National discourse on BECE assessment is needed
For over three decades, Ghana's Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) has been the benchmark for assessing candidates under an objective-based curriculum.
The BECE utilised the stanine grading system, a norm-referenced assessment method where grades are assigned based on a predetermined distribution of scores.
This approach focuses on rote learning and memorisation, requiring students to reproduce what they have been taught.
However, with the introduction of the standards-based curriculum, the instructional approach has shifted.
The new curriculum emphasises critical thinking, analysis and competency development.
Students are now expected to demonstrate mastery of skills and competencies, rather than mere recall of information.
This change necessitates a re-evaluation of the assessment methods, including the BECE, to ensure alignment with the new curriculum's goals and objectives.
The shift from an objective-based to standards-based curriculum marks a significant change in the educational landscape, prioritising deeper learning and practical application of knowledge.
The Daily Graphic's call for a review of the BECE is timely, given the shift from the objective-based to the standards-based curriculum. Professor Kwasi Opoku-Amankwa, a former Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), and Dr Peter Anti Partey, Executive Director of the Institute for Education Studies (IFEST)-Ghana, have rightly pointed out the need for an immediate review.
The current assessment method, designed for the objective-based curriculum, may not accurately reflect students' mastery of skills and competencies under the new curriculum.
A criterion-referenced assessment approach, which evaluates performance against predefined standards, would be more suitable.
The change in instructional approach necessitates a corresponding change in assessment methods.
It is logical to expect that a new curriculum would require a new assessment framework to accurately measure student learning outcomes.
The expertise and experience of Prof. Opoku-Amankwa and Dr Partey lend weight to their call, and policymakers would do well to heed their advice.
The Daily Graphic believes that if the standards-based curriculum is the way forward for the country’s education system, then the call for a review of the BECE assessment method should be taken seriously.
The biblical principle of not putting new wine in old bottles is apt in this context. Just as new wine requires new bottles to preserve both, a new curriculum requires a new assessment framework to effectively measure student learning outcomes.
The government's reset agenda for the education sector should give a clear outline of the assessment method at the BECE level, ensuring transparency and clarity for all stakeholders.
The public statement by esteemed education experts such as Prof. Kwasi Opoku-Amankwa and Dr Peter Anti Partey underscores the urgency and importance of this review.
Their call should be heeded to ensure that Ghana's education system truly benefits from the standards-based curriculum.
The Daily Graphic welcomes the clarification by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC’s) Head of Public Relations, John Kapi, that the assessment mode for the BECE has been modified to focus on critical thinking, analysis and competencies. This shift towards application-based assessment is a positive step.
However, we believe that WAEC should make these changes publicly known to avoid confusion among parents and stakeholders.
The admission that further innovations and corrections are needed in the assessment and placement process underscores the significance of these changes.
To ensure a smooth transition, WAEC should engage all stakeholders, including students, teachers, parents and civil society organisations, on the new assessment method.
This collaborative approach will help build trust and ensure that everyone is on the same page as the education sector continues to evolve.
It is quite obvious that this lack of preparedness has led to a communication gap, fuelling rumours and speculations.
Both the GES and WAEC have failed to effectively inform the public about the changes, leaving stakeholders uncertain.
Given the significance of the BECE, any changes to the assessment process must be clearly communicated to avoid ambiguity.
The Daily Graphic advocates a national conversation on the assessment mode under the standards-based curriculum to ensure that the interests of learners are prioritised.
The future of Ghana's children depends on how well the BECE is managed, and all stakeholders must work together to guarantee a smooth and effective assessment process.
