An analysis of LGS mathematics questions in terms of PISA mathematical competency

Supporting students' cognitive development in mathematics education and establishing an assessment system aligned with international standards make it essential to analyze the structure and content of exam questions. The purpose of this study is to analyze the distribution of mathematics questions from the High School Entrance System (LGS) exams according to the basic mathematics proficiency levels outlined by the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) conducted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). PISA basic mathematics proficiencies comprise six key components: communication, devising strategies, mathematization, representation, use of symbols, and reasoning. These proficiencies are evaluated across four levels, ranging from Level 0 to Level 3. The study employs the document analysis design, one of the qualitative research methods. Within the scope of the study, the mathematics questions from the LGS exams administered between 2018 and 2024 were analyzed through document analysis, encompassing a total of 140 questions. The findings reveal that the LGS mathematics questions predominantly focus on Level 2 of PISA's basic mathematics proficiency levels. Specifically, the questions from 2018 and 2019 reflect a relatively balanced distribution between medium and high difficulty levels. However, in 2020 and 2021, there was an increased emphasis on higher-level mathematical proficiencies. In contrast, the questions from the 2023 and 2024 exams demonstrated a shift toward a more balanced structure, focusing primarily on medium-level mathematical skills. These results indicate considerable variability in exam question difficulty levels and proficiency distributions over the years. The findings underscore the need to align textbooks with exam questions, support the development of students' higher-level mathematical skills, and ensure a balanced distribution of proficiency levels in exam questions.