?

 ______________minutes per week

 Write in the number of minutes per week.

 Please convert the number of hours into minutes.

18

 A. Do you have a paid job?

Fill in one circle only.

 Yes --1

 No --2 

(If No, go to question 19)

If Yes,

 B. How much time do you spend working at the paid job 

each week?

______________minutes per week

Write in the number of minutes per week.

Please convert the number of hours into minutes.

Studying Advanced Mathematics

155
Student Questionnaire — Advanced Mathematics 2 17

 19

 A. Do you attend extra lessons or tutoring outside of school 

in advanced mathematics?

Fill in one circle only.

 Yes --1

 No --2 

(If No, go to question 20)

If Yes,

 B. Why do you attend extra lessons or tutoring?

Fill in one circle for each line.

Yes No

a)	 To	excel	in	class ---------------------------1 2

b)	 To	do	well	on	an	examination --------1 2

c)	 To	keep	up	in	class -----------------------1 2

156
Student Questionnaire — Advanced Mathematics 18 3

20

How much do you agree with these statements about

your advanced mathematics lessons?

Fill in one circle for each line.

Agree Agree Disagree Disagree

a lot a little a little a lot

a)	 The	teacher	clearly	communicates

the	purpose	of	each	mathematics

lesson --------------------------------------- 1 2 3 4

b)	 I	know	what	my	teacher

expects	me	to	do	 ------------------------- 1 2 3 4

c)	 My	teacher	is	easy	to	understand	 -- 1 2 3 4

d)	 I	am	interested	in	what	my

teacher	says	 ------------------------------- 1 2 3 4

e)	 My	teacher	gives	me	interesting

things	to	do	 -------------------------------- 1 2 3 4

f)	 My	teacher	asks	me	thought

provoking	questions	 -------------------- 1 2 3 4

g)	 My	teacher	has	clear	answers	to

my	questions	 ------------------------------ 1 2 3 4

h)	 My	teacher	links	new	content	to

what	I	already	know	 ------------------- 1 2 3 4

157
Student Questionnaire — Advanced Mathematics 4 19

20 (continued)

How much do you agree with these statements about

your advanced mathematics lessons? 

Fill in one circle for each line.

Agree Agree Disagree Disagree

a lot a little a little a lot

i)	 My	teacher	is	good	at	explaining

advanced	mathematics	 ---------------- 1 2 3 4

j)	 My	teacher	expects	me	to	succeed

in	advanced	mathematics	 ------------ 1 2 3 4

k)	 My	teacher	provides	the

opportunity	for	me	to	show	what

I	have	learned	 ---------------------------- 1 2 3 4

l)	 My	teacher	encourages	me	to	keep

working	on	advanced	mathematics

problems	until	I	solve	them	 ---------- 1 2 3 4

m)	 My	teacher	provides	helpful

feedback	on	my	schoolwork

(including	homework)	 ------------------ 1 2 3 4

n)	 My	teacher	uses	a	variety	of

teaching	methods,	tasks,	and

activities	to	help	us	learn	 ------------- 1 2 3 4

o)	 My	teacher	believes	that	I	can

learn	diffi	cult	advanced

mathematics	material	 ----------------- 1 2 3 4

158
Student Questionnaire — Advanced Mathematics 20 5

21

Do you use the Internet to do any of the following 

tasks for advanced mathematics schoolwork (including 

classroom tasks, homework, and studying outside of 

class)? 

Fill in one circle for each line.

Yes No

a)	 Access	the	textbook	or	other

course	materials	 ------------------------- 1 2

b)	 Access	assignments	posted	online

by	my	teacher	 ---------------------------- 1 2

c)	 Collaborate	with	classmates	on

mathematics	assignments	or

projects	 ------------------------------------- 1 2

d)	 Communicate	with	the	teacher	 ----- 1 2

e)	 Discuss	mathematics	topics	with

other	students		 --------------------------- 1 2

f)	 Find	information,	articles,	or

tutorials	to	aid	in	understanding

mathematics	concepts	 ----------------- 1 2

g)	 Find	information,	articles,	or

tutorials	to	aid	in	solving

mathematics	problems		---------------- 1 2

159
Student Questionnaire — Advanced Mathematics 6 21

22

How much do you agree with these statements about the 

mathematics you are studying?

Fill in one circle for each line.

Agree Agree Disagree Disagree

a lot a little a little a lot

a)	 When	I	do	mathematics	

problems,	I	sometimes	get	

completely	absorbed	 -------------------- 1 2 3 4

b)	 I	get	a	sense	of	satisfaction	when	

I	solve	mathematics	problems	 ------ 1 2 3 4

c)	 I	feel	bored	when	I	do	my	

mathematics	schoolwork	 -------------- 1 2 3 4

d)	 I	like	studying	for	my	mathematics	

class	outside	of	school	 ------------------ 1 2 3 4

e)	 It	is	interesting	to	learn	

mathematics	theory	 -------------------- 1 2 3 4

f)	 I	dread	my	mathematics	class	 ------ 1 2 3 4

g)	 I	am	studying	mathematics	

because	I	like	to	learn	new	things	 - 1 2 3 4

h)	 I	enjoy	fi	guring	out	challenging	

mathematics	 ------------------------------ 1 2 3 4

i)	 I	like	the	way	mathematics	is	

taught	in	my	class	 ---------------------- 1 2 3 4

j)	 Mathematics	is	one	of	my	

favorite	subjects	 ------------------------- 1 2 3 4

k)	 Jobs	that	require	advanced	

mathematics	skills	seem	interesting	

to	me	 ---------------------------------------- 1 2 3 4

l)	 I	wish	I	did	not	have	to	

study	mathematics	 --------------------- 1 2 3 4

m)	 I	enjoy	thinking	about	the	world	in	

terms	of	mathematical	

relationships	 ------------------------------ 1 2 3 4

160
Student Questionnaire — Advanced Mathematics 22 7

23

How much do you agree with these statements about the 

mathematics you are studying?

Fill in one circle for each line.

Agree Agree Disagree Disagree

a lot a little a little a lot

a)	 Learning	mathematics	will	help	

me	get	ahead	in	the	world	 ------------ 1 2 3 4

b)	 It	is	important	to	do	well	in	my	

mathematics	class	 ---------------------- 1 2 3 4

c)	 I	am	studying	mathematics	

because	my	friends	are	studying	

this	subject	 -------------------------------- 1 2 3 4

d)	 The	mathematics	I	am	studying	

is	not	useful	for	my	future	 ------------ 1 2 3 4

e)	 My	parents	are	pleased	that	I	am

taking	advanced	mathematics	 ------ 1 2 3 4

f)	 It	is	important	for	me	to	show	that	

I	am	better	in	mathematics	than	

other	students	 ---------------------------- 1 2 3 4

g)	 Doing	well	in	mathematics	will	

help	me	get	into	the	college	or	

university	of	my	choice	 ---------------- 1 2 3 4

h)	 I	am	studying	mathematics	

because	a	teacher	advised	me	to	

take	this	subject	 ------------------------- 1 2 3 4

i)	 Learning	advanced	mathematics	

does	not	seem	to	be	a	worthwhile	

exercise	 ------------------------------------- 1 2 3 4

j)	 My	parents	think	that	it	is	

important	that	I	do	well	in	my	

mathematics	class	 ---------------------- 1 2 3 4

k)	 I	like	telling	people	I	am	studying	

advanced	mathematics	 ---------------- 1 2 3 4

l)	 Learning	advanced	mathematics

will	give	me	more	job

opportunities	 ----------------------------- 1 2 3 4

161
Student Questionnaire — Advanced Mathematics 8 23

 24

How hard was this test compared to most other tests 

you have taken this year in school?

Fill in one circle only.

Easier	than	other	tests --1

	 About	as	hard	as	other	tests --2

Harder	than	other	tests --3

	 Much	harder	than	other	tests --4

 25

How hard did you try on this test compared to how hard 

you tried on most other tests you have taken this year in 

school?

Fill in one circle only.

	 Not	as	hard	as	on	other	tests --1

	 About	as	hard	as	on	other	tests --2

Harder	than	on	other	tests --3

	 Much	harder	than	on	other	tests --4

 26

How important was it to you to do well on this test?

Fill in one circle only.

Not	very	important --1

Somewhat	important --2

Important --3

Very	important --4

162
Student Questionnaire — Advanced Mathematics 24 9

Academic and post-secondary preparation

27

In what grade did you complete any of the courses listed below? 

 Fill in one or more circles for each line.

 

 Grade 8 Grade Grade Grade Grade

 Never or earlier 9 10 11 12

a)	 Algebra	I	course	 ------------- 1 1 1 1 1 1 

b)	 Geometry	course	 ------------- 1 1 1 1 1 1

c)	 Algebra	II	course,	with	or	

without	trigonometry	 ------ 1 1 1 1 1 1

d)	 Trigonometry	(as	a	separate

course) --------------------------- 1 1 1 1 1 1

e)	 Pre-calculus	course	(also	

called	introductory	

analysis)	 ----------------------- 1 1 1 1 1 1

f)	 Calculus	course	 -------------- 1 1 1 1 1 1

g)	 Probability	or	statistics	

course	 --------------------------- 1 1 1 1 1 1

h)	 Integrated	mathematics	1	

(fi	rst	year	of	a	multi-year	

course)	 -------------------------- 1 1 1 1 1 1

i)	 Integrated	mathematics	2	

(second	year	of	a	multiyear	course)	 ------------------- 1 1 1 1 1 1

j)	 Integrated	mathematics	3	

(third	year	of	a	multi-year	

course)	 -------------------------- 1 1 1 1 1 1

k)	 Integrated	mathematics	4	

(fourth	year	of	a	multi-year

course)	 -------------------------- 1 1 1 1 1 1

l)	 Other	advanced	mathematics	

course	 --------------------------- 1 1 1 1 1 1

163
Student Questionnaire — Advanced Mathematics 25

28

Please indicate if you have taken or are currently 

enrolled in any of the following Advanced (AP®) courses. 

Have taken or are enrolled in:

Fill in one circle for each line.

Yes No

a)	 Advanced Placement (AP)

Calculus AB-------------------------------- 1 2

b)	 Advanced Placement (AP)

Calculus BC ------------------------------- 1 2

c)	 Advanced Placement (AP)

Statistics------------------------------------ 1 2

29

Are you currently enrolled in or have you taken any 

online mathematics courses?

Fill in one circle only.

No --1

Yes, but not for credit --2

Yes, for high school credit --3

Yes, for college credit --4

Yes, for both high school

and college credit --5

164
Student Questionnaire — Advanced Mathematics 26

30

Are you currently enrolled in or have you taken an 

International Baccalaureate® (IB) mathematics course?

Fill in one circle only.

Yes --1

No --2

31

During this school year, which of the following have you 

done?

Fill in circles for all that apply.

	 Taken the SAT or ACT College

Entrance Exams --1

	 Submitted the Free Application for

	 Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) --1

Applied to a 2-year college --1

	 Been accepted to a 2-year college --1

Applied to a 4-year college --1

	 Been accepted to a 4-year college --1

	 Talked with a military recruiter or

	 contacted a ROTC program --1

	 Enlisted in the military or enrolled

in a ROTC program --1

Applied for a full-time job --1

	 Been interviewed for a full-time job --1

None of the above --1

165
Student Questionnaire — Advanced Mathematics 27

 Your School

32

What do you think about your school? Tell how much 

you agree with these statements. 

Fill in one circle for each line.

Agree Agree Disagree Disagree

a lot a little a little a lot

a)	 I enjoy school ----------------------------- 1 2 3 4

b)	 I feel safe when I am at school ------ 1 2 3 4

c)	 I feel like I belong at this school ---- 1 2 3 4

d)	 I like to see my classmates

at school ------------------------------------ 1 2 3 4

e)	 I like to go to school to

see my friends ---------------------------- 1 2 3 4

f)	 Teachers at my school are

fair to me ---------------------------------- 1 2 3 4

g)	 My teachers respect my ideas ------- 1 2 3 4

h)	 I am proud to go to this school ------ 1 2 3 4

i)	 I learn a lot in school ------------------- 1 2 3 4

j)	 My classmates respect students

who excel in school subjects ---------- 1 2 3 4

k)	 My classmates respect students who

struggle learning school subjects --- 1 2 3 4

166
Student Questionnaire — Advanced Mathematics 28

33

During this year, how often have other students from 

your school done any of the following things to you 

(in person or through text messages, e-mails, or the 

Internet)?

Fill in one circle for each line.

At least Once or A few

once a twice times

week a month a year Never 

a)	 Made fun of me or

called me names ------------------------- 1 2 3 4

b)	 Excluded me from their activities -- 1 2 3 4

c)	 Spread lies about me ------------------- 1 2 3 4

d)	 Stole something from me ------------- 1 2 3 4

e)	 Hit or hurt me (e.g., shoving,

hitting, kicking) -------------------------- 1 2 3 4

f)	 Made me do things I didn’t

want to do --------------------------------- 1 2 3 4

g)	 Posted embarrassing things

about me online--------------------------- 1 2 3 4

h)	 Threatened me---------------------------- 1 2 3 4

167
Thank You!

Thank you for fi lling out the questionnaire!

