Weakness and Remedies
The candidates were unable to:
- describe how the burdizzo is used on farm animals;
- describe how compost is prepared;
- write the botanical names of groundnut, cotton, oil palm and rubber;
- classify groundnut, cotton, oil palm and rubber according to their uses;
- outline the steps involved in the processing of groundnut to obtain vegetable oil;
- list the diseases that affect oil palm;
- write legibly and concisely.
Based on the observed weaknesses, the Chief Examiners recommended as follows:
- Candidates should embark on visits to agricultural farms and agro-based industries;
- There should be intensive self-study and revision before the examination;
- Teachers should lay emphasis on the scientific convention of writing botanical
names of species; - Emphasis on good handwriting among candidates should be buttressed during
learning; - Hands-on practical exposure and experience is advocated;
- Having a functional school farm should be made a prerequisite for writing Agricultural Science in WASSCE.
- Workshop should be organized for teachers to enable them update their knowledge and skills.
- Only graduates of Agricultural Science/Agriculture should be allowed to teach the subject in Senior Secondary Schools in West Africa.