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Survey and Data Collection
DESCRIPTION OF SURVEY To better understand key skill proficiencies of the adult population in the Kyrgyz Republic, including distributional aspects, key drivers, and use of these in the labor market, a survey was conducted focusing on proficiency in literacy, numeracy, and problem solving in technology-rich environments (PSTRE) (applying information and communications technology (ICT) skills to solve problems). These skills are designated “key information-processing skills” (OECD 2013, 94), because they are considered: • Necessary for fully integrating and participating in the labor market, education and training, and civic life • Highly transferable, in that they are relevant to many social contexts and work situations • “Learnable” and, therefore, subject to the influence of policy (OECD 2016, 34).
These skills act as the foundation for building higher-order cognitive skills and are important across the life cycle. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has found that adults who are highly competent in these skills are more likely to adapt positively to changes in the modern economy. In addition, the survey collects a range of related information including, among other things, the use of the skills at work, the use of computers, and whether the skills and qualifications match work requirements.
DATA COLLECTION METHODOLOGY The survey used Education & Skills Online, an online version of the OECD Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC). The survey was conducted by the World Bank with guidance from the OECD PIAAC team. The test and data collection were administered by the National Testing Center of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic. 13