168
TRENDS IN INTERNATIONAL MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE STUDY

timssandpirls.bc.edu

Field Test Version

© IEA, 2013

International Association

for the Evaluation of

Educational Achievement

Student Questionnaire

Advanced Mathematics

169
Physics

Booklet

TRENDS IN INTERNATIONAL MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE STUDY

Field Test

U.S. participation in this study is sponsored by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), U.S. Department of Education. Your responses are protected by federal statute 

(20 U.S.C., § 9573). Your answers may be used only for statistical purposes and may not be disclosed, or used, in identifi able form for any other purpose except as required by 

law.

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control 

number. The valid OMB control number for this voluntary information collection is 1850-0695. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average 

30 minutes per respondent for the questionnaire portion of this booklet, including time to review instructions, and complete and review the information collection. If you have 

any comments concerning the accuracy of the time estimate(s) or suggestions for improving the form, please write to: U.S. Department of Education, Washington, D.C. 

20202-4537. If you have comments or concerns regarding the status of your individual submission of this form, write directly to: Trends in International Mathematics 

and Science Study (TIMSS), National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, 1990 K Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006-5650. 

OMB No. 1850-0695, Approval Expires 11/30/2016.

© IEA, 2013

National Center for Education Statistics

U.S. Department of Education

1990 K St. NW

Washington, DC 20006-5650

Place Label Here

Student ID: ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ 

Participation Status: TB ____ STQ ____

5

170
171
TRENDS IN INTERNATIONAL MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE STUDY

Field Test Version

© IEA, 2013

Student Questionnaire

Physics

Do Not Turn Page Until 

Instructed To Do So.

172
Student Questionnaire — Physics 2 2

Directions

In	this	booklet,	you	will	fi	nd	questions	about	yourself.	Some	questions	ask	for	facts	

while	other	questions	ask	for	your	opinion.

Each	question	is	followed	by	a	number	of	answers.	Fill	in	the	circle	next	to	or	under	

the	answer	of	your	choice	as	shown	in	the	Example.

 Example

How often do you do these things?

Fill in one circle for each line.

Every day Once or Once or Never or

or almost twice a twice a almost

every day week month never

a)	 I	talk	with	my	friends	------------------ A 2 3 4

b)	 I	play	sports	 ------------------------------- 1 A 3 4

c)	 I	listen	to	music	 -------------------------- 1 3 A 4

•	 Read	each	question	carefully,	and	pick	the	answer	you	think	is	best.

•	 Fill	in	the	circle	next	to	or	under	your	answer.

•	 If	you	decide	to	change	your	answer,	completely	erase	your	fi	rst	choice.	Then,	fi	ll	in	

the	circle	next	to	or	under	your	new	answer.

•	 Ask	for	help	if	you	do	not	understand	something	or	are	not	sure	how	to	answer.

173
Student Questionnaire — Physics 3 1

 1

 A. Are you female or male?

Fill in one circle only.

Female --1

Male --2

 B. Are you Hispanic or Latino?

Fill in one circle only.

	 Yes,	I	am	Hispanic	or	Latino --1

	 No,	I	am	not	Hispanic	or	Latino --2

C. Which of the following best describes you? 

Fill in one or more circles.

 White --1

Black	or	African	American --1

Asian --1

	 American	Indian	or	Alaska	Native --1

	 Native	Hawaiian	or	Pacifi	c	Islander --1

About you

174
Student Questionnaire — Physics 42

 2

When were you born?

Fill in the circles next to the month and year you were born.

a) Month b) Year

January -- 0 1993 -- 1

February -- 0 1994 -- 2

March -- 0 1995 -- 3

April -- 0 1996 -- 4

May -- 0 1997 -- 5

 June -- 0 1998 -- 6

 July -- 0 1999 -- 7

August -- 0 2000 -- 8

September -- 0 2001 -- 9

October -- 0	 Other -- 0

November -- 0

December -- 0

175
Student Questionnaire — Physics 5 3

 4

How many days were you absent from school in the last 

month?

Fill in one circle only.

 None --1

1	or	2	days --2

3	or	4	days --3

5	to	10	days --4

More	than	10	days --5

 3

 A. How often do you speak English at home?

Fill in one circle only.

Always --1 If	Always,	please	go	to	question	4

Almost	always --2

Sometimes --3

Never --4

 If	Almost always, Sometimes, Never, 

																																																											please	go	to	question	3B

 

 B. What language do you speak at home (other than English)?

Fill in one circle only.

Spanish --1

Other --2 Please	specify

176
Student Questionnaire — Physics 4 6

 5

Have you ever repeated a grade?

Fill in one circle for each line.

Yes No

a)	 In	elementary	school -------------------- 1 2

b)	 In	middle	or	junior	high	school ------ 1 2

c)	 In	high	school ----------------------------- 1 2

 6

About how many books are there in your home? (Do not 

count magazines, newspapers, or your school books.) 

Fill in one circle only.

None	or	very	few

(0–10	books) --1

Enough	to	fi	ll	one	shelf

		(11–25	books) --2

	 Enough	to	fi	ll	one	bookcase	

(26–100	books) --3

	 Enough	to	fi	ll	two	bookcases

(101–200	books) --4

	Enough	to	fi	ll	three	or	more	bookcases

(more	than	200) --5

177
Student Questionnaire — Physics 7 5

 7

How many digital information devices are there in your 

home? Count computers, tablets, smartphones, smart 

TVs, and e-readers. (Do not count other devices.)

Fill in one circle only.

 None --1

1-3	devices --2

4-6	devices --3

7-10	devices --4

More	than	10	devices --5

 8

Do you have any of these things?

Fill in one circle for each line.

Yes No

a)	 Your	own	computer	 --------------------- 1 2

b)	 Your	own	tablet	 -------------------------- 1 2

c)	 Your	own	smartphone ------------------ 1 2

d)	 Your	own	graphing	calculator -------- 1 2

e)	 A	gaming	system

(e.g.,	PlayStation®,	Wii®,	XBox®) -- 1 2

f)	 Study	desk/table	for	your	use -------- 1 2

g)	 Your	own	room ---------------------------- 1 2

h)	 Your	own	car ------------------------------- 1 2

178
Student Questionnaire — Physics 6 8

 9

 A. What is the highest level of education completed by your 

mother (or stepmother or female guardian)?

Fill in one circle only.

																																														Less	than	high	school --- 1

																																																						Some	high	school --- 2

																																															High	school	graduate --- 3

											Associate’s	degree	(2-year	college	program) --- 4

												Bachelor’s	degree	(4-year	college	program) --- 5

																		Master’s	degree	or	professional	degree	

																																			(MD,	DDS,	lawyer,	minister) --- 6

																																								Doctorate	(Ph.D.,	or	EdD) --- 7

 

 B. What is the highest level of education completed by your 

father (or stepfather or male guardian)?

Fill in one circle only.

Less	than	high	school --- 1

																																																						Some	high	school --- 2

																																															High	school	graduate --- 3

											Associate’s	degree	(2-year	college	program) --- 4

												Bachelor’s	degree	(4-year	college	program) --- 5

																		Master’s	degree	or	professional	degree	

																																			(MD,	DDS,	lawyer,	minister) --- 6

																																								Doctorate	(Ph.D.,	or	EdD) --- 7

179
Student Questionnaire — Physics 97

 10

What kind of work do your father (or stepfather or 

male guardian) and mother (or stepmother or female 

guardian) do for their main jobs?

For each, fi ll in the circle for the job category that best describes what he/she 

does. Each category has a few examples to help you decide the correct category. 

If your father or mother is not working now, think about the last job he/she had.

 Fill in one circle in each column.

Your Your

father mother

a)	 Has	never	worked	for	pay	 ------------ 1 2

b)	 Small	Business	Owner	 ---------------- 1 2

	 Includes	owners	of	small	businesses	

(fewer	than	25	employees)	such	as	

retail	shops,	services,	restaurants

c)	 Clerk	 ---------------------------------------- 1 2

	 Includes	offi	ce	clerks;	secretaries;	typists;	

data	entry	operators;	customer	service	

clerks

d)	 Service	or	Sales	Worker	 --------------- 1 2

Includes	travel	attendants;	restaurant	

service	workers;	personal	care	workers;	

protective	service	workers;	junior	military	

and	police;	salespersons;	street	vendors

e)	 Skilled	Agricultural	or

Fishery	Worker	 -------------------------- 1 2

	 Includes	farmers;	forestry	workers;	

fi	shery	workers;	hunters	and	trappers

f)	 Craft	or	Trade	Worker	 ----------------- 1 2

	 Includes	builders,	carpenters,	plumbers,	

electricians,	metal	workers;	machine	

mechanics;	handicraft	workers

Continued on next page

180
Student Questionnaire — Physics 810

 10 (continued)

 

Your Your

father mother

g)	 Plant	or	Machine	Operator	 ---------- 1 2

	 Includes	plant	and	machine	operators;	

assembly-line	operators;	motor-vehicle	

drivers

h)	 General	Laborers	 ------------------------ 1 2

	 Includes	domestic	helpers	and	cleaners;	

building	caretakers;	messengers,	

porters,	and	doorkeepers;	farm,	fi	shery,	

agricultural,	and	construction	workers

i)	 Corporate	Manager	or

Senior	Offi	cial	 ---------------------------- 1 2

	 Includes	corporate	managers	such	as	

managers	of	large	companies	(25	or	more	

employees)	or	managers	of	departments	

within	large	companies;	legislators	or	

senior	government	offi	cials;	senior	offi	cials	

of	special-interest	organizations;	military	

offi	cers

j)	 Professional	 ------------------------------- 1 2

	 Includes	scientists;	mathematicians;	

computer	scientists;	architects;	engineers;	

life	science	and	health	professionals;	

teachers;	legal	professionals;	social	

scientists;	writers	and	artists;	religious	

professionals

k)	 Technician	or	Associate

Professional	 ------------------------------- 1 2

	 Includes	science,	engineering,	and	

computer	associates	and	technicians;	

life	science	and	health	technicians	and	

assistants;	teacher	aides;	fi	nance	and	

sales	associate	professionals;	business	

service	agents;	administrative	assistants

l)	 Not	applicable	 ---------------------------- 1 2

181
Student Questionnaire — Physics 119

 11

How far in your education do you expect to go?

 Fill in one circle only.

																											Complete	high	school	 ------------------- 1

																											Complete	an	Associate’s	degree	

																											(2-year	college	program)	 --------------- 2

																											Complete	a	Bachelor’s	degree

																											(4-year	college	program)	 --------------- 3

	 																				Complete	a	Master’s	degree	or	

																				professional	degree	(MD,	DDS,

																				lawyer,	minister)	-------------------------	4

																											Complete	Doctorate	(Ph.D.,	EdD) --- 5

182
Student Questionnaire — Physics 1012

 12

If you plan to continue your education, which area(s) do 

you intend study?

Fill in the circle(s) that apply.

Mathematics	or	Statistics -------------------------1

Physics -------------------------1

Chemistry -------------------------1

Biological	and	Biomedical	Sciences	

(e.g.,	dentistry,	medicine,	nursing,	

pharmacology,	veterinary	medicine)	 ------------------------1

	 Engineering	and	Engineering	Technologies	

	 (e.g.,	aerospace	engineering,	chemical

	 engineering,	civil	engineering,	electrical	

	 engineering,	mechanical	engineering) -------------------------1

Computer	and	Information	Sciences -------------------------1

Education -------------------------1

	 Business		(e.g.,	accounting,	marketing,	

	 administration,	fi	nance,	management) -------------------------1

Law -------------------------1

	Social	Sciences	(e.g.,	sociology,	political	science,	

economics,	psychology) -------------------------1

	 Arts	and	Humanities	(e.g.,	art,	language,	

literature,	history,	philosophy) -------------------------1

Other	Science	Fields	of	Study -------------------------1

Other	Non-science	Fields	of	Study -------------------------1

183
Student Questionnaire — Physics 1311

 13

In the future, do you want to work in any of the 

following professional fi elds?

Fill in one circle for each line.

Yes Maybe No

a)			Education	(e.g.,	teacher,	university	professor) --1 2 3

b)			Engineering	and	Engineering	Technologies	

(e.g.,	aerospace	engineer,	chemical	

engineer,	civil	engineer,	electrical	

engineer,	mechanical	engineer) ---------------------- 1 2 3

c)			Computer	and	Information	Sciences	

(e.g.,	database	administrator,	network	

administrator,	software	or	application	

developer,	systems	analyst) ---------------------------1 2 3

c)			Finance/Banking -----------------------------------------1 2 3

e)			Biological	and	Biomedical	Sciences

(e.g.,	biomedical	engineer,	biochemist,	

biophysicist,	dentist,	medical	doctor,	nurse,	

veterinarian) ----------------------------------------------1 2 3

f)			Environmental	Sciences --------------------------------1 2 3

g)			Agriculture	and	Agricultural	Sciences -------------1 2 3

h)			Actuarial	Sciences	(i.e.,	uses	mathematical

and	statistical	methods	to	assess	risk) ------------1 2 3

i)			Other	Fields ------------------------------------------------1 2 3

184
Student Questionnaire — Physics 14

14

A. Was your mother (or stepmother or female guardian) 

born in the United States?

Fill in one circle only.

Yes --1

No --2

B. Was your father (or stepfather or male guardian) born in 

the United States?

Fill in one circle only.

Yes --1

No --2

185
Student Questionnaire — Physics 15

15

A. Were you born in the United States?

Fill in one circle only.

Yes --1 

(If Yes, go to question 16)

No --2

If No,

B. If you were not born in the United States, how old were

you when you came to the United States?

Fill in one circle only.

