WASSCE Candidates’ Weaknesses In Physics And Remedies | Extract From Chief Examiners Report Towards BECE 2023 Physics
Teachers preparing students for any examination are always worried about the potential weaknesses in answers that their students will provide during the examination. Fortunately, the main examining body, the West Africa Examination Council always provide WASSCE candidates’ weaknesses in Physics during the last held examinations.
WAEC Summary of 2021 WASSCE Physics Paper Two (2)
A. A SUMMARY OF CANDIDATES’ STRENGTHS
The candidates exhibited commendable skills in the following areas:
(a) Question numbers were written on top of each page;
(b) Sub-questions were clearly identified;
(c) Regarding knowledge of the subject matter, candidates demonstrated tremendous skills in the following areas:
– they stated the quantities that can be deduced from a graph of F against e within the elastic limit;
– candidates stated correctly the characteristics of laser lights.
– many of the candidates were able to use the band theory to explain the reduction of electrical resistance of a semiconductor with increase in temperature;
– the candidates defined correctly Electric field and Electric field potential.
B. SUMMARY OF CANDIDATES’ WEAKNESSES
(a) A Summary of Candidates’ Weaknesses:
(i) Some candidates did not comprehend some of the theories in Physics.
(ii) Units were mixed up and some calculations were not carried out in SI unit by some candidates.
(iii) Most candidates had difficulty in solving problems set on mechanics, sound, heat and electricity.
(iv) Many candidates were not able to differentiate between mertia of motion and mertia of rest.
(v) Candidates could not differentitate between potential difference and electromotive force.
(vi) Many candidates failed to satisfactorily define the principal focus of a concaue lens.
C. SUGGESTED REMEDIES
(1) Teachers should explain Physics theories and principles well for students to understand; and also apply them.
(2) Students should prepare adequately before attempting the Physics examination.
(3) Candidates should solve past Physics examination questions.
(4) Chief examiner’s report on Physics should be read by candidates.
(5) Candidates should improve on their standard in English language to enable them
understand the questions adequately.
(6) Candidates should give concise answers to questions.
WAEC Summary of 2020 WASSCE Physics Paper Two (2)
A. A SUMMARY OF CANDIDATES’ STRENGTHS
The candidates exhibited commendable skills in the following areas:
(1) Question numbers were written on top of each page;
(2) sub-questions were clearly identified.
(3) Regarding knowledge of the subject matter, candidates demonstrated tremendous skills in the following areas:
(a) they stated the quantities that can be deduced from a graph of F against e within the elastic limit;
(b) candidates stated correctly the dangers associated with improper use of laser and the safe way of using laser.
(c) many of the candidates were able to use the band theory to explain the reduction of electrical resistance of a semiconductor with increase in temperature.
(d) the candidates defined correctly atomic number and mass number.
B. A SUMMARY OF CANDIDATES’ WEAKNESSES
A Summary of Candidates’ Weaknesses:
(1) Some candidates did not comprehend some of the theories in Physics.
(2) Units were mixed up and some calculations were not carried out in SI unit by some candidates.
(3) Most candidates had difficulty in solving problems set on mechanics, sound, heat and electricity.
(4) Many candidates were not able to give the reason for using steel as a compass needle and soft iron as a core of electromagnets.
(5) Candidates could not sketch the graphs of intensity against wavelength for a black body radiation at the given temperatures.
C. SUGGESTED REMEDIES
(1) Teachers should explain Physics theories and principles well for students to understand; and also apply them.
(2) Students should prepare adequately before attempting the Physics examination.
(3) Candidates should solve past Physics examination questions.
(4) Chief examiner’s report on Physics should be read by candidates
(5) Candidates should improve on their standard in English language to enable them to understand the questions adequately.
(6) Candidates should give concise answers to questions.
WAEC Summary of 2021 WASSCE Physics Paper Three (3)
A. A SUMMARY OF CANDIDATES’ STRENGTHS
Some commendable features noted in candidates’ answers were:
(1) presentation of data in a composite table;
(2) use of correct units for both measurable and deduced quantities;
(3) correct distinction of axes;
(4) computation of slope of graphs using large right angled triangle;
(5) evaluation of given expressions using correct substitutions.
B. A SUMMARY OF CANDIDATES’ WEAKNESSES
Below are some weaknesses noted in candidates’ answers:
(1) failure to record length measured with the metre rule to 1 decimal place in centimeters;
(2) inability to make simple deductions from graphs;
(3) inability to plot points correctly to the accuracy of chosen scales;
(4) failure to record T2 to at least 3 significant figures.
C. SUGGESTED REMEDIES
(1) Students should be exposed to and made to use laboratory equipment early enough.
(2) Students should be taught the acceptable number of decimal places for the instruments in the laboratory.
(3) The theory underlying the practical questions should be explained to candidates
WAEC Summary of 2020 WASSCE Physics Paper Three (3)
A. SUMMARY OF CANDIDATES’ STRENGTHS
Some commendable features noted in candidates’ answers were:
(1) Presentation of data in a composite table;
(2) use of correct units for both measurable and deduced quantities;
(3) correct distinction of axes;
(4) computation of slope of graphs using large right-angled triangle;
(5) evaluation of given expressions using correct substitutions;
B. SUMMARY OF CANDIDATES’ WEAKNESSES
Below are some weaknesses noted in candidates’ answers:
(1) Failure to record length measured with the metre rule to 1 decimal place in centimeters;
(2) inability to make simple deductions from graphs;
(3) inability to plot points correctly to the accuracy of chosen scales;
(4) failure to record log T to at least 3 significant figures.
C. SUGGESTED REMEDIES
(1) Students should be exposed to and made to use laboratory equipment early enough;
(2) Students should be taught the acceptable number of decimal places for the instruments in the laboratory;
(3) The theory underlying the practical questions should be explained to candidates.
It is the hope of our team that candidates will perform better when teachers and candidates go through this summary of strengths, WASSCE candidates’ weaknesses in Physics and remedies and apply same.
source: waecgh.org
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