Predictive Validity of Students’ Achievement in BECE/JSSCE in Basic Science on Their Achievement in Chemistry in Some Selected States in the Southeast Zone

Abstract

This study is on the predictive validity of student achievement in Basic Science in the State Ministry of Education Organized Junior Secondary School Certificate Examination on their achievement in chemistry in Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) organized by West African Examination Council. The study methodically x-rayed the predictive strength of students’ achievement in Basic Science in SMoE – JSSCE on their achievement in Chemistry on SSCE organized by WAEC. To carry out the study, the researchers employed a co relational survey technique as the research design. The sample of the study comprised of 291 students, made up of 134 males and 157 females. These students were drawn from six schools. The selection process involved both purposive and random techniques. Three states in southeast geopolitical zone participated in the study. These States are Ebonyi, Imo and Anambra respectively. Two research questions and two hypotheses guided the study. The hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance. Data were collected from the Students Achievement Records (SAR) of the two examination bodies kept in the schools. Hence the SAR is the instrument for data collection. The data analysis was done using Person Product Moment correlation (r) and coefficient of determination (r 2 ). Linear regression analysis was further employed in the data, so as to answer the hypotheses. The findings of the study showed that Basic Science in JSSCE organized by State Ministry of Education is a poor predictor of male and female students achievement score in chemistry when they are jointly considered. It also showed that where as basic science in JSSCE is a significant predictor of female students’ achievement in chemistry; the reverse is the case for the male students. On the basis of the findings, the researchers recommended that, students, achievement in JSSCE Basic Science should not be used as basis for students’ placement in science classes in the senior secondary class. The researchers equally recommended that State Ministry of Education of the study area should recruit and post competent science teachers to both Junior and senior secondary schools. Finally, the researchers equally recommended that the State Ministry of Education of the study area should intensify regular monitoring of schools to ensure teachers’ coverage of science curriculum. DOI: 10.7176/JEP/12-36-11 Publication date: December 31 st 2021