Older than 15 years old --1

11 to 15 years old --2

5 to 10 years old --3

Younger than 5 years old --4

186
Student Questionnaire — Physics 16 1

16

How much time do you spend in physics class each 

week?

______________minutes per week

Write in the number of minutes per week.

Please convert the number of classes/periods into minutes.

17

How much time do you spend on physics outside of class 

each week?

 ______________minutes per week

 Write in the number of minutes per week.

 Please convert the number of hours into minutes.

18

 A. Do you have a paid job?

Fill in one circle only.

 Yes --1

 No --2 

(If No, go to question 19)

If Yes,

 B. How much time do you spend working at the paid job 

each week?

______________minutes per week

Write in the number of minutes per week.

Please convert the number of hours into minutes.

Studying Physics

187
Student Questionnaire — Physics 2 17

 19

 A. Do you attend extra lessons or tutoring outside of school 

in physics?

Fill in one circle only.

 Yes --1

 No --2 

(If No, go to question 20)

If Yes,

 B. Why do you attend extra lessons or tutoring?

Fill in one circle for each line.

Yes No

a)	 To	excel	in	class ---------------------------1 2

b)	 To	do	well	on	an	examination --------1 2

c)	 To	keep	up	in	class -----------------------1 2

188
Student Questionnaire — Physics 18 3

20

How much do you agree with these statements about

your physics lessons?

Fill in one circle for each line.

Agree Agree Disagree Disagree

a lot a little a little a lot

a)	 The	teacher	clearly	communicates

the	purpose	of	each	physics

lesson --------------------------------------- 1 2 3 4

b)	 I	know	what	my	teacher

expects	me	to	do	 ------------------------- 1 2 3 4

c)	 My	teacher	is	easy	to	understand	 -- 1 2 3 4

d)	 I	am	interested	in	what	my

teacher	says	 ------------------------------- 1 2 3 4

e)	 My	teacher	gives	me	interesting

things	to	do	 -------------------------------- 1 2 3 4

f)	 My	teacher	asks	me	thought

provoking	questions	 -------------------- 1 2 3 4

g)	 My	teacher	has	clear	answers	to

my	questions	 ------------------------------ 1 2 3 4

h)	 My	teacher	links	new	content	to

what	I	already	know	 ------------------- 1 2 3 4

189
Student Questionnaire — Physics 4 19

20 (continued)

How much do you agree with these statements about

your physics lessons? 

Fill in one circle for each line.

Agree Agree Disagree Disagree

a lot a little a little a lot

i)	 My	teacher	is	good	at	explaining

physics	 -------------------------------------- 1 2 3 4

j)	 My	teacher	expects	me	to	succeed

in	physics	 ---------------------------------- 1 2 3 4

k)	 My	teacher	provides	the

opportunity	for	me	to	show	what

I	have	learned	 ---------------------------- 1 2 3 4

l)	 My	teacher	encourages	me	to	keep

working	on	physics

problems	until	I	solve	them	 ---------- 1 2 3 4

m)	 My	teacher	provides	helpful

feedback	on	my	schoolwork

(including	homework)	 ------------------ 1 2 3 4

n)	 My	teacher	uses	a	variety	of

teaching	methods,	tasks,	and

activities	to	help	us	learn	 ------------- 1 2 3 4

o)	 My	teacher	believes	that	I	can

learn	diffi	cult	physics

material	 ------------------------------------ 1 2 3 4

190
Student Questionnaire — Physics 20 5

21

Do you use the Internet to do any of the following tasks 

for physics schoolwork (including classroom tasks, 

homework, and studying outside of class)? 

Fill in one circle for each line.

Yes No

a)	 Access	the	textbook	or	other

course	materials	 ------------------------- 1 2

b)	 Access	assignments	posted	online

by	my	teacher	 ---------------------------- 1 2

c)	 Collaborate	with	classmates	on

physics	assignments	or

projects	 ------------------------------------- 1 2

d)	 Communicate	with	the	teacher	 ----- 1 2

e)	 Discuss	physics	topics	with

other	students		 --------------------------- 1 2

f)	 Find	information,	articles,	or

tutorials	to	aid	in	understanding

physics	concepts	 ------------------------- 1 2

g)	 Find	information,	articles,	or

tutorials	to	aid	in	solving

physics	problems		 ----------------------- 1 2

191
Student Questionnaire — Physics 6 21

22

How much do you agree with these statements about the 

physics you are studying?

Fill in one circle for each line.

Agree Agree Disagree Disagree

a lot a little a little a lot

a)	 I	enjoy	conducting	experiments

or	investigations	in

physics	 -------------------------------------- 1 2 3 4

b)	 I	get	a	sense	of	satisfaction	when	

I	solve	physics	problems	 -------------- 1 2 3 4

c)	 I	feel	bored	when	I	do	my	

physics	schoolwork	 ---------------------1 2 3 4

d)	 I	like	studying	for	my	physics	

class	outside	of	school	 ------------------ 1 2 3 4

e)	 It	is	interesting	to	learn	

physics	laws	and	principles	 ---------- 1 2 3 4

f)	 I	dread	my	physics	class	 -------------- 1 2 3 4

g)	 I	am	studying	physics	because	I	

like	to	learn	new	things	 --------------- 1 2 3 4

h)	 I	enjoy	fi	guring	out	challenging	

physics	 -------------------------------------- 1 2 3 4

i)	 I	like	the	way	physics	is	

taught	in	my	class	 ---------------------- 1 2 3 4

j)	 Physics	is	one	of	my	

favorite	subjects	 ------------------------- 1 2 3 4

k)	 Jobs	that	require	physics	skills	

seem	interesting	to	me	 ---------------- 1 2 3 4

l)	 I	wish	I	did	not	have	to	

study	physics	 -----------------------------1 2 3 4

m)	 I	enjoy	thinking	about	the	world	in	

terms	of	laws	of	physics	 --------------- 1 2 3 4

192
Student Questionnaire — Physics 22 7

23

How much do you agree with these statements about the 

physics you are studying?

Fill in one circle for each line.

Agree Agree Disagree Disagree

a lot a little a little a lot

a)	 Learning	physics	will	help	

me	get	ahead	in	the	world	 ------------ 1 2 3 4

b)	 It	is	important	to	do	well	in	my	

physics	class	 ------------------------------ 1 2 3 4

c)	 I	am	studying	physics	because	my	

friends	are	studying	this	subject	 --- 1 2 3 4

d)	 The	physics	I	am	studying	

is	not	useful	for	my	future	 ------------ 1 2 3 4

e)	 My	parents	are	pleased	that	I	am

taking	physics	 ---------------------------- 1 2 3 4

f)	 It	is	important	for	me	to	show	that	

I	am	better	in	physics	than	

other	students	 ---------------------------- 1 2 3 4

g)	 Doing	well	in	physics	will	

help	me	get	into	the	college	or	

university	of	my	choice	 ---------------- 1 2 3 4

h)	 I	am	studying	physics	because	a	

teacher	advised	me	to	take	

this	subject	 -------------------------------- 1 2 3 4

i)	 Learning	physics	does	not	seem	to	

be	a	worthwhile	exercise	 -------------- 1 2 3 4

j)	 My	parents	think	that	it	is	

important	that	I	do	well	in	my	

physics	class	 ------------------------------ 1 2 3 4

k)	 I	like	telling	people	I	am	studying	

physics	 -------------------------------------- 1 2 3 4

l)	 Learning	physics	will	give	me	

more	job	opportunities	 ----------------- 1 2 3 4

193
Student Questionnaire — Physics 8 23

 24

How hard was this test compared to most other tests 

you have taken this year in school?

Fill in one circle only.

Easier	than	other	tests --1

	 About	as	hard	as	other	tests --2

Harder	than	other	tests --3

	 Much	harder	than	other	tests --4

 25

How hard did you try on this test compared to how hard 

you tried on most other tests you have taken this year in 

school?

Fill in one circle only.

	 Not	as	hard	as	on	other	tests --1

	 About	as	hard	as	on	other	tests --2

Harder	than	on	other	tests --3

	 Much	harder	than	on	other	tests --4

 26

How important was it to you to do well on this test?

Fill in one circle only.

Not	very	important --1

Somewhat	important --2

Important --3

Very	important --4

194
Student Questionnaire — Physics 24 9

Academic and post-secondary preparation

27

In what grade did you complete any of the courses listed below? 

 

 Fill in one or more circles for each line.

 

 Grade 8 Grade Grade Grade Grade

 Never or earlier 9 10 11 12

a)	 General	or	unifi	ed	science	 1 1 1 1 1 1 

b)	 Earth	and	space	science	 --- 1 1 1 1 1 1

c)	 Life	science	(other	than

biology)	 ------------------------- 1 1 1 1 1 1

d)	 Physical	science	(other	

than	chemistry	or	physics) 1 1 1 1 1 1

e)	 First-year	biology ------------ 1 1 1 1 1 1

f)	 Second-year	biology	 -------- 1 1 1 1 1 1

g)	 First-year	chemistry -------- 1 1 1 1 1 1

h)	 Second-year	chemistry ----- 1 1 1 1 1 1

i)	 First-year	physics ------------ 1 1 1 1 1 1

j)	 Second-year	physics --------- 1 1 1 1 1 1

k)	 Engineering	and	technology	1 1 1 1 1 1

l)	 Other	advanced	science	

course	 --------------------------- 1 1 1 1 1 1

195
Student Questionnaire — Physics 25

28

Please indicate if you have taken or are currently 

enrolled in any of the following Advanced (AP®) courses. 

Have taken or are enrolled in:

Fill in one circle for each line.

Yes No

a)	 Advanced Placement (AP)

Biology -------------------------------------- 1 2

b)	 Advanced Placement (AP)

Environmental Science----------------- 1 2

c)	 Advanced Placement (AP)

Chemistry ---------------------------------- 1 2

d)	 Advanced Placement (AP)

Physics B or C----------------------------- 1 2

e)	 Advanced Placement (AP)

Computer Science A or AB ------------ 1 2

29

Are you currently enrolled in or have you taken any 

online science courses?

Fill in one circle only.

No --1

Yes, but not for credit --2

Yes, for high school credit --3

Yes, for college credit --4

Yes, for both high school

and college credit --5

196
Student Questionnaire — Physics 26

30

Are you currently enrolled in or have you taken an 

International Baccalaureate® (IB) physics course?

Fill in one circle only.

Yes --1

No --2

31

During this school year, which of the following have you 

done?

Fill in circles for all that apply.

	 Taken the SAT or ACT College

Entrance Exams --1

	 Submitted the Free Application for

	 Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) --1

Applied to a 2-year college --1

	 Been accepted to a 2-year college --1

Applied to a 4-year college --1

	 Been accepted to a 4-year college --1

	 Talked with a military recruiter or

	 contacted a ROTC program --1

	 Enlisted in the military or enrolled

in a ROTC program --1

Applied for a full-time job --1

	 Been interviewed for a full-time job --1

None of the above --1

197
Student Questionnaire — Physics 27

32

What do you think about your school? Tell how much 

you agree with these statements. 

Fill in one circle for each line.

Agree Agree Disagree Disagree

a lot a little a little a lot

a)	 I enjoy school ----------------------------- 1 2 3 4

b)	 I feel safe when I am at school ------ 1 2 3 4

c)	 I feel like I belong at this school ---- 1 2 3 4

d)	 I like to see my classmates

at school ------------------------------------ 1 2 3 4

e)	 I like to go to school to

see my friends ---------------------------- 1 2 3 4

f)	 Teachers at my school are

fair to me ---------------------------------- 1 2 3 4

g)	 My teachers respect my ideas ------- 1 2 3 4

h)	 I am proud to go to this school ------ 1 2 3 4

i)	 I learn a lot in school ------------------- 1 2 3 4

j)	 My classmates respect students

who excel in school subjects ---------- 1 2 3 4

k)	 My classmates respect students who

struggle learning school subjects --- 1 2 3 4

Your School

198
Student Questionnaire — Physics 28

33

During this year, how often have other students from 

your school done any of the following things to you 

(in person or through text messages, e-mails, or the 

Internet)?

Fill in one circle for each line.

At least Once or A few

once a twice times

week a month a year Never 

a)	 Made fun of me or

called me names ------------------------- 1 2 3 4

b)	 Excluded me from their activities -- 1 2 3 4

c)	 Spread lies about me ------------------- 1 2 3 4

d)	 Stole something from me ------------- 1 2 3 4

e)	 Hit or hurt me (e.g., shoving,

hitting, kicking) -------------------------- 1 2 3 4

f)	 Made me do things I didn’t

want to do --------------------------------- 1 2 3 4

g)	 Posted embarrassing things

about me online--------------------------- 1 2 3 4

h)	 Threatened me---------------------------- 1 2 3 4

199
Thank You!

Thank you for fi lling out the questionnaire!

200
TRENDS IN INTERNATIONAL MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE STUDY

timssandpirls.bc.edu

© IEA, 2013

International Association

for the Evaluation of

Educational Achievement

Field Test Version

Student Questionnaire

Physics

201
TRENDS IN INTERNATIONAL MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE STUDY

Field Test Version

National Center for Education Statistics

U.S. Department of Education

1990 K St. NW

Washington, DC 20006-5650

© IEA, 2013

Teacher Questionnaire

Advanced Mathematics

U.S. participation in this study is sponsored by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), U.S. Department of Education. Your responses are protected by federal 

statute (20 U.S.C., § 9573). Your answers may be used only for statistical purposes and may not be disclosed, or used, in identifi able form for any other purpose except as 

required by law.

