Social studies is concerned with the study of social relationships and the functioning of society. The West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) is a critical milestone for high school students in West Africa, including Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and The Gambia.
One of the core subjects in the WASSCE curriculum is Social Studies and all of these countries have various textbooks that cover the subject. To excel in this subject, students need the right resources, including textbooks that provide comprehensive coverage of the syllabus and aid effective learning. This has created the need to identify the best social studies textbook for students who write WASSCE. In this article, we’ll explore the top five social studies textbooks for WASSCE preparation.
- “Current Social Studies for Senior High Schools” by Michael Aketewah
Current Social Studies for Senior High Schools is a highly recommended textbook for WASSCE students. This book is tailored to the West African educational system and covers the entire syllabus comprehensively. The table of contents is put into three categories: year one, year two, and year three. Each category is further divided into sections, each section covers each material to be covered in a term.
At the beginning of each chapter of this 568-page textbook, the general objectives of the topic are laid out. The main problem that has necessitated the need for the topic is also well explained. A brief introduction is also given after which the relevant definitions for each topic are given.
One outstanding thing about this book is its explanation. Each point is well explained with relevant examples. It provides clear explanations and numerous illustrations that help students understand complex social issues. Diagrams are simple and not as vivid as some other textbooks, with all the parts appropriately labelled.
Additionally, the book includes practice questions and sample answers to aid in exam preparation. At the end of each topic, sample questions are provided which cover the entire topic. Sample objective tests are also provided at the end of the book with their answers. Guidelines are also given to students to help them answer questions as expected by WAEC.
2. “Golden Social Studies for Senior High Schools” by Emmanuel Asare Donkor
Golden Social Studies for Senior High Schools is another excellent choice for WASSCE students. This textbook is widely used in West African schools and is known for its detailed content and engaging writing style. It covers all aspects of the WASSCE syllabus, including governance, citizenship, culture, and national development.
The 551-page textbook begins with a table of contents where each year is put into sections that correspond with each term. This makes it easy for students and teachers to follow along as they progress each year.
Each topic begins with a brief introduction that summarizes the point of the topic to be discussed. The general objectives that will be achieved at the end of the topic are briefly stated. Specific learning objectives provide sample questions that focus on the theory aspect and are also provided at the beginning of the topic.
One notable advantage of this textbook is that it provides a lot of information beyond what is covered in the syllabus. This is particularly helpful to teachers as this can help teachers provide holistic education to their students. Students can also benefit from this additional information as it gives them a better understanding of the topic.
The additional information provided can also pose a challenge to students in that, they may find it difficult to identify which of the information is examinable. The author tried to address this problem by stating ‘important facts to remember’ at the end of the chapter. This section summarizes the key points to remember as these are the main points which is of relevance to the student.
Another feature of this textbook that sets it apart from others is the definition or meaning of keywords used in each chapter. Social studies rely on a good understanding of the English language and this can pose a challenge to students who struggle with the English language. ‘Important words used in the chapter’ section of the textbook breaks down important words and their meaning as used in the chapter.
The textbook contains vivid and colourful pictures which give students a better understanding of the topic being discussed. One challenge of such vivid pictures is that some images may be a little disturbing to students. One such example is the picture of the reproductive system.
The book also includes review questions and activities to test students’ understanding and reinforce their learning. An objective test with answers is provided at the end of each topic and pertains only to that topic. Essay questions are also provided, except that it answers will have to be referred to in the chapter itself.
3. “Global and Approachers Series Social Studies for Senior High Schools” by Emmanuel Mintah-Afari
Global Series and Approachers Series is a highly regarded textbook in West Africa. It is designed to meet the needs of senior secondary students preparing for WASSCE.
Like all the others, its table of contents is put into sections that correspond with each year and each term. This 555-page textbook begins by giving examination tips such as how to tackle objective questions and how to explain your essay points.
This textbook begins by stating the learning objectives and dives straight into the content. The explanation, a crucial aspect of social studies is adequate but not much. The explanation given is usually about two to three sentences, but the best is usually about five to six sentences/lines.
