Dangers of Giving Areas of Concentration in School-Controlled Examinations in Nigeria
In many Nigerian schools, some teachers provide students with areas of concentration before examinations. While this practice may seem helpful, it has several negative effects on students, teachers, and the education system as a whole. Below are some of the dangers associated with it:
- Promotes Cramming Instead of Understanding
When students know exactly what topics will be covered, they memorize answers instead of understanding concepts, making learning ineffective.
- Reduces Comprehensive Knowledge
Education is meant to provide students with broad knowledge across different topics. Focusing only on a few areas leaves gaps in their learning, making them struggle with related concepts in higher levels of education.
- Encourages Examination Malpractice
When students rely on specific topics, they may engage in cheating if unexpected questions appear, as they are unprepared for a broader examination.
- Lowers Critical Thinking Skills
A good education encourages students to think critically and apply knowledge in different situations. Restricting study areas limits their ability to analyze, evaluate, and apply information outside of the provided topics.
- Affects External Examination Performance
In external exams like Junior WAEC, WAEC, NECO, and JAMB, where there are no specific areas of concentration, students struggle because they are used to studying only selected topics rather than the entire syllabus.
- Reduces Teacher Commitment to Comprehensive Teaching
Some teachers may rush through the curriculum without ensuring proper understanding, knowing they will only test students on a few selected topics. This weakens the quality of teaching.
- Creates an Unfair Advantage
If only some students receive areas of concentration while others do not, it creates inequality, giving an advantage to those with access to these topics.
- Produces Half-Baked Graduates
When students consistently learn through restricted topics, they graduate with incomplete knowledge. This affects their ability to compete academically and professionally in the future.
Conclusion
For Nigeria to improve its education system, schools should encourage comprehensive learning rather than limiting students to selected topics. A well-rounded education prepares students for real-life applications, external examinations, and future careers.
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