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control 

number. The valid OMB control number for this voluntary information collection is 1850-0695. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated 

to average 35 minutes per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data resources, gather the data needed, and complete and review the 

information collection. If you have any comments concerning the accuracy of the time estimate(s) or suggestions for improving the form, please write to: U.S. 

Department of Education, Washington, D.C. 20202-4537. If you have comments or concerns regarding the status of your individual submission of this form, write 

directly to: Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, 1990 K Street, N.W., 

Washington, D.C. 20006-5650. OMB No. 1850-0695, Approval Expires 11/30/2016.

Place Label Here

School ID: ____ ____ ____ ____ 

Class ID: ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____

Teacher ID: ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ 

Link #: ____ ____ Subject: ____ ____ 

Checksum: ____ ____ ____ ____ ____

202
Teacher Questionnaire—Advanced Mathematics

TIMSS ADVANCED 2015

 Your school has agreed to participate in

TIMSS Advanced 2015 (Trends in International 

Mathematics and Science Study), an educational research 

project sponsored by the International Association for 

the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA). TIMSS 

Advanced measures trends in student achievement 

in advanced mathematics and physics and studies 

diff erences in national education systems in order to help 

improve teaching and learning worldwide.

This questionnaire is addressed to teachers of 

twelfth-grade students who have taken or are taking 

a calculus course. It seeks information about teachers’ 

academic and professional backgrounds, classroom 

resources, instructional practices, and attitudes toward 

teaching. Since your class has been selected as part of a 

nationwide sample, your responses are very important 

in helping to describe the school system in the United 

States.

Some of the questions in the questionnaire refer to 

the “TIMSS class” or “this class”. This is the class that is 

identifi ed on the front of this booklet, and which will 

be tested as part of TIMSS Advanced in your school. It 

is important that you answer each question carefully 

so that the information that you provide refl ects your 

situation as accurately as possible.

Since TIMSS Advanced is an international study and 

all countries are using the same questionnaire, you may 

fi nd that some of the questions seem unusual or are not 

entirely relevant to you or schools in the United States. 

Nevertheless, it is important that you do your best to 

answer all of the questions so comparisons can be made 

across countries in the studies.

It is estimated that you will need approximately 35 

minutes to complete this questionnaire. We appreciate 

the time and eff ort that this takes and thank you for your 

cooperation and contribution.

When you have completed the questionnaire, please 

place it in the accompanying envelope and return it to 

the TIMSS school coordinator.

NCES is authorized to collect information from the 

questionnaire under the Education Science Reform 

Act of 2002 (ESRA 2002), 20 U.S. Code, § 9543. You 

do not have to provide the information requested. 

However, the information you provide will help the 

U. S. Department of Education’s ongoing eff orts to 

understand better how the educational system in the 

United States compares to that in other countries. There 

are no penalties should you choose not to participate 

in this study. Your answers may be used only for 

statistical purposes and may not be disclosed, or used, 

in identifi able form for any other purpose except as 

required by law (20 U.S. Code, § 9573). Your response 

will be combined with those from other participants to 

produce summary statistics and reports.

This survey is estimated to take an average of 35 

minutes, including time for reviewing instructions, and 

completing and reviewing the collection of information. 

An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is 

not required to respond to, a collection of information 

unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. 

Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any 

other aspect of this collection of information, including 

suggestions for reducing this burden, to: Stephen 

Provasnik, National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. 

Department of Education, 1990 K Street NW, Room 

8123, Washington, DC 20006-5650. Do not return the 

completed form to this address.

Thank you.

203
Teacher TIMSS Advanced Teacher Questionnaire — Advanced Mathematics Questionnaire 31

About You

 1 

 A. What year did you start teaching?

 _______________ 

Please write in a year.

 B. At the end of this school year, how many years will 

you have taught altogether?

_____________ years

Please round to the nearest whole number.

 2

Are you female or male?

Fill in one circle only.

 Female --- 1

 Male --- 2

 3 

How old are you?

Fill in one circle only.

Under 25 --- 1

 25–29 --- 2

 30–39 --- 3

 40–49 --- 4

 50–59 --- 5

60 or more --- 6

 4

What is the highest level of formal education you 

have completed?

 Fill in one circle only.

 Did not complete high school---------------------- 1

 High school graduate ------------------------------ 2

 Associate’s degree (2-year college program) ------ 3

 Bachelor’s degree (4-year college program) ------ 4

 Master’s degree or professional degree

(MD, DDS, lawyer, minister) ----------------------- 5

 Doctorate (Ph.D., or EdD) -------------------------- 6

 5

During your college or university education, what 

was your major or main area(s) of study? 

 Fill in one circle for each line.

 Yes

 No

a) Mathematics ------------------------------------- 1 2

b) Physics ------------------------------------------- 1 2

c) Biology ------------------------------------------- 1 2

d) Chemistry ---------------------------------------- 1 2

e) Earth Science ------------------------------------ 1 2

f) Engineering -------------------------------------- 1 2

g) Education– Mathematics ------------------------ 1 2

h) Education– Physics ------------------------------ 1 2

i) Education– Science ------------------------------ 1 2

j) Education– General ------------------------------ 1 2

k) Other --------------------------------------------- 1 2

204
42 Teacher Questionnaire — Advanced Mathematics

 7

Thinking about your current school, indicate the 

extent to which you agree or disagree with each of 

the following statements.

Fill in one circle for each line.

 Agree a lot

 Agree a little

 Disagree a little

 Disagree

 a lot

a) This school is located in

a safe neighborhood ---------- 1 2 3 4

b) I feel safe at this school -------- 1 2 3 4

c) This school’s security policies

and practices are suffi cient ---- 1 2 3 4

d) The students behave in an

orderly manner ---------------- 1 2 3 4

e ) The students are respectful

of the teachers ----------------- 1 2 3 4

f ) The students respect

school property ---------------- 1 2 3 4

g) This school has clear rules

about student conduct --------- 1 2 3 4

h) This school's rules are

enforced in a fair and

consistent manner ------------- 1 2 3 4

School Climate

 6

How much do you agree with these statements 

about advanced mathematics and physics 

education within your school?

Fill in one circle for each line.

Agree a lot

 Agree a little

 Disagree a little

 Disagree

 a lot

a) The school encourages students

to study advanced mathematics

and physics -------------------- 1 2 3 4

b) The school has teachers

qualifi ed to teach advanced

mathematics and physics ----- 1 2 3 4

c) The school has the

technological resources

necessary to teach advanced

mathematics and physics ----- 1 2 3 4

d) The school promotes

professional development for

teachers of advanced

mathematics and physics ----- 1 2 3 4

e) The school provides students

with information about career

options in advanced

mathematics and physics ------ 1 2 3 4

f) Advanced mathematics and

physics teachers are admired by

other teachers in the school --- 1 2 3 4

g) Teachers have high expectations

for student achievement in

advanced mathematics and

physics ------------------------- 1 2 3 4

h) Students at this school respect

students who excel in advanced

mathematics and physics ----- 1 2 3 4

i) Students desire to do well in

advanced mathematics and

physics ------------------------- 1 2 3 4

j) Parents expect their children to

study advanced mathematics

and physics --------------------- 1 2 3 4

School Emphasis on Advanced 

Mathematics and Physics Education

205
Teacher Questionnaire — Advanced Mathematics 53

 8

In your current school, how severe is each problem?

Fill in one circle for each line.

 Not a problem

 Minor problem

 Moderate problem

 Serious

 problem

a) The school building needs

signifi cant repair -------------- 1 2 3 4

b) Teachers do not have 

adequate workspace (e.g., for

preparation, collaboration,

or meeting with students) ---- 1 2 3 4

c) Teachers do not have

adequate instructional 

materials and supplies -------- 1 2 3 4

d) The school classrooms are not 

cleaned often enough --------- 1 2 3 4

e) The school classrooms need

maintenance work ------------- 1 2 3 4

f) Teachers do not have adequate

technological resources -------- 1 2 3 4

g) Teachers do not have adequate

support for using

technology --------------------- 1 2 3 4

h) There are too many students

in the classes ------------------- 1 2 3 4

i) Teachers have too many

teaching hours ----------------- 1 2 3 4

j) Teachers have too much

material to cover in classes ---- 1 2 3 4

About Being a Teacher

 9

How often do you have the following types of 

interactions with other teachers?

Fill in one circle for each line.

 Very Often

 Often

 Sometimes

 Never or

 almost

 never

a) Discuss how to teach 

a particular topic -------------- 1 2 3 4

b) Collaborate in planning 

and preparing instructional 

materials ----------------------- 1 2 3 4

c) Share what I have

learned about my 

teaching experiences ---------- 1 2 3 4

d) Visit another classroom

to learn more about teaching - 1 2 3 4

e) Work together to

try out new ideas -------------- 1 2 3 4

f) Go to other teachers for help -- 1 2 3 4

g) Work as a group on

implementing the

curriculum --------------------- 1 2 3 4

h) Work with teachers from

other grades to ensure

continuity in learning --------- 1 2 3 4

i) Participate in teacher

mentoring --------------------- 1 2 3 4

206
64 Teacher Questionnaire — Advanced Mathematics

 10

How frequently do you feel the following way

about being a teacher?

 Fill in one circle for each line.

 Very Often

 Often

 Sometimes

 Never or

 almost

 never

a) I am content with my

profession as a teacher -------- 1 2 3 4

b) I am satisfi ed with being

a teacher at this school -------- 1 2 3 4

c) I fi nd my work full of

meaning and purpose --------- 1 2 3 4

d) I am enthusiastic

about my job ------------------ 1 2 3 4

e) My work inspires me ----------- 1 2 3 4

f) I am proud of the work I do --- 1 2 3 4

g) I am frustrated as a teacher ---- 1 2 3 4

h) I am supported by the

teachers at my school ---------- 1 2 3 4

i) I am going to continue

teaching for as long as I can --- 1 2 3 4

About Teaching the

TIMSS Class

 11 

How many students are in this class?

_____________ students

Write in a number.

 12 

How many students in this class experience 

diffi culties understanding spoken English?

_____________ students in this class

Write in a number.

If you teach more than one advanced mathematics 

class, select one of your classes and keep it in mind as 

you answer questions 11 through 14.

207
Teacher TIMSS Advanced Teacher Questionnaire — Advanced Mathematics Questionnaire 75

 13

How often do you do the following in teaching this 

class?

Fill in one circle for each line.

 Every or almost every lesson

 About half the lessons

 Some lessons

 Never 

a) Summarize what students 

should have learned from 

the lesson ---------------------- 1 2 3 4

b) Ask questions to elicit 

reasons and explanations ----- 1 2 3 4

c) Ask questions to check

that students understand

what I am teaching ----------- 1 2 3 4

d) Encourage all students to 

improve their performance --- 1 2 3 4

e) Praise students for

good performance ------------- 1 2 3 4

f) Ask students to complete

challenging exercises that

require them to go beyond

the instruction ----------------- 1 2 3 4

g) Encourage classroom

discussions among students -- 1 2 3 4

h) Link new content to

students’ prior knowledge ---- 1 2 3 4

i) Ask students to decide their

own problem solving

procedures --------------------- 1 2 3 4

j) Encourage students to express

their ideas in class ------------- 1 2 3 4

 14

In your view, to what extent do the following limit 

how you teach this class?

Fill in one circle for each line.

 Not at all

 Some

 A lot

a) Students lacking prerequisite

mathematics knowledge

or skills ------------------------- 1 2 3

b) Students suff ering from 

lack of basic nutrition --------- 1 2 3

c) Students suff ering from 

not enough sleep -------------- 1 2 3

d) Students with special needs 

(e.g., physical disabilities,

mental or emotional/

psychological impairment) ---- 1 2 3

208
8 Teacher Questionnaire — Advanced Mathematics TIMSS Advanced Mathematics Teacher Questionnaire 1

Teaching Advanced 

Mathematics to the TIMSS Class

 15

In a typical week, how much time do you spend 

teaching advanced mathematics to the students in 

this class?

_____________ minutes per week 

Write in the number of minutes per week.

Please convert the number of instructional hours or periods

into minutes.

 16

How many minutes per week do you usually spend 

preparing to teach this class?

_____________ minutes per week

Write in the number of minutes per week.

Please convert the number of hours into minutes.

 17

In teaching advanced mathematics to this class, 

how confi dent do you feel to do the following?

Fill in one circle for each line.

Very confi dent

 Somewhat confi dent

 Not confi dent

a) Answer students’ questions 

about advanced

mathematics ------------------- 1 2 3

b) Show students a variety of 

problem solving strategies ---- 1 2 3

c) Provide challenging tasks 

for the highest achieving

 students ----------------------- 1 2 3

d) Adapt my teaching to 

engage students’ interest ----- 1 2 3

e) Help students appreciate 

the value of learning 

advanced mathematics ------- 1 2 3

f) Inspire students who are

unmotivated to learn

advanced mathematics ------- 1 2 3

g) Assess student

comprehension of advanced

mathematics ------------------- 1 2 3

h) Improve the understanding

of struggling students --------- 1 2 3

i) Build supportive relationships

with students ------------------ 1 2 3

j) Manage the classroom to

avoid disruptions -------------- 1 2 3

k) Make advanced mathematics

relevant to students ----------- 1 2 3

l) Challenge students into

developing higher order

thinking skills ------------------ 1 2 3

If you teach more than one advanced 

mathematics class, select one of your classes 

and keep it in mind as you answer questions 15 

through 18.

