An international survey ranks Norwegian ninth-graders among the world’s best in their understanding of democracy and social studies. It’s the first time in a long time that Norwegian students placed well compared to their global peers.
Newspaper Aftenposten reported that the International Civic and Citizenship Education Study ranked the Norwegian students fifth, after Finland (often tops in international studies), Denmark, South Korea and Taiwan.
The study was conducted by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA), with 38 countries taking part. Students were tested on their understanding of democratic principles and citizenship responsibilities, and the study indicates that the Norwegian 14-year-olds were well-prepared to take part in society.
Education Minister Kristin Halvorsen said that Norwegian teachers had done a good job and could take their summer holidays with a good conscience. The students showed they were well aware of freedom of speech and freedom to choose their leaders, which was linked to high levels of tolerance for classroom discussions.
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