Guidelines for completing the SBA
Marjorie Henry, Contributor

At the end of the last lesson, I promised that for today's lesson, I would begin the discussion of question 7, the last question under Section C (human systems) of the June 2007 examination paper. I will, however, deviate from this and choose instead to share a few reminders and guidelines on completing your school-based assessment (SBA). Of course, you know that this is to be done by all students sitting the geography examinations at the general proficiency level. The SBA is due for submission just about now. This field study report represents 20 per cent of your total marks. Since it is done outside the examination setting, every effort should be made to obtain most of those 40 marks. This can be realised if you follow the guidelines outlined for you in your syllabus.

The profiles for the SBA are the same as for the essay questions. These are practical skills - profile 1; knowledge and comprehension - profile 2 and the use of knowledge - profile 3. The difference, however, lies in the distribution of the marks for each profile. If the requirements for profiles 1 and 2 are met and done well, 50 per cent of the marks can be realised without any difficulty.

Length of report

Your report should not be more than 1500 words in length. You are penalised if you exceed this word limit by more than 150 words. Because of this, it is advisable to do, first of all, a draft of the report before your final submission. Having done this, you can check on the length and modify accordingly. Some information you included may be unnecessary or irrelevant to the topic. Omit this. You may need to rephrase some sentences to reduce the number of words used. I am certain that you all know how to do a precise count from your English A classes. Transfer that knowledge to the writing of your report.

You have a choice between writing your field study report and typing it. I would encourage you to have it typed, especially if your writing is not legible. Do not give the examiner the extra work of trying to decipher what you have written.

On another matter, at least three different types of illustrations must be included in the presentation of data. Whether they are maps, graphs, tables, diagrams or charts, they must be accurately and neatly done. A different set of data is to be presented in each illustration. Most important, the illustration must be integrated in your study. It is woefully inadequate to simply state 'see diagram 1'. Say something about what is shown in that diagram.

Location maps

Your location maps are very important and must be accurately drawn and properly labeled. At least two maps are required, one showing the section of the island where the actual study area is found and one showing its location in relation to other features, for example, main roads, main rivers and settlements within the parish/region/district. Here is a check list of what should be shown on your location maps.

(i) Highlighted areas of study

(ii) Border

(iii) Legend

(iv) North Arrow

(v) Printed labels

(vi) Scale

Maps should not be photocopied.

A word now on writing the conclusion of your report. Nothing new should be included. Here are some guidelines for this:

(i) It should be a summary of the main points that have been made.

(ii) It should be related to the aim(s) of the study.

(iii) It can restate the general issue - aim(s) of the study.

Remember also the bibliography. You should have made reference to at least three different sources. In doing the bibliography, text books should be listed in alphabetical order by the author's surname, followed by the title, publisher, place of publication and date. The title is underlined. Here is an example:

Wilson, M., The Caribbean Environment for CXC Geography, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2005

If you sourced information from the internet, you should state the name of the website and the date.

The pages of your report must be numbered. This is needed to complete the table of contents. Make every effort to organise your information well, presenting it in a logical order. Develop the points, do not just list them. Use the jargon of the subject and pay special attention to your grammar. A report well done will undoubtedly be awarded high marks. Aim for this.

Music teacher, Dean Powell (centre), browses through an assignment handed in by Damion Williams (left), as another student, Shanelle Thomas, looks on during school activities at Cumberland High School, on Tuesday, February 12. - Anthony Minott/Freelance Photographer

Marjorie Henry is an independent contributor.