One aspect of the textbook that is worth noting is that it states some activities in each chapter that students and teachers can engage in. This is particularly helpful for teachers.
Pictures that are in black and white are also included. These pictures are not too vivid and give students a good idea of what is being described in the topic.
Structured essay questions and objective tests are given at the end of each chapter. Likely examination questions are also suggested at the end of each chapter. Answers to objective tests are given at the end of the textbook.
4. “Aki-Ola Social Studies for Senior High Schools” by Philomina Boateng
Aki-Ola Series is one of the more popular social studies textbooks that is well-regarded and aligns with the WASSCE syllabus. It is made up of about 389 pages and begins with a table of contents that follows the norm of each year further divided into three sections that correspond to a term.
Each Unit begins with learning objectives that guide the teacher and the student as to what they will be able to achieve by the end of the lesson. A brief introduction is given at the beginning of each unit which gives an overview of the topic.
Subsequently, each topic is well explained within three to four sentences. Additional points are given and expanded upon that give a more detailed explanation of the topic and are beneficial for teachers as well as students. It gives students a broader overview of the topic and gives teachers additional material to make the topic clearer to students.
Elaborate diagrams are presented where appropriate in black and white. At the end of each topic, self-assessment essay questions are provided that cover the entire topic. This can be used by students to test their understanding of the topic and can be used by teachers to examine students. Over 400 objective tests are provided at the tail end of the textbook with answers. These objective tests cover all topics from form one to form three.
5. “Social Studies for Senior High Schools” by Eric Bimpong
Social Studies for Senior High Schools by Eric Bimpong is a comprehensive textbook that covers the WASSCE social studies syllabus in depth. It presents information in a clear and concise manner, making complex concepts more accessible to students.
This 436-page textbook presents information in simple everyday English making it easy for students to understand key concepts. The book begins with a table of contents that outlines each year and each term in sections.
One problem with this table of contents is how disorganized it is. This disorganization is evident throughout the whole textbook. For example, under year one section one, “Self-Identity” is on page 1 followed by “Adolescent Reproductive Health” on page 9. At this point, the next topic which is “Our Culture and National Identity” should follow on page 28, instead, it is on page 180. This poor arrangement of topics in their proper order can be disconcerting for students.
One distinguishing feature of this textbook is how past WASSCE questions related to each topic are provided at the end of each chapter, although its answers are not always provided. Some guidelines are given to help students know the best way to tackle some of the questions.
Another problem with this textbook, making it the fifth best on our list is that, there are no diagrams. Admittedly not all topics need diagrams, however, some key topics require diagrams. Topics such as “Adolescent Reproductive Health” and “Our Culture and National Identity” are best explained with diagrams to give students a holistic understanding of the topic.
This textbook also focuses heavily on helping students answer essay questions, which is good, however, what is missing is objective tests. There are no sample objective questions for students to try or for teachers to use to set examination questions.
That is why this textbook is put in fifth place. So basically, if you are looking for a textbook with a blend of past WAEC and probable questions (theory only), then this textbook is a good choice.
Best Textbook for Past WASSCE Questions
This is a bonus tip. One way to prepare for WASSCE is not just to study and attend class, rather you have to answer as many past questions as possible, because if you study the trend of WASSCE questions, then you’ll notice that most questions are repeated and perhaps modified just a little.
The best textbook to help you master social studies WASSCE questions is A+ Social Studies for Senior High Schools by Opoku Amin and Ishmael Adams. This 826-page book thoroughly examines all social studies WASSCE questions from 1993 to date, both objective and essay questions.
The book begins with a table of contents that outlines all 23 topics from form one to form three and indicates each objective test and essay question related to each topic. It is worth noting that this is a very good approach for students and teachers because most past question books out there simply provide past WASSCE questions based on the year.
By using this approach students can answer all WASSCE questions related to a topic that is treated as they progress every term. Teachers can also use questions to test their students knowing the questions will help the students get a good idea of how questions related to the topic are set.
Answers to each past WASSCE objective test are provided. Theory questions and answers are also well explained and guidelines are given on how to answer each question. This is an excellent book for teachers who want to prepare their students for WASSCE and students who want to excel in social studies.
