Articles written by

Jacqueline Pace

Volume 1-Issue 2: November 2003

The Physics SEC 2000 Examination: A focus on the Differentiated Paper System

This research centres on Physics SEC examination for May 2000 using MATSEC data. All the different components of this examination were analysed so as to shed light on whether this system is upholding quality, equity and fairness. This study aims at drawing out any distortions that decrease the validity of the system. This research puts forward evidence that an appreciable number of high ability candidates, who should have opted for Paper A, sat for the easier Paper B. This crossover to the softer option distorts the final grade of the candidates. The end result is that, not only the lower ability paper-B candidates are at a disadvantage by being normreferenced with some very able candidates, but also the high ability candidates undertaking Paper A are finding it harder to access the higher grades since there are fewer candidates of average ability.
46 min read
Volume 4-Issue 2: December 2006

Predictors of Overall Performance in Physics Matric Advanced Level: An insight into entry requirements

Predicting the future performance of a student based on the past performance is no easy task. Developing such a tool would enable Colleges and Universities as well as other institutions to spend their resources more wisely. This study is an attempt to use the Physics SEC result as a predictor for performance at Physics Matric Advanced level. Furthermore, five college-based assessment results taken during the students’ two year course are also employed as predictors. The study shows that the number of females pursuing the study of Physics at Advanced level is rather low when compared to the males. More significantly, all the assessment tools examined are modest predictors of performance. The Physics SEC result does give a rough indication of Matric performance. However, achieving a bad grade at SEC level is not a barrier towards achieving a good result at Matric level. This means that making the Physics Matric course more stringent is not the way to making it better.