Candidates' Weakness

The following weaknesses were shown in the candidates' work:

(i) Skimpy answers

Short and one-sentence answers were observed in some of the candidates' responses to the questions. This was a result of inadequate preparation and inability to read extensively which considerably limited their expression of ideas; and eventually prevented them from scoring good marks.

 

(ii) Poor articulation of points

Some candidates failed to express their points in a logical and clear manner. They muddle up their points and thereby rendered their ideas unfathomable. This definitely prevented such candidates from getting good marks from the examiners.

 

(iii) Bad expression

Bad expression inhibited some candidates from writing their ideas in a more convincing way. Their work was replete with poor tenses and grammatical errors and this affected their results.

 

(iv) Violation of rubric

Although a very few candidates committed rubric violation, it is worth pointing out that this is a challenge to their performances. That was a situation where candidates answered beyond the required number of questions expected in the whole paper or each section of the paper. Some candidates were culpable of this and their overall performances were affected. Especially if they left some sections unanswered as a result.

 

(v) Misinterpretation of question

Despite the clarity and simplicity of the questions presented, some candidates found them difficult to interpret. The expected responses from the candidates were not met. Such candidates therefore gave inadequate and inappropriate points which did not earn them good marks.

Suggested Remedies

(i) Candidates must try as much as possible to read widely and prepare thoroughly for the examination.

(ii) Candidates should be encouraged to read the instruction very well so as to adequately understand the demands of the questions before attempting them.

(iii) Candidates should be taught how to answer history question with adequate response in a logical and clear manner.

(iv) There is need for them to read history text extensively and understand the timing and context of each historical event.

(v) Effective communication ability is a key to presenting historical ideas in a comprehensive and convincing way. Candidates are therefore required to improve on their English language written skills so as to be able to present their ideas in a clearer way.

(vi) Teachers should de-emphasize teaching with laborious note taking by concentrating on teaching for understanding and encourage students to make meaningful and insightful summary of topics being taught.

(vii) Selective topic teaching from the syllabus should be discouraged so as to have wider coverage and understanding of historical events being taught.

(viii) Qualified History teachers should be allowed to teach the subject so as to adequately impart the required knowledge to the students.