Candidates' Weaknesses

The following were some of the weaknesses noticeable in the candidates’ scripts:

1. Insufficient knowledge of the Bible and prescribed texts

Candidates’ demonstrated lack of understanding of the Bible as well as the prescribed texts and this caused inadequate preparation for the examination.

1. Inadequate and inappropriate responses to questions

Many candidates responded inadequately to the demands of the questions by giving inadequate answers to questions especially in questions demanding that candidates answer from a particular point of view, e.g, from a particular gospeller which is usually associated with the Synoptic Gospel. To this end, candidates failed to understand the demands of the questions and such candidates strayed away from the points required to answer such questions.

1. Mixing up of Biblical Characters/Inadequate knowledge of Biblical Themes

It was observed that candidates were not familiar with the Bible stories on which questions were asked. More often than not, candidates mixed up questions which were based on narratives with similar biblical stories. Such candidates took the question because of the part B which was based on simple common sense answers. To this end, some candidates answered questions that they do not have enough knowledge or understanding about. Perhaps, they did not understand the questions; however, the questions were straight forward. This led to some candidates writing outside the scheme of the set questions. For example, it was discovered that in question 6, some candidate mistook the appearance of Jesus to the two men on their way to Emmaus for the women’s visit to the tomb of Jesus. Also, in question 7, some candidate mistook Saul of the New Testament  to be Saul of the Old Testament thereby, writing stories about how Saul sought repentance from Samuel after his fall from glory.
(2)        Sermonizing (preaching)
Most candidates that answer the questions, especially in Section C, were  preaching.
(3)        Unnecessary Preambles
Some candidates gave very long and unnecessary preambles and introduction to the questions instead of going straight to the answers. This made them waste valuable time on irrelevant points thereby, limiting their ability to answer the questions well.

1. Poor expression of ideas, facts, wrong spelling and bad handwriting negatively affected the performance of a lot of candidates.

 

       SUGGESTED REMEDIES TO OVERCOME CANDIDATES’ WEAKNESSES

The following are some of the actions necessary in tackling the identified weaknesses:

1. Improved Knowledge of the Bible and Prescribed Texts

Candidates should prepare adequately for the examination by making efforts to comprehend the passages in the Bible and the prescribed texts sufficiently. They should also make use of past WASSCE questions in preparing for the examination.

1. Improved understanding of English Language

Candidates should make effort on improving their understanding and mastery of the use of the English Language. This will enable them to comprehend the requirements of questions, as it will also facilitate logical expression and coherent presentation of points.  For example, they should understand the meaning of words like discuss, highlight, examine, recount, outline, describe, narrate, relate, explain, state, indicate summarize, trace, etc. They can approach this by devoting quality time to reading books, novels, journals, etc.

1. Candidates should get themselves familiar with contextual passages and strive to have adequate knowledge of the Biblical Characters. No question is set outside the Syllabus. To this end, they should use the Syllabus and the Revised Standard Bible as references when they study.
2. Candidates are advised to go straight to the demands of the question rather than engaging in unnecessary preambles and semonization. There is no need giving introduction when answering questions or trying to explain what the question is.
3. They should show greater commitment and interest in the subject.  They should work hard to cover the syllabus and revise with past question papers. Also, recommended textbooks specified by the syllabus should be used as it aids candidates on how to approach questions.
4. They should complement their study of the Bible (RSV) only with their teacher’s notes as a companion. It is observed that candidates narrate Bible stories using the residual knowledge they know about such topics thereby, limiting their chances of scoring high marks due to failure of giving the main points as detailed and structured in the Revised Standard Bible.
5. The need to re-orientate the interest of candidates to study Christian Religious Studies is important. Most candidates feel they do not need the subject, and in most cases, they only register it to complete their minimum subject requirements, thus, they show non challant attitude towards it. More also, candidates feel CRS is an easy subject to pass without much reading. To this end, they rely solely on Pastor preaching and sermonization. This definitely cannot help students to answer questions correctly. Schools should endeavor to employ more qualified teachers to handle the subject.