Basic Education Certificate Examination in Mathematics as Predictor in Science Subjects at the National Examinations Council in Nasarawa State, Nigeria
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Abstract
The study explored the extent to which students’ scores at the Basic Education Certificate Examination in Mathematics can predict their scores in science subjects at the National Examinations Council in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. The study was guided by three research questions and their corresponding hypotheses. The study employed correlational design. The population of the study comprised all the 15, 848 Science students from 83 public senior Secondary Schools who sat for BECE Mathematics in 2018 and also sat for science subjects (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) at NECO in the year 2021. The sample for the study comprised 800 students from 12 science public senior Secondary Schools in Nasarawa State, Nigeria using purposive sampling technique. The researchers designed a Proforma to be used for extracting data from the students’ record files for data collection. The logical index of 0.80 and reliability of 0.84 using Cronbach coefficient Alpha method. Data to answer the research questions were analyzed using Ordinary least square (OLS) regression method together with Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient was used to test null hypotheses 1-3 at 0.05 level of significance. The study revealed that students’ score in Mathematics at the BECE significantly predict their grades in Chemistry and Physics except in Biology at the NECO. The study concluded that BECE Mathematics is a predictor of NECO across the selected subjects (except Biology) but, the magnitude of the relationship and the percentage of prediction of NECO science subjects from BECE Mathematics performance was very low and weak. The study recommended among others that BECE Mathematics curriculum be reviewed to be in conformity with the SSCE syllabus for science subjects (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) to enhance its predictive validity, National BECE conducted by NECO should be used by all schools compulsorily to ensure uniformity, maintain and improve the standard of the Junior secondary school leaver as well as prepare a good product for the senior secondary education and teachers.
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