209
2 Teacher Questionnaire — Advanced Mathematics 9

Resources for Teaching 

Mathematics

 Questions 19-20 ask about resources for 

teaching mathematics to the students in 

the TIMSS class. If you teach more than one 

advanced mathematics class, select one of 

your classes and keep it in mind as you answer 

questions 19 and 20.

 19

 A. When you teach advanced mathematics to this 

class, how do you use the following resources?

Fill in one circle for each line.

Basis for instruction 

 Supplement

 Not used

a) Textbooks ---------------------- 1 2 3

b) Workbooks or 

worksheets -------------------- 1 2 3

c) Computer software/

applications (apps) for

mathematics instruction ------- 1 2 3

d) Internet

resources ----------------------- 1 2 3

 B. How often do you require students to do the 

following? 

Fill in one circle for each line.

Every or almost every lesson

 About half the lessons

 Some lessons

 Never

a) Do problems or exercises ------ 1 2 3 4

b) Read examples of how to do 

problems or exercises --------- 1 2 3 4

c) Read about mathematical 

theory ------------------------- 1 2 3 4

 18

In teaching advanced mathematics to this class, how 

often do you ask students to do the following?

Fill in one circle for each line.

Every or almost every lesson

 About half the lessons

 Some lessons

 Never

a) Listen to me explain

new mathematics content ---- 1 2 3 4

b) Listen to me explain how to

solve problems ---------------- 1 2 3 4

c) Memorize rules, formulas, 

procedures, and facts ---------- 1 2 3 4

d) Work problems (individually

or with peers) with my

guidance ----------------------- 1 2 3 4

e) Work problems together in

the whole class with direct

guidance from me ------------- 1 2 3 4

f) Work problems (individually

or with peers) while I am

occupied by other tasks ------- 1 2 3 4

g) Solve problems like the

examples in their textbooks -- 1 2 3 4

h) Explain their answers ---------- 1 2 3 4

i) Discuss problem solving

strategies ---------------------- 1 2 3 4

j) Relate what they are

learning in mathematics

to their daily lives -------------- 1 2 3 4

k) Decide on their own

procedures for solving

complex problems ------------- 1 2 3 4

l) Work on problems for which

there is no immediately

obvious method of solution --- 1 2 3 4

m) Communicate their arguments 1 2 3 4

n) Take a written test or quiz ----- 1 2 3 4

210
10 Teacher Questionnaire — Advanced Mathematics TIMSS Advanced Mathematics Teacher Questionnaire 3

 20

 A. Do the students in this class have computers, 

tablets, calculators, or smartphones available to 

use during their advanced mathematics lessons?

Fill in one circle only.

 Yes --- 1

 No --- 2 

(If No, go to question 21)

If Yes,

 B. How often do you have the students do the 

following activities on computers, tablets, 

calculators, or smartphones during advanced 

mathematics lessons?

Fill in one circle for each line.

Every or almost every day

 Once or twice a week

 Once or twice a

 month

 Never or

 almost

 never

a) Read the textbook or 

course materials in

digital format ------------------ 1 2 3 4

b) Look up ideas and 

information -------------------- 1 2 3 4

c) Process and analyze data ------ 1 2 3 4

d) Draw graphs of functions ------ 1 2 3 4

e) Solve equations ---------------- 1 2 3 4

f) Manipulate algebraic

expressions --------------------- 1 2 3 4

g) Conduct modeling and

simulations --------------------- 1 2 3 4

h) Perform numerical

integration --------------------- 1 2 3 4

211
4 Teacher Questionnaire — Advanced Mathematics 11

 21

The following list includes the main topics addressed by the TIMSS Advanced mathematics test. Choose the 

response that best describes when the students in this class have been taught each topic. If a topic was in the 

curriculum before this year, please choose “Mostly taught before this year.” If a topic was taught half this year but 

not yet completed, please choose “Mostly taught this year.” If a topic is not in the curriculum, please choose “Not 

yet taught or just introduced.”

 Fill in one circle for each line.

Mostly taught before this year 

 Mostly taught this year 

Not yet taught or 

just introduced

A. Algebra 

a) Operations with exponential, logarithmic, polynomial, rational, and radical expressions; complex numbers ------------ 1 2 3

b) Evaluate algebraic expressions (e.g., exponential, logarithmic, polynomial, rational, and radical) ------------------------ 1 2 3

c) The nth term of numeric and algebraic series and the sums to n terms or infi nity of series -------------------------------- 1 2 3

d) Linear, simultaneous, and quadratic equations and inequalities; surd (radical) equations, 

logarithmic, and exponential equations ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 2 3

e) Equivalent representations of functions as ordered pairs, tables, graphs, formulas, or words ----------------------------- 1 2 3

f) Values of functions, including rational functions, for given values and ranges 

of the variable; function of a function ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 2 3

B. Calculus

a) Limits of functions including rational functions; conditions for continuity and diff erentiability of functions ------------- 1 2 3

b) Diff erentiation of functions (including polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric, rational, radical, composite, and parametric functions); diff erentiation 

of products and quotients ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 2 3

c) Using derivatives to solve problems (e.g., in kinematics, optimization, and rates of change) ------------------------------ 1 2 3

d) Using fi rst and second derivatives to determine gradient, turning points, 

and points of infl ection of functions------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1 2 3

e) Integrating functions (including polynomial, exponential, trigonometric, 

and rational functions); evaluating defi nite integrals ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 2 3

C. Geometry 

a) Properties of geometric fi gures; proving geometric propositions in two and three dimensions --------------------------- 1 2 3

b) Gradients, y-axis intercepts, and points of intersection of straight lines in the Cartesian plane --------------------------- 1 2 3

c) Equations and properties of circles in the Cartesian plane; tangents and normals to given points on a circle ------------- 1 2 3

d) Properties of vectors and their sums and diff erences ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1 2 3

e) Trigonometric properties of triangles (sine, cosine, and tangent); 

solving equations involving trigonometric functions ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1 2 3

f) Graphs of sine, cosine, and tangent functions ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 2 3

Advanced Mathematics Topics Taught

Question 21 asks about the topics taught and the content covered in teaching advanced mathematics

to the students in the TIMSS class. If you teach more than one advanced mathematics class, select one of your 

classes and keep it in mind as you answer question 21.

212
12 Teacher Questionnaire — Advanced Mathematics 5

Mathematics Homework

Question 22 asks about mathematics homework for the students in the TIMSS class. If you teach more than one 

advanced mathematics class, select one of your classes and keep it in mind as you answer question 22.

 A. Do you assign mathematics homework to

this class?

Fill in one circle only.

 Yes --- 1

 No --- 2 

(If No, go to question 23)

 22

 B. How often do you assign the following kinds of 

mathematics homework to this class?

Fill in one circle for each line.

Always or almost always

 Sometimes

 Never or

 almost never

a) Doing problem/question sets - 1 2 3

b) Reading the textbook --------- 1 2 3

c) Memorizing formulas 

and procedures ---------------- 1 2 3

d) Gathering, analyzing, and 

reporting data ----------------- 1 2 3

e) Finding one or more applications 

of the content covered -------- 1 2 3

f) Working on projects ----------- 1 2 3

 C. How often do you do the following with the 

mathematics homework assignments for this 

class?

Fill in one circle for each line.

Always or almost always

 Sometimes

 Never or

 almost never

a) Correct assignments and

give feedback to students ----- 1 2 3

b) Have students correct

their own homework ---------- 1 2 3

c) Discuss the homework

in class ------------------------- 1 2 3

d) Monitor whether or not the

homework was completed ---- 1 2 3

e) Use the homework to

contribute towards

students’ grades or marks ----- 1 2 3

213
6 Teacher Questionnaire — Advanced Mathematics 13

Professional Development and Activities

 23

In the past two years, have you participated 

in professional development in any of the 

following? 

 Fill in one circle for each line.

 Yes

 No

a) Mathematics content ---------------------------- 1 2

b) Mathematics pedagogy/instruction ------------ 1 2

c) Mathematics curriculum ------------------------ 1 2

d) Integrating information technology

into mathematics -------------------------------- 1 2

e) Improving students’ critical thinking or

problem solving skills --------------------------- 1 2

f) Mathematics assessment ----------------------- 1 2

g) Addressing individual students’ needs ---------- 1 2

 24

 In the past two years, how many hours in total 

have you spent in formal in-service/professional 

development (e.g., workshops, seminars, etc.)

for mathematics? 

Fill in one circle only.

 None --- 1

 Less than 6 hours --- 2

6–15 hours --- 3

16–35 hours --- 4

 More than 35 hours --- 5

 25

By the end of this school year, how many years will 

you have taught mathematics at the

advanced level?

_____________ years

Number of years taught advanced mathematics

 26

A. Are you a member of the National Council 

of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) or the 

Mathematics Association of America (MAA)?

Fill in one circle only.

 Yes --- 1

 No --- 2

B. In the past two years, have you regularly 

participated in activities sponsored by the National 

Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) or the 

Mathematics Association of America (MAA)?

Fill in one circle only.

 Yes --- 1

 No --- 1

 27

In the past two years, have you taken part in any of 

the following activities in mathematics? 

 Fill in one circle for each line.

 Yes

 No

a) I attended a workshop or conference ----------- 1 2

b) I gave a presentation at a workshop

 or conference ------------------------------------ 1 2

c) I published an article in a journal or 

magazine for teachers (print or online) --------- 1 2

d) I took part in an innovative project 

for curriculum and instruction ------------------ 1 2

214
14 Teacher Questionnaire — Advanced Mathematics 7

Preparation to Teach Advanced Mathematics 

 28

How well prepared do you feel you are to teach the following mathematics topics?

If a topic is not in the curriculum for this class or you are not responsible for teaching this topic, please

choose “Not applicable.”

 Fill in one circle for each line.

Not applicable

 Very well prepared 

Somewhat

prepared

Not well

prepared

A. Algebra 

a) Operations with exponential, logarithmic, polynomial, rational, and radical expressions; complex numbers ------------- 1 2 3 4

b) Evaluate algebraic expressions (e.g., exponential, logarithmic, polynomial, rational, and radical) ------------------------ 1 2 3 4

c) The nth term of numeric and algebraic series and the sums to n terms or infi nity of series -------------------------------- 1 2 3 4

d) Linear, simultaneous, and quadratic equations and inequalities; surd (radical) equations, 

logarithmic, and exponential equations ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 2 3 4

e) Equivalent representations of functions as ordered pairs, tables, graphs, formulas, or words ----------------------------- 1 2 3 4

f) Values of functions, including rational functions, for given values and ranges of the variable; function of a function ---- 1 2 3 4

B. Calculus

a) Limits of functions including rational functions; conditions for continuity and diff erentiability of functions ------------- 1 2 3 4

b) Diff erentiation of functions (including polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric, rational, radical, 

composite, and parametric functions); diff erentiation of products and quotients ------------------------------------------ 1 2 3 4

c) Using derivatives to solve problems (e.g., in kinematics, optimization, and rates of change) ------------------------------ 1 2 3 4

d) Using fi rst and second derivatives to determine gradient, turning points, and points of infl ection of functions ---------- 1 2 3 4

e) Integrating functions (including polynomial, exponential, trigonometric, 

and rational functions); evaluating defi nite integrals ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 2 3 4

C. Geometry 

a) Properties of geometric fi gures; proving geometric propositions in two and three dimensions --------------------------- 1 2 3 4

b) Gradients, y-axis intercepts, and points of intersection of straight lines in the Cartesian plane ---------------------------- 1 2 3 4

c) Equations and properties of circles in the Cartesian plane; tangents and normals to given points on a circle ------------- 1 2 3 4

d) Properties of vectors and their sums and diff erences ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1 2 3 4

e) Trigonometric properties of triangles (sine, cosine, and tangent); 

solving equations involving trigonometric functions ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1 2 3 4

f) Graphs of sine, cosine, and tangent functions ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 2 3 4

If you teach more than one advanced mathematics class, select one of your classes and keep it in mind as 

you answer question 28.

215
Thank you for the thought, time, and eff ort you have 

put into completing this questionnaire.

Thank You

216
TRENDS IN INTERNATIONAL MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE STUDY

timssandpirls.bc.edu

© IEA, 2013

International Association

for the Evaluation of

Educational Achievement

Field Test Version

Teacher Questionnaire

Advanced Mathematics

217
Identifi cation Label

TRENDS IN INTERNATIONAL MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE STUDY

Field Test Version

Teacher Questionnaire

Physics

National Center for Education Statistics

U.S. Department of Education

1990 K St. NW

Washington, DC 20006-5650

Place Label Here

School ID: ____ ____ ____ ____ 

Class ID: ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____

Teacher ID: ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ 

Link #: ____ ____ Subject: ____ ____ 

Checksum: ____ ____ ____ ____ ____

© IEA, 2013

U.S. participation in this study is sponsored by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), U.S. Department of Education. Your responses are protected by federal 

statute (20 U.S.C., § 9573). Your answers may be used only for statistical purposes and may not be disclosed, or used, in identifi able form for any other purpose except as 

required by law.

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control 

number. The valid OMB control number for this voluntary information collection is 1850-0695. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated 

to average 35 minutes per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data resources, gather the data needed, and complete and review the 

information collection. If you have any comments concerning the accuracy of the time estimate(s) or suggestions for improving the form, please write to: U.S. 

