T.M. Kayode

In college admissions worldwide, pretesting exams serve as fundamental milestones for students aspiring to pursue higher education. From the SAT and ACT in the United States to the A-levels in the United Kingdom and the Gaokao in China, these assessments play a pivotal role in evaluating students’ academic readiness and potential. One such examination, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) exams in Nigeria, warrants closer examination in this blog post as we explore the impact and significance of pretesting exams, particularly in the Nigerian context.

Pretesting exams serve as critical gatekeepers in the college admissions process, providing a standardized measure of students’ knowledge, skills, and aptitude. These assessments not only help educational institutions identify qualified candidates but also play a crucial role in promoting fairness and transparency in the admissions process. By evaluating students’ academic proficiency across various subject areas, pretesting exams enable colleges and universities to make informed decisions about admissions, scholarships, and academic placements.

The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped the landscape of pretesting exams, with many universities opting not to consider scores from these assessment bodies during the crisis. This trend, initially prompted by disruptions to traditional learning environments, has continued into the present. As institutions grapple with the aftermath of the pandemic, questions arise about the relevance and fairness of standardized tests in the admissions process. The ongoing debate highlights the need for a more holistic approach to admissions, one that considers a diverse range of factors beyond test scores.

The COVID-19 Impact on Learning and Pretesting:

The COVID-19 pandemic brought about unprecedented changes in the field of education, prompting a rapid shift to online learning platforms, remote teaching, and hybrid instructional models. Schools and universities worldwide  grappled with the challenges of maintaining academic continuity while ensuring the safety and well-being of students and staff. This shift fundamentally transformed the way students learn, with virtual classrooms becoming the new norm and educators leveraging technology to deliver instruction remotely.

Implications for Pretesting Exams:

The transition to online and hybrid learning models has profound implications for pretesting exams. Educational institutions (High Schools) have had to adapt their pretesting protocols to accommodate these changes, necessitating the development of adaptive testing methods and the integration of digital literacy skills into exam preparation. Additionally, the increased reliance on remote testing platforms has underscored the importance of ensuring equity and accessibility for all students, regardless of their socioeconomic background or technological resources. 

However, the readiness inequality to technology during this period affected students and teachers from low-income schools and nations differently, thus having a major impact on the learning experience of millions of children worldwide. Addressing these disparities will be essential in ensuring that pretesting exams remain a fair and accurate measure of students’ academic readiness in the midst of ongoing technological transformations in education.

Student Performance Trends in Pretesting Exams:

Let’s talk about Student Performance Trends in Pretesting Exams. Here we would look at students’ performances in pretest exams like SAT, A-Levels, Gaokao and JAMB.

So I’m going to go on a little rant… 

The process of collecting data for this section was not as easy and straightforward as I thought it would be. Granted, the data for SAT and A-level was super easy to access. With a few keystrokes on the keyboard, I got the data. However, accessing data for JAMB and Gaokao was not as straightforward. While Gaokao had a lot of data online, none of it specifically addressed the student performance data needed for this analysis. As for JAMB, navigating the official website felt like navigating a maze, only to find out that the required data was nowhere to be found. I had to rely on secondary data from newspapers, and even then, the yearly data was not consistently formatted, with data from 2023 seemingly missing. After piecing together the puzzle of JAMB data, I finally have something presentable. If JAMB needs someone to organize their data, I am available. 

Anyway, end rant.

Image Source: https://analytics.ofqual.gov.uk/apps/Alevel/Outcomes/

Figure 1: A-levels Average Score Breakdown

Data Source: https://www.bestcolleges.com/research/average-sat-score-full-statistics/

Figure 2: SAT Average Score Breakdown

Data Sources: https://allafrica.com/stories/202306290087.html, https://nigerianscholars.com/school-news/jamb-highest-score/, https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/471616-2021-utme-jamb-confirms-candidates-poor-performance-blames-covid-19.html

Figure 3: JAMB Average Score Breakdown

The declining performances of students in these exams are indicative of a larger problem that all stakeholders – parents, academic institutions, government, etc. – should be wary of and concerned about. Using the metaphor of the forbidden fruit in the book of Genesis, the taste of studying from home and working from home during the pandemic opened the world to new possibilities. Many youths are now questioning the concept of traditional schooling and whether it is truly necessary for success in life. Moreover, the allure of social media and its seeming ability to make people famous further distracts teens and young adults. This combination of factors creates a generation easily swayed by the allure of instant fame and the belief that success can be achieved without traditional education.

This shift in perspective poses a significant challenge for the education system and society as a whole. Traditional educational models may need to adapt to meet the evolving needs and aspirations of today’s youth. Additionally, there is a pressing need for stakeholders to reevaluate the value placed on education and the role it plays in shaping individuals and society. While technology and digital platforms offer unprecedented opportunities for learning and self-expression, they also present significant distractions and challenges. As we navigate these changes, it is essential for stakeholders to engage in meaningful dialogue and collaboration to ensure that education remains relevant, meaningful, and accessible to all.

As we wrap up this blog post, it’s evident that the discussion around the continuation of JAMB exams in Nigeria is multifaceted, with varying viewpoints on its efficacy and relevance. While some advocate for its continuation, others argue for its abolishment. However, given the length of this post and the late hour, a thorough exploration of both sides of the argument will have to wait for another time. For now, let’s conclude our examination of student performance trends in pretesting exams and rest assured that this topic will continue to be a subject of debate and discussion in the educational landscape of Nigeria.