New Format of BECE 2024 Questions: A Guide for JHS Students
The West African Examination Council (WAEC) has announced a significant change in the format of the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) for 2024. This alteration is particularly important as it marks the first BECE under the new Common Core Programme introduced in 2019. The new format of questions will be practical-based, demanding critical thinking, as opposed to the traditional straightforward questions. Let’s delve into what this means for JHS students and how they can prepare for this new challenge.
Understanding the New Format
Practical-Based Questions
Practical-based questions are designed to assess a student’s ability to apply their knowledge to real-life situations. Instead of just memorizing facts and figures, students will be required to demonstrate how they can use their understanding of concepts to solve practical problems. This may involve conducting experiments, interpreting data, or applying theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.
Critical Thinking Questions
Critical thinking questions are aimed at evaluating a student’s analytical and problem-solving skills. These questions will require students to think deeply, analyze information, and draw reasoned conclusions. Rather than just recalling information, students will need to evaluate, interpret, and synthesize information to arrive at well-reasoned answers.
Subjects Affected by the New Format
The new format of questions will be applied to the following subjects in the BECE 2024:
- English Language
- Social Studies
- Mathematics
- Science
- Computing
- Career Technology
- Creative Arts and Design
- Religious and Moral Education (RME)
- Ghanaian Language
- Arabic (optional)
- French (optional)
Implications for JHS Students
This shift in question format has several implications for BECE Candidates:
- Application of Knowledge: Students will need to understand how to apply their knowledge in practical scenarios, emphasizing the importance of grasping concepts rather than rote memorization.
- Developing Problem-Solving Skills: The new format encourages students to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, preparing them for real-world challenges beyond the examination hall.
- Holistic Assessment: The practical-based and critical thinking questions provide a more comprehensive assessment of a student’s understanding and capabilities, going beyond simple recall of information.
How to Prepare for the New Format
To excel in the new format of BECE questions, candidates can take the following steps to prepare effectively:
- Understand Concepts: Focus on understanding the underlying concepts in each subject rather than just memorizing facts and figures.
- Practice Application: Engage in practical application of knowledge through experiments, real-life problem-solving, and hands-on activities related to the subjects.
- Develop Critical Thinking: Practice analyzing information, drawing conclusions, and solving problems that require reasoning and logical thinking.
- Seek Guidance: Consult teachers, use study guides, and engage in group discussions to enhance understanding and critical thinking skills.
Characteristics of Practical-Based Questions
Practical-based questions often possess the following characteristics:
- Application of Knowledge: They require the application of theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.
- Hands-On Demonstration: They may involve performing a task, conducting an experiment, or demonstrating a skill.
- Problem-Solving: They often involve analyzing a situation and devising a solution.
- Real-World Relevance: They are designed to assess how well a person can apply their knowledge in practical, everyday situations.
Importance of Practical-Based Questions
Practical-based questions are important because they assess an individual’s ability to apply their knowledge in real-world situations.
This can provide valuable insights into a person’s problem-solving skills, critical thinking ability, and practical competency, which are often crucial for success in various academic and professional endeavors.
Here are some examples of practical-based questions in different contexts:
Science sample questions
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- A ball is thrown horizontally from the top of a building with a velocity of 20 m/s. How far from the base of the building will the ball land?
- Design an experiment to determine the coefficient of friction between different surfaces.
- Describe a practical method to separate a mixture of sand, salt, and water.
- How would you investigate the rate of a chemical reaction in the laboratory?
- Explain the process of troubleshooting a malfunctioning electrical circuit.
The new format of BECE 2024 questions presents an exciting opportunity for JHS students to showcase their practical skills and critical thinking abilities. By understanding the nature of practical-based and critical thinking questions, students can prepare effectively and approach the examination with confidence, knowing that they are equipped with the skills needed to excel in this new assessment format.
Practical-based questions typically refer to questions that require a hands-on or real-world approach to problem-solving or analysis. These questions are designed to assess a person’s ability to apply their knowledge and skills to practical situations. They are commonly used in educational settings, job interviews, and professional assessments.
Download the questions below and solve
Gain an edge in your preparation and propel yourself towards excellence with our meticulously curated 2024 BECE Questions Bank. Download your mock questions now and embark on a journey of academic empowerment and achievement!
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