Department of Education, Washington, D.C. 20202-4537. If you have comments or concerns regarding the status of your individual submission of this form, write 

directly to: Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, 1990 K Street, N.W., 

Washington, D.C. 20006-5650. OMB No. 1850-0695, Approval Expires 11/30/2016.

218
Teacher Questionnaire—Physics

TIMSS ADVANCED 2015

 Your school has agreed to participate in

TIMSS Advanced 2015 (Trends in International 

Mathematics and Science Study), an educational research 

project sponsored by the International Association for 

the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA). TIMSS 

Advanced measures trends in student achievement 

in advanced mathematics and physics and studies 

diff erences in national education systems in order to help 

improve teaching and learning worldwide.

This questionnaire is addressed to teachers of 

twelfth-grade students who have taken or are taking a 

course in physics. It seeks information about teachers’ 

academic and professional backgrounds, classroom 

resources, instructional practices, and attitudes toward 

teaching. Since your class has been selected as part of a 

nationwide sample, your responses are very important 

in helping to describe the school system in the United 

States.

Some of the questions in the questionnaire refer to 

the “TIMSS class” or “this class”. This is the class that is 

identifi ed on the front of this booklet, and which will 

be tested as part of TIMSS Advanced in your school. It 

is important that you answer each question carefully 

so that the information that you provide refl ects your 

situation as accurately as possible.

Since TIMSS Advanced is an international study and 

all countries are using the same questionnaire, you may 

fi nd that some of the questions seem unusual or are not 

entirely relevant to you or schools in the United States. 

Nevertheless, it is important that you do your best to 

answer all of the questions so comparisons can be made 

across countries in the studies.

It is estimated that you will need approximately 35 

minutes to complete this questionnaire. We appreciate 

the time and eff ort that this takes and thank you for your 

cooperation and contribution.

When you have completed the questionnaire, please 

place it in the accompanying envelope and return it to 

the TIMSS school coordinator.

NCES is authorized to collect information from the 

questionnaire under the Education Science Reform 

Act of 2002 (ESRA 2002), 20 U.S. Code, § 9543. You 

do not have to provide the information requested. 

However, the information you provide will help the 

U. S. Department of Education’s ongoing eff orts to 

understand better how the educational system in the 

United States compares to that in other countries. 

There are no penalties should you choose not to 

participate in this study. Your answers may be used 

only for statistical purposes and may not be disclosed, 

or used, in identifi able form for any other purpose 

except as required by law (20 U.S. Code, § 9573). 

Your response will be combined with those from 

other participants to produce summary statistics and 

reports.

This survey is estimated to take an average of 35 

minutes, including time for reviewing instructions, 

and completing and reviewing the collection 

of information. An agency may not conduct or 

sponsor, and a person is not required to respond 

to, a collection of information unless it displays a 

currently valid OMB control number. Send comments 

regarding this burden estimate or any other 

aspect of this collection of information, including 

suggestions for reducing this burden, to: Stephen 

Provasnik, National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. 

Department of Education, 1990 K Street NW, Room 

8123, Washington, DC 20006-5650. Do not return the 

completed form to this address.

Thank you.

219
Teacher TIMSS Advanced Teacher Questionnaire — Physics Questionnaire 31

About You

 1 

 A. What year did you start teaching?

 _______________ 

Please write in a year.

 B. At the end of this school year, how many years will 

you have taught altogether?

_____________ years

Please round to the nearest whole number.

 2

Are you female or male?

Fill in one circle only.

 Female --- 1

 Male --- 2

 3 

How old are you?

Fill in one circle only.

Under 25 --- 1

 25–29 --- 2

 30–39 --- 3

 40–49 --- 4

 50–59 --- 5

60 or more --- 6

 4

What is the highest level of formal education you 

have completed?

 Fill in one circle only.

 Did not complete high school---------------------- 1

 High school graduate ------------------------------ 2

 Associate’s degree (2-year college program) ------ 3

 Bachelor’s degree (4-year college program) ------ 4

 Master’s degree or professional degree

(MD, DDS, lawyer, minister) ----------------------- 5

 Doctorate (Ph.D., or EdD) -------------------------- 6

 5

During your college or university education, what 

was your major or main area(s) of study? 

 Fill in one circle for each line.

 Yes

 No

a) Mathematics ------------------------------------- 1 2

b) Physics ------------------------------------------- 1 2

c) Biology ------------------------------------------- 1 2

d) Chemistry ---------------------------------------- 1 2

e) Earth Science ------------------------------------ 1 2

f) Engineering -------------------------------------- 1 2

g) Education– Mathematics ------------------------ 1 2

h) Education– Physics ------------------------------ 1 2

i) Education– Science ------------------------------ 1 2

j) Education– General ------------------------------ 1 2

k) Other --------------------------------------------- 1 2

220
42 Teacher Questionnaire — Physics

 7

Thinking about your current school, indicate the 

extent to which you agree or disagree with each of 

the following statements.

Fill in one circle for each line.

 Agree a lot

 Agree a little

 Disagree a little

 Disagree

 a lot

a) This school is located in

a safe neighborhood ---------- 1 2 3 4

b) I feel safe at this school -------- 1 2 3 4

c) This school’s security policies

and practices are suffi cient ---- 1 2 3 4

d) The students behave in an

orderly manner ---------------- 1 2 3 4

e ) The students are respectful

of the teachers ----------------- 1 2 3 4

f ) The students respect

school property ---------------- 1 2 3 4

g) This school has clear rules

about student conduct --------- 1 2 3 4

h) This school's rules are

enforced in a fair and

consistent manner ------------- 1 2 3 4

School Climate

 6

How much do you agree with these statements 

about advanced mathematics and physics 

education within your school?

Fill in one circle for each line.

Agree a lot

 Agree a little

 Disagree a little

 Disagree

 a lot

a) The school encourages students

to study advanced mathematics

and physics -------------------- 1 2 3 4

b) The school has teachers

qualifi ed to teach advanced

mathematics and physics ----- 1 2 3 4

c) The school has the

technological resources

necessary to teach advanced

mathematics and physics ----- 1 2 3 4

d) The school promotes

professional development for

teachers of advanced

mathematics and physics ----- 1 2 3 4

e) The school provides students

with information about career

options in advanced

mathematics and physics ------ 1 2 3 4

f) Advanced mathematics and

physics teachers are admired by

other teachers in the school --- 1 2 3 4

g) Teachers have high expectations

for student achievement in

advanced mathematics and

physics ------------------------- 1 2 3 4

h) Students at this school respect

students who excel in advanced

mathematics and physics ----- 1 2 3 4

i) Students desire to do well in

advanced mathematics and

physics ------------------------- 1 2 3 4

j) Parents expect their children to

study advanced mathematics

and physics --------------------- 1 2 3 4

School Emphasis on Advanced 

Mathematics and Physics Education

221
Teacher Questionnaire — Physics 53

 8

In your current school, how severe is each problem?

Fill in one circle for each line.

 Not a problem

 Minor problem

 Moderate problem

 Serious

 problem

a) The school building needs

signifi cant repair -------------- 1 2 3 4

b) Teachers do not have 

adequate workspace (e.g., for

preparation, collaboration,

or meeting with students) ---- 1 2 3 4

c) Teachers do not have

adequate instructional 

materials and supplies -------- 1 2 3 4

d) The school classrooms are not 

cleaned often enough --------- 1 2 3 4

e) The school classrooms need

maintenance work ------------- 1 2 3 4

f) Teachers do not have adequate

technological resources -------- 1 2 3 4

g) Teachers do not have adequate

support for using

technology --------------------- 1 2 3 4

h) There are too many students

in the classes ------------------- 1 2 3 4

i) Teachers have too many

teaching hours ----------------- 1 2 3 4

j) Teachers have too much

material to cover in classes ---- 1 2 3 4

About Being a Teacher

 9

How often do you have the following types of 

interactions with other teachers?

Fill in one circle for each line.

 Very Often

 Often

 Sometimes

 Never or

 almost

 never

a) Discuss how to teach 

a particular topic -------------- 1 2 3 4

b) Collaborate in planning 

and preparing instructional 

materials ----------------------- 1 2 3 4

c) Share what I have

learned about my 

teaching experiences ---------- 1 2 3 4

d) Visit another classroom

to learn more about teaching - 1 2 3 4

e) Work together to

try out new ideas -------------- 1 2 3 4

f) Go to other teachers for help -- 1 2 3 4

g) Work as a group on

implementing the

curriculum --------------------- 1 2 3 4

h) Work with teachers from

other grades to ensure

continuity in learning --------- 1 2 3 4

i) Participate in teacher

mentoring --------------------- 1 2 3 4

222
64 Teacher Questionnaire — Physics

 10

How frequently do you feel the following way

about being a teacher?

 Fill in one circle for each line.

 Very Often

 Often

 Sometimes

 Never or

 almost

 never

a) I am content with my

profession as a teacher -------- 1 2 3 4

b) I am satisfi ed with being

a teacher at this school -------- 1 2 3 4

c) I fi nd my work full of

meaning and purpose --------- 1 2 3 4

d) I am enthusiastic

about my job ------------------ 1 2 3 4

e) My work inspires me ----------- 1 2 3 4

f) I am proud of the work I do --- 1 2 3 4

g) I am frustrated as a teacher ---- 1 2 3 4

h) I am supported by the

teachers at my school ---------- 1 2 3 4

i) I am going to continue

teaching for as long as I can --- 1 2 3 4

About Teaching the

TIMSS Class

 11 

How many students are in this class?

_____________ students

Write in a number.

 12 

How many students in this class experience 

diffi culties understanding spoken English?

_____________ students in this class

Write in a number.

If you teach more than one physics class, select one of 

your classes and keep it in mind as you answer questions 11 through 14.

223
Teacher TIMSS Advanced Teacher Questionnaire — Physics Questionnaire 75

 13

How often do you do the following in teaching this 

class?

Fill in one circle for each line.

 Every or almost every lesson

 About half the lessons

 Some lessons

 Never 

a) Summarize what students 

should have learned from 

the lesson ---------------------- 1 2 3 4

b) Ask questions to elicit 

reasons and explanations ----- 1 2 3 4

c) Ask questions to check

that students understand

what I am teaching ----------- 1 2 3 4

d) Encourage all students to 

improve their performance --- 1 2 3 4

e) Praise students for

good performance ------------- 1 2 3 4

f) Ask students to complete

challenging exercises that

require them to go beyond

the instruction ----------------- 1 2 3 4

g) Encourage classroom

discussions among students -- 1 2 3 4

h) Link new content to

students’ prior knowledge ---- 1 2 3 4

i) Ask students to decide their

own problem solving

procedures --------------------- 1 2 3 4

j) Encourage students to express

their ideas in class ------------- 1 2 3 4

 14

In your view, to what extent do the following limit 

how you teach this class?

Fill in one circle for each line.

 Not at all

 Some

 A lot

a) Students lacking prerequisite

mathematics knowledge

or skills ------------------------- 1 2 3

b) Students suff ering from 

lack of basic nutrition --------- 1 2 3

c) Students suff ering from 

not enough sleep -------------- 1 2 3

d) Students with special needs 

(e.g., physical disabilities,

mental or emotional/

psychological impairment) ---- 1 2 3

224
8 Teacher Questionnaire — Physics TIMSS Physics Teacher Questionnaire 1

Teaching Physics to the TIMSS Class

 15

In a typical week, how much time do you spend 

teaching physics to the students in this class?

_____________ minutes per week 

Write in the number of minutes per week.

Please convert the number of instructional hours or periods

into minutes.

 16

How many minutes per week do you usually spend 

preparing to teach this class?

_____________ minutes per week

Write in the number of minutes per week.

Please convert the number of hours into minutes.

 17

In teaching physics to this class, how confi dent do 

you feel to do the following?

Fill in one circle for each line.

Very confi dent

 Somewhat confi dent

 Not confi dent

a) Answer students’ questions 

about physics ------------------ 1 2 3

b) Explain physics concepts or 

principles by doing physics 

experiments ------------------- 1 2 3

c) Provide challenging tasks 

for the highest achieving

students ----------------------- 1 2 3

d) Adapt my teaching to 

engage students’ interest ----- 1 2 3

e) Help students appreciate 

the value of learning 

physics ------------------------- 1 2 3

f) Inspire students who are

unmotivated to learn

physics ------------------------- 1 2 3

g) Assess student

comprehension of physics ----- 1 2 3

h) Improve the understanding

of struggling students --------- 1 2 3

i) Build supportive relationships

with students ------------------ 1 2 3

j) Manage the classroom to

avoid disruptions -------------- 1 2 3

k) Make physics

relevant to students ----------- 1 2 3

l) Challenge students into

developing higher order

thinking skills ------------------ 1 2 3

m) Teach physics using inquiry

methods ----------------------- 1 2 3

If you teach more than one physics class, select 

one of your classes and keep it in mind as you 

answer questions 15 through 18.

225
2 Teacher Questionnaire — Physics 9

Resources for Teaching Physics

 Questions 19-21 ask about resources for 

teaching physics to the students in the TIMSS 

class. If you teach more than one physics class, 

select one of your classes and keep it in mind as 

you answer questions 19 through 21.

 19

 A. When you teach physics to this class, how do you 

use the following resources?

Fill in one circle for each line.

