Changes to Mathematics questions effective 2024 BECE that made candidates struggle: What 2025 Candidates must know

The changes that happened in the 2024 BECE Mathematics made candidates to struggle during the the 2024 exam. In 2024, the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in Ghana underwent significant changes that posed challenges for many candidates in all subjecysIn this importate information rich post, we look at the key changes and context for mathemtics.
Focus on the Common Core Programme (CCP):

What are the changes made to Mathematics questions effective 2024 BECE that made candidates struggle?

Competency-based learning Questions: The focus is on developing core competencies, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and communication hence BECE questions from 2024 mimicked this and 2025 will not be an exception.

Application of knowledge Questions: Similar to the U.S. Common Core, there’s a strong emphasis on students being able to apply what they’ve learned to real-world situations. Hence questions will be crafted with real word scenarios so that learners can apply their mathemtical understanding to solve real world problems.

Old and New BECE Mathematics Question Formats

Old Format:

• Paper 1: Objective Test (40 multiple-choice questions)
• Paper 2: Structured and Essay Question

New Format:

• Paper 1: Objective Test emphasizing problem-solving and application.
• Paper 2: Includes real-life scenarios requiring analytical and critical thinking skills.

Changes: Greater focus on problem-solving, real-world applications of mathematical concepts, and logical reasoning.

Example Change:

• Old Format Question: Solve for x: 2x + 5 = 15.
• New Format Question: A farmer has a rectangular plot of land with a length twice its width. If the perimeter of the plot is 300 meters, calculate the dimensions of the plot.
• Old format: “Solve the equation: 2x + 5 = 11.”
• New format question

“A farmer has a rectangular field. If the length is twice the width, and the perimeter is 120 meters, what are the dimensions of the field?”

A tower stands vertically on the ground. From a point on the ground, which is 48m away from the foot of the tower, the angle of elevation of the top of the tower is 30°.

(i) (ii) Illustrate this information with a diagram.Find the height of the tower. [Take Tan30° = 0.577]

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The revised format moves away from abstract problem-solving, encouraging students to apply mathematical concepts to everyday situations. This change aims to develop students’ ability to use mathematics in practical contexts.

The revised questions are context-based, encouraging students to apply mathematical concepts to real-life situations, thereby fostering deeper understanding and practical problem-solving abilities.

The changes to Mathematics questions effective 2024 BECE that made candidates struggle and those prepring for 2025 must keep an eye on the this.