West African Examination Council’s Chief Examiner for Mathematics (Core Mathematics and Elective Mathematics) has listed the various strengths and weaknesses of students in the WASSCE

The Chief examiner also suggested ways teachers and also students could look at in order to improve their performance in Mathematics.

STRENGTHS

Core Mathematics

1. Solving set problems
2. Algebraic factorization
3. Ratio problem relating to sharing
4. Solving problems on vectors
5. Solving problems on frequency distribution table
6. Apply Pythagoras theory in solving problems.
7. Simplify and factorize algebraic expressions to draw trigonometric graphs and use it to sole relevant problems.
8. Construct cumulative frequency tables and draw graphs of same distribution.
9. Find the gradient of a line from a given equation.
10. Compute probabilities of given events
11. Construct a cumulative frequency table and draw graph of same distribution
12. Complete table of values of trigonometric relation in a given interval and draw graph
    of same
13. Determine the gradient of a given straight line and finding the equation of a straight line given the gradient and co-ordinates of a point through which the line passes
14. Draw a Venn diagram for a given information

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Elective Mathematics

The Chief Examiner for Mathematics (Elective) outlined that candidates exhibited an improvement in:

1. Expressing a function as partial fractions.
2. Finding the Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient.
3. Applying the Quotient rule to differentiate an algebraic fraction.
4. Finding the magnitude of a resultant force with given magnitudes and directions.
5. Finding identity element of a given binary operation and the inverse of the given elements.
6. Using the general formula to find the equation of a circle which passes through three given points

WEAKNESSES

Core Mathematics

Candidates’ weaknesses were found in the following areas:

1. Applying laws of indices to simplify given expression
2. Clearing fraction and solving of linear equation
3. Solving word-problems
4. Finding rule of a given mapping
5. Simplifying fractions and converting to the nearest whole numbers
6. Show evidence of reading values from graphs
7. Translate word problems into mathematical equations
8. Solve problems on mensuration, geometry and cyclic quadrilaterals.
9. Translate word-problems into mathematical statements
10. Solve problems in circle theorems
11. Solve problems involving angles of elevation and depression
12. Solve problems involving ratio and proportions
13. Show evidence of reading from a graph

 Elective Mathematics

The Chief Examiner for mathematics (Elective) mentioned that candidates exhibited lack of understanding in:

1. Applying probability concepts to solve problems.
2. Finding angles and tensions of an inextensible string fixed at two points

RECOMMENDATIONS

Core Mathematics

1. Teachers should use activities, Teaching and Learning Materials and involve students in teaching concepts and solving examples.
2. Candidates should be encouraged and motivated by teachers and parents to practice what they have been taught.
3. Candidates should be given enough exercises on their areas of weaknesses
4. In teaching, emphasis should be placed on showing evidence of reading from graphs.
5. Algebraic concepts should be explained meticulously to help candidates translate word-problems into mathematical equations (statements).
6. Teahcers should encourage group work among candidates using geometrical figures to enable them solve questions on mensuration and geometry.

Elective Mathematics

The Chief Examiner for Mathematics (Elective)  recommended the following to help candidates overcome their weaknesses

1. The candidates should be exposed to many exercises on probability.
2. Teachers should give more attention to the concept of forces relating to tensions in an inextensible string
3. Teachers should teach students on how to translate word problems into mathematics statements.
4. The concept of circle theorems must be explained well in schools.
5. Teachers should stress on the need for candidates to read and understand the demands of the questions they attempt.
6. Candidates must be taught to show evidence of reading values on graphs