Basis for instruction 

 Supplement

 Not used

a) Textbooks ---------------------- 1 2 3

b) Workbooks or 

worksheets -------------------- 1 2 3

c) Computer software/

applications (apps) for

physics instruction ------------- 1 2 3

d) Internet

resources ----------------------- 1 2 3

 B. How often do you require students to do the 

following? 

Fill in one circle for each line.

Every or almost every lesson

 About half the lessons

 Some lessons

 Never

a) Do problems or exercises ------ 1 2 3 4

b) Read examples of how to do 

problems or exercises --------- 1 2 3 4

c) Read about physics 

theory ------------------------- 1 2 3 4

 18

In teaching physics to this class, how often do you 

ask students to do the following?

Fill in one circle for each line.

Every or almost every lesson

 About half the lessons

 Some lessons

 Never

a) Listen to me explain

new physics content ----------- 1 2 3 4

b) Observe natural phenomena 

and describe what they see --- 1 2 3 4

c) Watch me demonstrate an 

experiment, investigation,

or simulation ------------------ 1 2 3 4

d) Design or plan experiments, 

investigations, or

simulations -------------------- 1 2 3 4

e) Conduct experiments, 

investigations, or

simulations -------------------- 1 2 3 4

f) Present data from experiments, 

investigations, or

simulations -------------------- 1 2 3 4

g) Interpret data from experiments, 

investigations, or

simulations -------------------- 1 2 3 4

h) Use evidence from experiments,

investigations, or simulations

to support conclusions -------- 1 2 3 4

i) Read their textbooks or other

resource materials ------------- 1 2 3 4

j) Have students memorize facts

and principles ------------------ 1 2 3 4

k) Use scientifi c formulas and laws

to solve routine problems ----- 1 2 3 4

l) Give explanations about

something they are studying - 1 2 3 4

m) Relate what they are learning 

in physics to their daily lives -- 1 2 3 4

n) Do fi eld work outside of class - 1 2 3 4

o) Take a written test or quiz ----- 1 2 3 4

226
10 Teacher Questionnaire — Physics TIMSS Physics Teacher Questionnaire 3

 20

 A. Do the students in this class have computers, 

tablets, calculators, or smartphones available to 

use during their physics lessons?

Fill in one circle only.

 Yes --- 1

 No --- 2 

(If No, go to question 21)

If Yes,

 B. How often do you have the students do the 

following activities on computers, tablets, 

calculators, or smartphones during physics 

lessons?

Fill in one circle for each line.

Every or almost every day

 Once or twice a week

 Once or twice a

 month

 Never or

 almost

 never

a) Read the textbook or 

course materials in

digital format ------------------ 1 2 3 4

b) Look up ideas and 

information -------------------- 1 2 3 4

c) Process and analyze data ------ 1 2 3 4

d) Draw graphs of functions ------ 1 2 3 4

e) Solve equations ---------------- 1 2 3 4

f) Manipulate algebraic

expressions --------------------- 1 2 3 4

g) Conduct modeling and

simulations --------------------- 1 2 3 4

h) Perform numerical

integration --------------------- 1 2 3 4

i) Do scientifi c procedures or

experiments -------------------- 1 2 3 4

 21

 A. Does your school have a physics laboratory?

Fill in one circle only.

 Yes --- 1

 No --- 2

 B. Do teachers usually have assistance available when 

students are conducting physics experiments?

Fill in one circle only.

 Yes --- 1

 No --- 2

227
4 Teacher Questionnaire — Physics 11

 22

The following list includes the main topics addressed by the TIMSS Physics test. Choose the response that best 

describes when the students in this class have been taught each topic. If a topic was in the curriculum before this 

year, please choose “Mostly taught before this year.” If a topic was taught half this year but not yet completed, 

please choose “Mostly taught this year.” If a topic is not in the curriculum, please choose “Not yet taught or just 

introduced.”

 Fill in one circle for each line.

Mostly taught before this year 

 Mostly taught this year 

Not yet taught or 

just introduced

A. Mechanics and Thermodynamics

a) The dynamics of diff erent types of movement, including Newton’s laws of motion ---------------------------------------- 1 2 3

b) Forces, including frictional force, acting on a moving body ----------------------------------------------------------------- 1 2 3

c) Forces acting on a body moving in a circular path; the body’s centripetal acceleration, speed, and circling time ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1 2 3

d) The law of gravitation in relation to the movement of celestial objects ----------------------------------------------------- 1 2 3

e) Kinetic and potential energy; conservation of mechanical energy ---------------------------------------------------------- 1 2 3

f) Elastic and inelastic collision; the law of conservation of momentum ------------------------------------------------------ 1 2 3

g) The fi rst law of thermodynamics --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 2 3

h) Heat transfer and specifi c heat capacities ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1 2 3

i) Expansion of solids and liquids in relation to temperature change; the law of ideal gases --------------------------------- 1 2 3

B. Electricity and Magnetism 

a) Electrostatic attraction or repulsion between isolated charged particles – Coulomb’s law --------------------------------- 1 2 3

b) Charged particles in an electric fi eld ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 2 3

c) Electrical circuits – Ohm’s law and Joule’s law for complex electrical circuits ----------------------------------------------- 1 2 3

d) Charged particles in a magnetic fi eld ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 2 3

e) Relationship between magnetism and electricity; electromagnetic induction; Faraday’s and Lenz’ laws of induction ---- 1 2 3

C. Wave Phenomena and Atomic/Nuclear Physics 

a) Mechanical waves; the relationship between speed, frequency, and wavelength ------------------------------------------ 1 2 3

b) Electromagnetic radiation; wavelength and frequency of various types of waves (e.g., radio, infrared, x-rays, light)----- 1 2 3

c) Thermal radiation, temperature, and wavelength --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 2 3

d) Refl ection, refraction, interference, and diff raction ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 2 3

e) The structure of the atom and its nucleus in terms of electrons, protons, and neutrons; atomic number and atomic mass number; Light emission and absorption and the behavior of electrons --------------------------------------- 1 2 3

f) Wave-particle quality and the photoelectric eff ect; types of nuclear reactions (i.e., fi ssion, fusion, and radioactive decay) and their role in nature (e.g., in stars) and society (e.g., reactors, bombs); radioactive isotopes ------ 1 2 3

g) Mass-energy equivalence ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 2 3

Physics Topics Taught

Question 22 asks about the topics taught and the content covered in teaching physics to the students in the 

TIMSS class. If you teach more than one physics class, select one of your classes and keep it in mind as you answer 

question 22.

228
12 Teacher Questionnaire — Physics 5

Physics Homework

 29

 B. How often do you assign the following kinds of 

physics homework to this class?

Fill in one circle for each line.

Always or almost always

 Sometimes

 Never or

 almost never

a) Doing problem/question sets - 1 2 3

b) Reading the textbook --------- 1 2 3

c) Memorizing formulas 

and procedures ---------------- 1 2 3

d) Gathering, analyzing, and 

reporting data ----------------- 1 2 3

e) Finding one or more applications 

of the content covered -------- 1 2 3

f) Working on projects ----------- 1 2 3

 C. How often do you do the following with the 

physics homework assignments for this class?

Fill in one circle for each line.

Always or almost always

 Sometimes

 Never or

 almost never

a) Correct assignments and

give feedback to students ----- 1 2 3

b) Have students correct

their own homework ---------- 1 2 3

c) Discuss the homework

in class ------------------------- 1 2 3

d) Monitor whether or not the

homework was completed ---- 1 2 3

e) Use the homework to

contribute towards

students’ grades or marks ----- 1 2 3

Question 23 asks about physics homework for the students in the TIMSS class. If you teach more than one 

physics class, select one of your classes and keep it in mind as you answer question 23.

 A. Do you assign physics homework to

this class?

Fill in one circle only.

 Yes --- 1

 No --- 2 

(If No, go to question 24)

 23

229
6 Teacher Questionnaire — Physics 13

Professional Development and Activities

 24

In the past two years, have you participated 

in professional development in any of the 

following? 

 Fill in one circle for each line.

 Yes

 No

a) Physics content ---------------------------------- 1 2

b) Physics pedagogy/instruction ------------------- 1 2

c) Physics curriculum ------------------------------- 1 2

d) Integrating information technology

into physics -------------------------------------- 1 2

e) Improving students’ critical thinking or

problem solving skills --------------------------- 1 2

f) Physics assessment ------------------------------ 1 2

g) Addressing individual students’ needs ---------- 1 2

 25

 In the past two years, how many hours in total 

have you spent in formal in-service/professional 

development (e.g., workshops, seminars, etc.)

for physics? 

Fill in one circle only.

 None --- 1

 Less than 6 hours --- 2

6–15 hours --- 3

16–35 hours --- 4

 More than 35 hours --- 5

 26

By the end of this school year, how many years will 

you have taught physics at the

advanced level?

_____________ years

Number of years taught physics

 27

A. Are you a member of the National Science Teachers 

Association (NSTA) or the American Association of 

Physics Teachers (AAPT)?

Fill in one circle only.

 Yes --- 1

 No --- 2

B. In the past two years, have you regularly 

participated in activities sponsored by the National 

Science Teachers Association (NSTA) or the 

American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT)?

Fill in one circle only.

 Yes --- 1

 No --- 2

 28

In the past two years, have you taken part in any of 

the following activities in physics? 

 Fill in one circle for each line.

 Yes

 No

a) I attended a workshop or conference ----------- 1 2

b) I gave a presentation at a workshop

 or conference ------------------------------------ 1 2

c) I published an article in a journal or 

magazine for teachers (print or online) --------- 1 2

d) I took part in an innovative project 

for curriculum and instruction ------------------ 1 2

230
14 Teacher Questionnaire — Physics 7

Preparation to Teach Physics 

 29

How well prepared do you feel you are to teach the following physics topics?

If a topic is not in the curriculum for this class or you are not responsible for teaching this topic, please

choose “Not applicable.”

 Fill in one circle for each line.

Not applicable

 Very well prepared 

Somewhat

prepared

Not well

prepared

A. Mechanics and Thermodynamics

a) The dynamics of diff erent types of movement, including Newton’s laws of motion ---------------------------------------- 1 2 3 4

b) Forces, including frictional force, acting on a moving body ----------------------------------------------------------------- 1 2 3 4

c) Forces acting on a body moving in a circular path; the body’s centripetal acceleration, 

speed, and circling time ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1 2 3 4

d) The law of gravitation in relation to the movement of celestial object ------------------------------------------------------ 1 2 3 4

e) Kinetic and potential energy; conservation of mechanical energy ---------------------------------------------------------- 1 2 3 4

f) Elastic and inelastic collision; the law of conservation of momentum ------------------------------------------------------ 1 2 3 4

g) The fi rst law of thermodynamics --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 2 3 4

h) Heat transfer and specifi c heat capacities ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1 2 3 4

i) Expansion of solids and liquids in relation to temperature change; the law of ideal gases --------------------------------- 1 2 3 4

B. Electricity and Magnetism 

a) Electrostatic attraction or repulsion between isolated charged particles – Coulomb’s law --------------------------------- 1 2 3 4

b) Charged particles in an electric fi eld ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 2 3 4

c) Electrical circuits – Ohm’s law and Joule’s law for complex electrical circuits ----------------------------------------------- 1 2 3 4

d) Charged particles in a magnetic fi eld ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 2 3 4

e) Relationship between magnetism and electricity; electromagnetic induction; Faraday’s and Lenz’ laws of induction ---- 1 2 3 4

C. Wave Phenomena and Atomic/Nuclear Physics 

a) Mechanical waves; the relationship between speed, frequency, and wavelength ------------------------------------------ 1 2 3 4

b) Electromagnetic radiation; wavelength and frequency of various types of waves (e.g., radio, infrared, x-rays, light)----- 1 2 3 4

c) Thermal radiation, temperature, and wavelength --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 2 3 4

d) Refl ection, refraction, interference, and diff raction ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 2 3 4

e) The structure of the atom and its nucleus in terms of electrons, protons, and neutrons; atomic number and

atomic mass number; Light emission and absorption and the behavior of electrons --------------------------------------- 1 2 3 4

f) Wave-particle quality and the photoelectric eff ect; types of nuclear reactions (i.e., fi ssion, fusion, and

radioactive decay) and their role in nature (e.g., in stars) and society (e.g., reactors, bombs); radioactive isotopes ------ 1 2 3 4

g) Mass-energy equivalence ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 2 3 4

If you teach more than one physics class, select one of your classes and keep it in mind as you answer 

question 29.

231
Thank you for the thought, time, and eff ort you have 

put into completing this questionnaire.

Thank You

232
TRENDS IN INTERNATIONAL MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE STUDY

timssandpirls.bc.edu

© IEA, 2013

International Association

for the Evaluation of

Educational Achievement

Field Test Version

Teacher Questionnaire

Physics

233
Identifi cation Label Place Label Here

School ID ____ ____ ____ ____

Check Sum ___ ___ ___ ___ ___

© IEA, 2013

TRENDS IN INTERNATIONAL MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE STUDY

Field Test Version

National Center for Education Statistics

U.S. Department of Education

1990 K St. NW

Washington, DC 20006-5650

School

Questionnaire

U.S. participation in this study is sponsored by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), U.S. Department of Education. Your responses are protected by federal 

statute (20 U.S.C., § 9573). Your answers may be used only for statistical purposes and may not be disclosed, or used, in identifi able form for any other purpose except as 

required by law.

