WAEC says pidgin language is affecting students performance

The Head of Public Affairs for the

She said that the use of pidgin language has become a genuine concern of Chief Examiners.

In an interview with Accra-based Starr FM, she said students must be encouraged to read and write good English.

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“Chief Examiners have complained about the use of Pidgin English in essays and limited vocabulary of students. They have suggested that students read more and teachers engage students more in comprehensive assignments. For Maths, the Chief examiners have mentioned that students are unable to translate Story Problems into mathematical forms before solving them.”

“Maths Examiners have recommended that teachers make Mathematics more interesting and fun in the classroom.”

Mrs. Teye-Cudjoe also encouraged parents to ensure that their children read more and focus on their books when they get home from school.

“Teachers have a role to play but students must make it a point to study as well. Parents have a role to play to ensure students study and use their free times wisely.”

Her comments come after the provisional results by WAEC showed that 193,882 candidates, representing 61.67% of all candidates who sat for the WASSCE failed to obtain the minimum pass mark in any of the 3 core subjects required for admission into universities in the country.

According to statistics by WAEC, 99,402 (31%) obtained D7-E8 in the English Language, 94,607 (30.09%) obtained D7-E8 in Mathematics, and 109,069 (34.72%) obtained D7-E8 in Integrated Science.

Also 68,002, representing 21.61%, had F9 in English Language; 99,275 (31.58%), obtained F9 in Mathematics; and 46,367, representing 14.76%, had F9 in Integrated Science.