Ruth M' Matolo Presents

1
Ruth M. MatoloPresents

• Examination of Computer studies in Secondary
  Schools

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Teaching methods

• Content should be well understood and the best
  approach used.
• There several subtopics across the forms which
  should be taught practically but if taught
  theoretically the objectives are not fully
  achieved. In computer we learn better by seeing
  and doing. E.g. in Form 1

3
Papers examined

• Paper code for Computer studies is 451
• 451/1 Paper 1 theory
• Has 2 sections A (40 marks) and Section B (60
  marks) where by Question 16 is compulsory then
  other 3 questions.
• Caution if a candidate attempts more than 4
  question in section B, only the first 4 are
  marked. Also partial attempt of a question and
  failure to cancel will account for the first 4.
• Question 16 is from Elementary Programming
  principles Chapter 3 in Form 3.
• Paper 1 carries the highest percentage of 50 but
  students perform poor in paper 1, why?

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Improving performance in 451/1

• Adhere to syllabus objectives and break them down
  to measurable and achievable Subtopic and lesson
  objectives.
• Do topical revision on every topic covered. How?
• Review topic objectives whereby content should be
  clearly understood.
• Gather questions from various sources testing on
  that chapter. Students write them down minus
  answers and they can compose theirs.
• This helps learners to understand how questions
  can be set from the chapter and develops apt
  skills in answering and composing good questions.
  
• Unclear concepts can be learned from other
  reference materials but in line with the syllabus
  objectives.

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• Topical revision should be done from form 1 to
  current form content.
• Syllabus should be completed by March
• After Topical/Chapter revision learners can
  attempt full exam papers. They should NEVER
  source for answers from reference materials. Have
  already internalized the points and other related
  skill.

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451/2 Practical

• Only 2 compulsory questions will be tested from
  the following packages
• Word processors
• Spreadsheet
• Databases
• Desktop Publishing
• Each question carries 50 marks to total 100.
• The overall Percentage contribution is 25

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Tips to note in 451/2

• Candidates should
• Answer ONLY what is asked and in the correct
  file name.
• Save soft copy correctly without using shortcuts
• Use folders to hold their files collectively
• Print what is asked for
• Should NEVER forward another students Softcopy or
  hardcopy. The Hard copy should match the softcopy.

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451/2 Teachers responsibility

• Computers should be free from virus and any other
  irrelevant information
• Teach candidates practically and theoretically
  all what is expected in good time. i.e. How to
  print and cancel a print Job, stapling of
  hardcopies, labeling of storage media, saving
  etc.
• Use a CD or Flash disk to save in a single folder
  the students softcopy subfolders as a backup and
  handover.

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Causes of cancellation in P2

• Presenting duplicate work i.e. softcopies
  hardcopies.
• All students with duplicate copies are graded Y.

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Marking of Hardcopy when softcopy fails to open.

• Features which can be determined on the hardcopy
  are awarded zero. e.g. file name.
• A candidate automatically scores low marks if
  only hardcopy is marked.

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451/2 Way forward

• Expose learners to several practical exams
  adhering to KCSE Standards.
• Printing, saving files in folders, printing
  orientations, insertion of headers footers and
  stapling should be observed.

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451/3 project

• It contributes to 25 just like paper 2.
• Project has been simplified because of using
  Databases.
• Follow the syllabus and past years project
  marking schemes to do what is expected in the
  project.
• Be careful not to waste too much time in Project,
  balance the time so that you constantly keep on
  revising other papers.