As schools, teachers, and parents work hard towards preparing students for their BECE and WASSCE examinations, it is important that candidates also do their best to avoid bad habits and attitudes that lead to the breaking of examination rules.
Where candidates are found to have exhibited any of these bad habits during the BECE and WASSCE, the WAEC, which is the examining body, takes actions that often do not favour the candidate. Candidates are better off if they obey the rules of the examination and avoid actions and choices that lead to troubles such as the cancellation of their results.
What are some of the Bad BECE/WASSCE habits candidates must avoid?
- Entering the examination hall with mobile phones to receive answers from rogue websites and examination leaking syndicates.
- Screenshotting textbooks, preparing notes on phones, and taking them into the examination hall.
- Sneaking into the examination hall with prepared notes hidden in shoes, shirts, washrooms, and elsewhere on the body to use these to cheat.
- Providing answers to colleagues in the examination hall or disturbing the peace of others in the examination hall is against the rules of the examination.
- Not obeying the rules of the examination and disturbing others during the examination. The invigilator can always have issues with such candidates.
- Not preparing well enough and ahead of the exam until the last few days. This habit can easily contribute to failure.
- Lazying about when others are studying and disturbing them as well.
Six good exam hall behaviours are expected of Christian students:
Instead of the Bad BECE/WASSCE habits, consider the following:
1. Honesty: Christian students are expected to conduct themselves with integrity and honesty during exams, refraining from cheating or dishonest behaviour. You must always be ready to follow the rules of the examination and refrain from any form of action that will lead to breaking the examination rules. Honesty is key to ensuring we are always safe from examination-related troubles.
2. Respect: Candidates must respect WAEC exam invigilators. Respect for other fellow students who are writing the exam with you is key. If you respect the rules, the students, and the invigilator, you will surely follow instructions, keep noise levels down, and avoid disruptive behaviour of all kinds.
3. Perseverance: Christian students need to persevere in the face of examinations. Work on your emotional intelligence and remain calm under pressure. Work hard and give your best in the examination hall, and trust in God’s strength and guidance during challenging moments.
4. Humility: Even in the examination hall, candidates must constantly demonstrate humility and a willingness to learn. The examination you are writing must serve as an opportunity to showcase your knowledge and skills while also acknowledging areas for growth and improvement.
5. Gratitude: Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to learn and for the support of family, friends, and teachers is important. Christian students can pray and thank God for His blessings and guidance throughout the exam process.
6. Don’t give up
In the examination hall, there are instances where some questions seem to be overly challenging or we may forget some portions of what we have learned, which makes it difficult for us to answer some questions. In such instances, what do you do? The first advice is “Don’t give up” on yourself. Work on the facts you can remember while trying to recall what you have learned. Give your best, even in such situations, and remain hopeful and positive. Thinking negatively about your chances of passing the exam while in the exam hall can negatively affect your performance.
Remember, these behaviours not only reflect Christian values but also contribute to a positive and supportive exam environment.
READ: How parents must support children’s BECE/WASSCE preparation
Do not engage yourself in actions and bad habits as a BECE and WASSCE candidate. Remember that these Bad BECE/WASSCE habits can give you a bad name.
