ENHANCING STUDENTS' READINESS FOR THE TIMSS INTERNATIONAL ASSESSMENT THROUGH DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES AND VIRTUAL SIMULATIONS IN CHEMISTRY EDUCATION

This article explores the role of digital technologies and virtual simulations in improving students’ readiness for the TIMSS international assessment in chemistry education. The study focuses on the effectiveness of integrating ICT tools, such as virtual laboratories and simulation-based tasks, into the learning process. An experimental study was conducted with 8th-grade students, comparing traditional teaching methods with ICT-supported instruction. The findings show that students who engaged in simulation-based learning demonstrated better understanding of chemical processes, improved analytical thinking, and higher problem-solving skills. The results indicate that the use of digital technologies significantly enhances students’ functional literacy and supports their preparation for international assessment programs like TIMSS.