Abstract
The perpetual decline of students’ performance in external geography examinations necessitated this enquiry to identify causes of failure reported by examiners. This study, therefore, adopted a qualitative approach to analyze West African Examination Council (WAEC) chief examiners’ reports from 2008 to 2018 to extract vital information on why Nigerian students perform poorly in geography, using the grounded theory methodology and RQDA for data analyses. Poor map work, inadequate preparation and scanty explanation of points were identified. Ideal geography teachers ought to be multiplied in schools, with the utilization of relevant instructional resources and student-centered teaching strategies for improvements.
Highlights
Geography as a school subject is vital in providing a solid knowledge-base about the environment, while developing positive attitudes and hands-on skills in preserving the beauty of it
The West African Examination (WAEC) syllabus for example contains topics such as principles of elementary surveying; Geographic Information System (GIS); climate: elements, classification and climate change; geo-political issues; field work, and other topics that touch on diverse professions
These reports, written by Chief examiners annually, are considered vital resources in Geography provided by West African Examinations Council (WAEC) for assistance in full understanding of the required standards expected in Geography final examination, and are made freely available on the WAEC website (WAEC, 2018)
Summary
Geography as a school subject is vital in providing a solid knowledge-base about the environment, while developing positive attitudes and hands-on skills in preserving the beauty of it. The contents of Geography at the senior secondary level provides foundational exposure to a broad spectrum of knowledge that connects all these fields. The preparation of students for an active future of preserving the environment, while enjoying its resources is achievable through secondary school Geography. The West African Examination (WAEC) syllabus for example contains topics such as principles of elementary surveying; Geographic Information System (GIS); climate: elements, classification and climate change; geo-political issues; field work, and other topics that touch on diverse professions. WAEC itemizes certain abilities geography students must acquire prior to the West African Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE): I. Explanation of the cultural, social and economic circumstances of people at both local and sub-region (West African) levels
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