Basic Schools

Concerns Raised Over Ambiguous Diagram in 2023 BECE Integrated Science Exam

18th August 2023

Ferdinand | EducationGhana |August 18|Concerns Raised Over Ambiguous Diagram in 2023 BECE Integrated Science Exam

A teacher has expressed concerns regarding a diagram used in the 2023 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) Integrated Science paper administered by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).

The teacher, in conversation with the Daily Graphic, highlighted worries about the clarity of the diagram featured in Section A, specifically question 1 (b), which depicted specimen A. This concern stems from the belief that the diagram’s obscurity could potentially confuse numerous students who participated in the BECE.

The educator has urged for future examinations to feature more transparent and easily understandable diagrams. While analyzing the questions, it became apparent that the representation of specimen A under question 1 (b) could have been clearer to help students identify it correctly.

Despite its slight resemblance to a mattock, the vague portrayal could result in candidates misinterpreting it. Given the young age of the test-takers and the exam conditions, it is imperative for diagrams to be unambiguous and easily interpretable.

In today’s digital age, a plethora of computer tools and online applications are available that can generate precise and clear diagrams at minimal expense.

The focus should be on enhancing exam clarity rather than causing confusion. Utilizing such tools could significantly improve the examination materials and prevent potential confusion arising from unclear illustrations.

Teen Pregnancy Concerns Rise in Ghana’s 2023 BECE: Disturbing Numbers in Several Districts

GES Launches Nationwide Campaign; sets date for School Selection for 2023 BECE Graduates

Last Objective Based Curriculum BECE ends today

Last Objective-Based BECE: Over 600,000 Candidates write 2023 BECE

FIFA to Provide 30,000 Footballs to Ghanaian Public Schools

The teacher emphasized that examinations primarily aim to evaluate a student’s grasp of the curriculum’s knowledge, understanding, skills, and abilities.

To ensure fairness and accuracy in the assessment process, clear and well-structured exam materials are indispensable, thereby contributing to the efficacy of national examinations.

With technological advancements, the educator suggested that WAEC consider incorporating computer-generated diagrams instead of solely relying on hand-drawn representations prone to misinterpretation.

The 2023 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) saw a total of 600,714 candidates participating, comprising 300,323 males and 300,391 females from 18,993 Junior High Schools (JHSs).

Additionally, the 2023 BECE for Private Candidates observed a total entry of 1,743 candidates, consisting of 889 males and 854 females. This year’s figures marked a 5.4% increase compared to the 1,132 entries in 2022. The BECE concluded on Friday, August 11, 2023.