Jumping the Gun: Relevance of Past Questions Paper

Abstract

This study examined the use of past examination question papers (PEQPs) among students and their overall recall  rate during examinations. It employed the descriptive survey research design and used all the 255 undergraduate  students who visit the library in Private Universities such as Novena University Library Ogume, Western Delta  University, Oghara, Michael and Cecilia Ibru University, Library, Agbrha -Otor James Hope University, Edwin  Clak University Library, Kaigbodo; Sports University , Library Idumuje, Ugboko, Margaret Lawrence University,  Umunede Library, and Admirality University of Nigeria, Library Ibusa Ugwashi-Uku for PEQPs. Data for the  study were collected in two phases over a period of two academic semesters with the first phase focusing on respondents’ collection of PEQPs, and the second phase requiring them to complete a questionnaire designed to elicit  information on why they use PEQPs, what they gain and the overall outcome of their reliance on same. The study  found that fresher rely more on (PEQPs), and most students use PEQPs as study guides as against pretesting  themselves before an examination, the respondents do not see reliance on PEQPs as a major factor leading to  improved academic performance of undergraduate students and this affects their perception of the effect PEQPs on  their overall academic outcome. The study therefore concludes that as important as PEQPs usage seems to be,  improper usage of same could be detrimental to the undergraduate users.