Mathematics Multiple Choice Test Items used in 2021 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) and its Implications on the Quality of Education in Delta State

Abstract

Abstract: The Problem of students’ deficiency in the manifestation of the Achievements of the Basic Education goals in Mathematics which include: the application of simple arithmetic operations of addition, subtraction, division and multiplication in real life situation has raise the question of quality Basic Education in Delta State. Educators have opined that how well learning outcomes is tested is related to how well teaching has taken place. The purpose of this study is to investigate how multiple questions used in BECE reflect the objectives of Basic Education Curriculum. Using Delphi research design, the researcher developed a theoretical table of specification for the subject and uses the outcome to test how questions used in BECE examination in 2021 fits the theoretical model. The results showed that the Mathematics multiple choice test items used in 2021 BECE did not significantly fit the developed theoretical model. A high percentage (65%) of the questions were measuring the lower order cognitive process while only 35% measures the higher order questions used in the examination did not reflect the amount of time spent on the content as well as the objective emphasised. The study concluded that based on the questions used in measuring learning outcomes in 2021 BECE, the curriculum as implemented cannot achieve quality education envisioned in the curriculum. The study recommended that for quality education in the state, questions used in BECE examination should reflect the Basic Education Curriculum as well as emphasised on the higher order cognitive process.