Weakness & Remedies
The candidates’ major problems were inability to; interpret questions, express ideas correctly, answer questions with straightforward answers; and above all, lack of knowledge of the subject. Also, another major weakness is their inability to follow instructions and give sequential answers to questions as demanded in questions 1 and 4 (b).
Hence, candidates displayed their weaknesses in the manner and the type of answers they provided in questions 1 and 4 (b). In question 1, candidates could not highlight the procedures for making bread and they were unable to state the procedures for making meatballs in 4 (b).
Furthermore, in question 3 (a) candidates found it difficult to state the basic technical skills in food and beverage services. The weaknesses exhibited by candidates may be due to the fact that candidates lack in depth knowledge of the subject.
Most classroom teachers for Catering Craft Practice are not Catering Craft professionals, they studied Home Economics and thus are not grounded in the subject.
In addition, some subject teachers teach Catering Craft with Foods and Nutrition textbook, this practice is wrong and would not help the students as the technical terms are different for each subjects.
Overcoming the weaknesses outlined here entails conscious efforts by the school, subject teachers and students. The school should endeavour to get relevant textbooks that are up to date and organise visits to standardized catering establishments where candidates can visualise all they have been taught. On their part, teachers should study before teaching the students and ensure they teach all the topics in the examination syllabus. Also, they should prepare candidates on the appropriate techniques of answering questions especially in order to adapt to the new constrained approach to WASSCE papers. Also, candidates should strive to have in depth knowledge of the subject; they should take advantage of technology for productive research on the subject; study hard, prepare for examinations and also work on their command of English Language.