Marking the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) Mathematics papers is a meticulous and rigorous process that ensures fairness and accuracy in the assessment of candidates. With over a decade of experience as a WASSCE Mathematics Examiner, I will take you through the systematic approach employed to evaluate both General Mathematics and Elective/Further Mathematics papers.
Coordination and Preparation
After the completion of the WASSCE writing phase, the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) organizes a mandatory coordination session for all examiners. This session is held at designated marking centers across the country and serves as the foundation for a uniform marking standard.
During coordination, examiners and their supervisors discuss the marking scheme or rubrics in detail. These rubrics provide clear guidelines on awarding marks for each question. To familiarize examiners with the marking scheme, dummy scripts are distributed and marked as practice. These marked scripts are subsequently reviewed and discussed under the supervision of senior examiners to clarify expectations and address ambiguities.
Marking the Scripts
The marking process for WASSCE Mathematics is divided into two main components:
1. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ):
MCQs are machine-marked using Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) technology. Candidates are advised to shade their answers neatly and correctly to ensure accurate results.
2. Written Papers:
Written scripts are marked manually by examiners, who adhere strictly to the provided marking scheme. The scheme categorizes marks into three types:
M Marks (Method Marks):
These marks are awarded for applying the correct steps or methods in solving a problem. If errors are found in the method, deductions are made accordingly.
A Marks (Accuracy Marks):
These are awarded for correct and precise final answers. However, if the method used to arrive at the correct answer is flawed, no marks are given for accuracy, even if the answer is right.
B Marks (Special Marks):
B marks are often assigned to diagrams or specific situations where the distinction between method and accuracy is unclear. For instance, they are used in assessing geometric constructions, graph work, or Venn diagrams. Errors in diagrams or related work may result in mark deductions.
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Flexibility and Alternative Approaches
The marking scheme is designed to accommodate different but valid methods of solving problems. This flexibility is critical, as Mathematics often allows for multiple approaches to arrive at the correct solution. If a candidate employs an unconventional yet correct method, examiners are required to create a parallel marking scheme to award marks fairly. This adaptability underscores why WAEC selects subject-specific teachers with expertise in the respective fields as examiners.
Supervision and Quality Control
After marking, supervisors vet a sample of scripts from each examiner to ensure adherence to the marking scheme. This process is vital for maintaining consistency and accuracy. Additionally:
Checkers verify all marked scripts to ensure that marks are correctly summed and recorded.
Final scores are input electronically after thorough cross-checking.
These layers of quality assurance reflect WAEC’s commitment to delivering a fair and transparent examination process.
Conclusion
Marking WASSCE Mathematics papers is a collaborative and detail-oriented endeavor. From coordination to final score input, each stage is designed to uphold the integrity of the assessment process. As an experienced examiner, I am continually impressed by the rigor and fairness embedded in this system, ensuring that candidates' efforts are evaluated justly and that every mark awarded is deserved.