UAE teenagers’ academic skills decline post-covid, Pisa report reveals

Specialists believe that rising screen use during the COVID-19 pandemic led to a decline in literacy skills.

Unprecedented Decline in Core Subjects

The latest Programme for International Student Assessment (Pisa) report unveils a significant downturn in teenagers’ proficiency in mathematics, reading, and science worldwide following the Covid-19 pandemic.

Alarming Dip in Reading Proficiency

Of particular concern in the report is the notable decline in reading skills among 15-year-old students, marking a worrisome trend. In the UAE, pupils achieved an average score of 417, reflecting a 14-point drop since the 2018 Pisa report.

Factors Contributing to Decline

Experts attribute this decline in reading proficiency to the shift in learning dynamics during the pandemic. Increased screen time and reduced engagement with books are believed to have impacted students’ reading abilities adversely.