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid OMB control 

number. The valid OMB control number for this voluntary information collection is 1850-0695. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated 

to average 30 minutes per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data resources, gather the data needed, and complete and review the 

information collection. If you have any comments concerning the accuracy of the time estimate(s) or suggestions for improving the form, please write to: U.S. 

Department of Education, Washington, D.C. 20202-4537. If you have comments or concerns regarding the status of your individual submission of this form, write 

directly to: Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, 1990 K Street, N.W., 

Washington, D.C. 20006-5650. OMB No. 1850-0695, Approval Expires 11/30/2016.

234
School Questionnaire

TIMSS ADVANCED 2015

Your school has agreed to participate in

TIMSS Advanced 2015 (Trends in International 

Mathematics and Science Study), an educational 

research project sponsored by the International 

Association for the Evaluation of Educational 

Achievement (IEA). TIMSS Advanced measures trends 

in student achievement in advanced mathematics 

and physics, and studies diff erences in national 

education systems in order to help improve teaching 

and learning worldwide.

This questionnaire is addressed to school 

principals and department heads who are asked to 

supply information about their schools. Since your 

school has been selected as part of a nationwide 

sample, your responses are very important in helping 

to describe the school system in the United States.

It is important that you answer each question 

carefully so that the information provided refl ects 

the situation in your school as accurately as possible. 

Some of the questions will require that you look up 

school records, so you may wish to arrange for the 

assistance of another staff member to help provide 

this information. 

Since TIMSS Advanced is an international study 

and all countries are using the same questionnaire, 

you may fi nd that some of the questions seem 

unusual or are not entirely relevant to you or schools 

in the United States. Nevertheless, it is important 

that you do your best to answer all of the questions 

so comparisons can be made across countries in the 

study.

It is estimated that you will need approximately 

30 minutes to complete this questionnaire. We 

appreciate the time and eff ort that this takes and 

thank you for your cooperation and contribution.

When you have completed the questionnaire, 

please return it to the TIMSS school coordinator.

NCES is authorized to collect information from the 

questionnaire under the Education Science Reform 

Act of 2002 (ESRA 2002), 20 U.S. Code, § 9543. You 

do not have to provide the information requested. 

However, the information you provide will help the 

U. S. Department of Education’s ongoing eff orts to 

understand better how the educational system in the 

United States compares to that in other countries. 

There are no penalties should you choose not to 

participate in this study. Your answers may be used 

only for statistical purposes and may not be disclosed, 

or used, in identifi able form for any other purpose 

except as required by law (20 U.S. Code, § 9573). 

Your response will be combined with those from 

other participants to produce summary statistics and 

reports.

This survey is estimated to take an average of 30 

minutes, including time for reviewing instructions, 

and completing and reviewing the collection 

of information. An agency may not conduct or 

sponsor, and a person is not required to respond 

to, a collection of information unless it displays a 

currently valid OMB control number. Send comments 

regarding this burden estimate or any other 

aspect of this collection of information, including 

suggestions for reducing this burden, to: Stephen 

Provasnik, National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. 

Department of Education, 1990 K Street NW, Room 

8123, Washington, DC 20006-5650. Do not return the 

completed form to this address.

Thank you.

235
TIMSS Advanced School Questionnaire 31

 1 

What is the total enrollment of students in your 

school as of March 1, 2014? 

_____________ students

Write in a number.

 2

What is the total enrollment of twelfth-grade 

students in your school as of March 1, 2014?

_____________ students

Write in a number.

School Enrollment 

and Characteristics

 3

Approximately what percentage of students in your 

school have the following backgrounds?

Fill in one circle for each line.

 0 to 10%

 11 to 25%

 26 to 50%

 More than

 50%

a) Come from economically 

disadvantaged homes --------- 1 2 3 4

b) Come from economically 

affl uent homes ---------------- 1 2 3 4

 5

 A. Approximately what percentage of students in 

your school have English as their native language?

 Fill in one circle only.

 More than 90% -- 1

76 to 90% -- 2

51 to 75% -- 3

26 to 50% -- 4

25% or less -- 5

 B. Of the students currently enrolled in your school, 

what percentage has been identifi ed as limitedEnglish profi cient (LEP)/English language learners 

(ELL)?

 Fill in one circle only.

 0% -- 1

1 - 5% -- 2

6 - 10% -- 3

11 - 25% -- 4

26 - 50% -- 5

51 - 75% -- 6

76 - 90% -- 7

Over 90% -- 8

 4

Around the fi rst of October 2013, what percentage 

of students at this school were eligible to receive 

free or reduced-price lunches through the National 

School Lunch Program?

_____________ percentage of students

Write in a number.

236
42 TIMSS Advanced School Questionnaire

 6

What type of school is this?

 Fill in one circle only.

 Regular public school -- 1

 A regular public school with

 a magnet program -- 2

 A magnet school or school with a 

 special program emphasis (e.g., 

 Montessori, science/math school, 

 performing arts school, talented/

 gifted school, foreign language 

 immersion school, etc.) -- 3

 Special education: a school that 

 primarily serves students with 

 disabilities -- 4

 Alternative: a school designed to 

 address the needs of students,

 typically at risk of educational 

 failure, which cannot be met in 

 regular schools -- 5

 Vocational -- 6

 Charter school -- 7

 Private (independent) -- 8

 Private (religiously affi liated) -- 9

 Other -- 0

 7 

 A. How many people live in the city, town, or area 

where your school is located?

 Fill in one circle only.

 More than 500,000 people -- 1

 100,001 to 500,000 people -- 2

 50,001 to 100,000 people -- 3

 30,001 to 50,000 people -- 4

 15,001 to 30,000 people -- 5

 3,001 to 15,000 people -- 6

 3,000 people or fewer -- 7

 B. Which best describes the immediate area in which 

your school is located?

 Fill in one circle only.

 Urban–Densely populated -- 1

 Suburban–On fringe or

 outskirts of urban area -- 2

 Medium size city or large town -- 3

 Small town or village -- 4

Remote rural -- 5

 8

What percentage of twelfth-grade students in your 

school are taking each of the following?

Write in the percent.

a) Advanced Mathematics, such as

calculus courses ------------------------ _______%

b) Physics, such as advanced physics

or college preparatory physics 

or AP Physics --------------------------- _______%

237
TIMSS Advanced School Questionnaire 53

Instructional Time

 10

For the twelfth-grade students in your school:

 A. How many days per year is your school open for 

instruction?

__________days

Write in the number.

 B. What is the total instructional time, excluding

breaks, in a typical day?

__________minutes

Write in the number of minutes per day.

Please convert the number of hours into minutes.

 C. In one calendar week, how many days is the school 

open for instruction?

 Fill in one circle only.

6 days --- 1

5 1/2 days --- 2

5 days --- 3 

4 1/2 days --- 4

4 days --- 5

 Other --- 6

 9

Does your school have a special program or track 

to prepare students for courses such as calculus or 

advanced physics? 

 Fill in one circle only.

 Yes --- 1

 No --- 2 

238
64 TIMSS Advanced School Questionnaire

Fill in one circle for each line.

 Not at all

 A little

 Some

 A lot

A. General School Resources

a) Instructional materials (e.g., 

textbooks) ---------------------- 1 2 3 4

b) Supplies (e.g., papers, 

pencils, materials) ------------- 1 2 3 4

c) School buildings and 

grounds ------------------------ 1 2 3 4

d) Heating/cooling and lighting

systems ------------------------- 1 2 3 4

e) Instructional space (e.g., 

classrooms) --------------------- 1 2 3 4

f) Technologically competent

staff ----------------------------- 1 2 3 4

g) Audio-visual resources

for delivery of instruction

(e.g., interactive white

boards, digital projectors) ----- 1 2 3 4

h) Computer technology for

teaching and learning

(e.g., computers or tablets

such as iPads for

student use) -------------------- 1 2 3 4

i) Resources for disabled

students ------------------------ 1 2 3 4

Fill in one circle for each line.

Not at all

 A little

 Some

 A lot

B. Resources for Advanced

Mathematics Instruction

a) Teachers with a specialization

in advanced mathematics ----- 1 2 3 4

b) Computer software/

applications for advanced

mathematics instruction ------- 1 2 3 4

c) Library resources relevant

to advanced mathematics

instruction ---------------------- 1 2 3 4

d) Calculators for advanced

mathematics instruction ------- 1 2 3 4

C. Resources for Physics 

Instruction

a) Teachers with a

specialization in physics ------- 1 2 3 4

b) Computer software/

applications for

physics instruction ------------- 1 2 3 4

c) Library resources relevant

to physics instruction ---------- 1 2 3 4

d) Calculators for physics

instruction ---------------------- 1 2 3 4

e) Physics equipment and

materials for experiments ----- 1 2 3 4

 11 

How much is your school’s capacity to provide instruction aff ected by a shortage or inadequacy 

of the following?

Resources and Technology

239
TIMSS Advanced School Questionnaire 75

12

How much do you agree with these statements 

about advanced mathematics and physics 

education within your school?

Fill in one circle for each line.

Agree a lot

 Agree a little

 Disagree a little

 Disagree

 a lot

a) The school encourages students

to study advanced mathematics

and physics -------------------- 1 2 3 4

b) The school has teachers

qualifi ed to teach advanced

mathematics and physics ----- 1 2 3 4

c) The school has the

technological resources

necessary to teach advanced

mathematics and physics ----- 1 2 3 4

d) The school promotes

professional development for

teachers of advanced

mathematics and physics ----- 1 2 3 4

e) The school provides students

with information about career

options in advanced

mathematics and physics ------ 1 2 3 4

f) The school has initiatives to

promote student interest in

advanced mathematics and

physics (e.g., student clubs,

competitions) ------------------ 1 2 3 4

g) The school has partnership

initiatives with industry/

businesses in advanced

mathematics and physics ------ 1 2 3 4

h) Advanced mathematics and

physics teachers are admired by

other teachers in the school --- 1 2 3 4

i) Students at this school respect

students who excel in advanced

mathematics and physics ----- 1 2 3 4

j) Parents expect their children to

study advanced mathematics

and physics --------------------- 1 2 3 4

School Emphasis on Advanced 

Mathematics and Physics Education

13

 To what degree is each of the following a problem 

among twelfth-grade students in your school?

Fill in one circle for each line.

Not a problem

 Minor problem

 Moderate problem

 Serious

 problem

a) Arriving late at school ---------- 1 2 3 4

b) Absenteeism (i.e., 

unjustifi ed absences) ---------- 1 2 3 4

c) Classroom disturbance --------- 1 2 3 4

d) Cheating ------------------------ 1 2 3 4

e) Profanity ----------------------- 1 2 3 4

f) Vandalism ---------------------- 1 2 3 4

g) Theft ---------------------------- 1 2 3 4

h) Intimidation or verbal abuse

among students (including 

texting, emailing, etc.) -------- 1 2 3 4

i) Physical injury to other 

students ------------------------ 1 2 3 4

j) Intimidation or verbal abuse

of teachers or staff (including 

texting, emailing, etc.) --------- 1 2 3 4

k) Physical injury to teachers

or staff -------------------------- 1 2 3 4

School Climate

240
8 TIMSS Advanced School Questionnaire

16

During the past year, approximately how much time 

have you spent on the following school leadership 

activities in your role as a school principal? 

Fill in one circle for each line.

No time

 A little time

 Some time

 A lot of time

a) Promoting the school’s

educational vision or goals ---- 1 2 3 4

b) Developing the school’s 

curricular and educational

goals---------------------------- 1 2 3 4

c) Monitoring teachers’

implementation of the

school’s educational goals

in their teaching --------------- 1 2 3 4

d) Monitoring students’

learning progress to ensure

that the school’s educational

goals are reached -------------- 1 2 3 4

e) Keeping an orderly

atmosphere in the school------ 1 2 3 4

f) Addressing disruptive

student behavior--------------- 1 2 3 4

g) Advising teachers who have 

questions or problems with 

their teaching------------------ 1 2 3 4

h) Initiating educational

 projects or improvements----- 1 2 3 4

i) Participating in professional

development activities

specifically for school

principals----------------------- 1 2 3 4

15

Does your school currently use any incentives 

(e.g., pay, housing, signing bonus, smaller classes) 

to recruit or retain teachers in the following fields?

 Fill in one circle for each line.

 Yes

 No

a) Advanced mathematics, such as calculus ------- 1 2

b) Physics, i.e., advanced physics such as college 

preparatory physics or AP Physics --------------- 1 2

c) Computer science/information technology ----- 1 2

d) Other --------------------------------------------- 1 2

Teachers in Your School

14

How difficult was it to fill the teaching vacancies for 

this school year for the following subjects?

Fill in one circle for each line.

Were no vacancies in this subject

 Easy to fill vacancies

 Somewhat difficult

 Very difficult

a) Advanced mathematics, such 

as calculus --------------------- 1 2 3 4

b) Physics, i.e., advanced physics

such as college preparatory 

physics or AP Physics----------- 1 2 3 4

c) Computer science /

information technology-------- 1 2 3 4

d) Other---------------------------- 1 2 3 4

Leadership Activities

241
Thank you for the thought, time, and eff ort you have 

put into completing this questionnaire.

Thank You

242
THIS PAGE LEFT BLANK ON PURPOSE

243
THIS PAGE LEFT BLANK ON PURPOSE

244
TRENDS IN INTERNATIONAL MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE STUDY

timssandpirls.bc.edu

© IEA, 2013

International Association

for the Evaluation of

Educational Achievement

School

Questionnaire

Field Test

245