NTI First Semester Examination Preparation Guide
This helps NTI students
understand the examiner’s intention before they start writing. Let’s begin:
GENERAL A1 TIPS BEFORE
ATTEMPTING QUESTIONS
1. READ TEXTBOOKS
FIRST: Always begin with your NTI course textbook. Focus on:
1.
Definitions
2.
Educational thinkers and their relevance
3.
Historical timelines
4.
Contributions to Nigerian education
2. STUDY PAST
QUESTIONS: Review and practice past exam papers. Most questions are repeated or
restructured versions.
3. UNDERLINE KEY TERMS in
every question (e.g., “critically examine,” “explain,” “contributions”).
4. MANAGE YOUR TIME:
Spend about 20-25 minutes per long essay question and 10-15 minutes for short
notes.
5. USE SIMPLE LANGUAGE:
Be precise. NTI markers look for clarity and relevance.
6. POINTS FIRST,
EXPLAIN LATER: Use bullet points or number your answers. First state your
point, and then explain it briefly.
7. QUOTE THINKERS
ACCURATELY: Know what major philosophers and thinkers contributed especially
those linked to Nigerian education.
8. SAMPLE ANSWERS
(Concise & Straight to the Point)
9. Understand the Question:
Understanding what each question is asking you to do is the first step to answering
it correctly and scoring A1.
A1 Exam Tips for NTI
Students – PDE 101 (History of Education)
First Semester
Examination Preparation Guide
PDE
101: HISTORY OF EDUCATION (NTI FIRST SEMESTER EXAM)
With Meaning of Each
Question Instruction + Concise Answer
Q1. Critically examine
the Athenian and Spartan systems of education and draw out their similarities
and differences.
What
are you asked to do?
Critically examine
means: explain the strengths and weaknesses, and look at both sides.
Draw out similarities
and differences means: compare and contrast the two systems.
Sample
Answer (Summary):
Athenian Education:
Focused on arts, philosophy, and free thinking. Education aimed to produce
citizens and thinkers.
Spartan Education:
Focused on military training, discipline, and obedience.
Similarities: Both
trained boys, prepared citizens, and were state-controlled.
Differences Table Provided
in Previous Response.
Q2. Write short notes
on each of the following great education thinkers with particular reference to
their contributions to the Nigerian education system.
What are you asked to
do?
Write short notes
means: give a brief explanation or biography.
With particular reference
to Nigerian education means: show how their ideas influenced education in
Nigeria.
Sample Answer:
Plato: Advocated moral
education and justice. Nigeria applies this in civic and moral education.
Dewey: Believed in
learning by doing. Nigeria uses practical education and continuous assessment
because of him.
Julius Nyerere:
Promoted self-reliant education. Nigeria includes vocational skills in schools.
Q3. Describe the major
features of education in ancient Egypt.
What are you asked to
do?
Describe means: explain
or list clearly what the features were.
Sample Answer:
Ø Education
was religious and moral.
Ø Controlled
by priests in temples.
Ø Focused
on training scribes and elites.
Ø Emphasized
respect, writing (hieroglyphics), and discipline.
Q4. Discuss the main
educational ideas of Aristotle (384–322 BC).
What are you asked to
do?
Discuss means: explain
with examples and show how the ideas connect.
Sample Answer:
·
Education should start early and cover
moral, intellectual, and physical training.
·
Believed in teaching by observation and
practical reasoning.
·
Divided knowledge into: Theoretical,
Practical, Productive.
·
Influenced modern systems that combine
academics and ethics.
Q5. Explain the major
threats facing the development of education in Nigeria today.
What are you asked to
do?
Explain means: describe
each threat and how it affects education.
Sample Answer:
1. Inadequate funding: Poor
facilities and low teacher pay.
2. Corruption Money:
meant for schools is diverted.
3. Brain drain:
Educated teachers move abroad.
4. Exam malpractice:
Reduces the value of education.
5. Policy inconsistency:
Changes in education plans confuse schools.
Q6. Enumerate and
discuss the nature and goals of the traditional system of education in Nigeria.
What are you asked to
do?
Enumerate means: list.
Discuss means: explain
each item briefly.
Sample Answer:
1. Character training Children were taught morals.
2. Respect for elders Very important in society.
3. Vocational skills Farming, weaving, etc.
4. Cultural preservation passing down customs.
5. Preparation for adult roles Training for family and community
roles.
Q7. (a) State five aims
of traditional education in Nigeria. (b) List its merits and demerits.
What are you asked to
do?
State means: list
clearly.
Merits = advantages,
Demerits = disadvantages.
Sample Answer:
(a) Aims:
1. Moral upbringing
2. Skill acquisition
3. Social
responsibility
4. Respect for elders
5. Religious training
(b) Merits:
1.
Practical
2.
Community-based
3.
Affordable
Demerits:
No reading/writing
Excludes girls in most
cases
No certificates
Q8. (a) Identify 5
problems of post-independence secondary education. (b) List 5 steps government
took to solve them.
What are you asked to
do?
Identify = name the
problems.
List steps = say what
was done to address them.
Sample Answer:
(a) Problems:
1. Lack of trained
teachers
2. Poor school
buildings
3. Exam malpractice
4. Overcrowded
classrooms
5. Unreliable
curriculum
(b) Solutions:
1. Unity schools
2. ETF for funding
3. Teacher training
colleges
4. Free textbooks
5. Curriculum reforms
Q9. Explain the
contributions of philosophers to education.
What are you asked to
do?
Explain contributions:
What ideas did they introduce and how do they still matter?
Sample Answer:
Socrates: Used
questioning to teach (Socratic method).
Plato: Ideal society
through education.
Aristotle: Balance of
moral and academic training.
These ideas influenced
Nigeria's civic education, teaching methods, and ethics.
Q10. Why do you need
the knowledge of the History of Education as a trainee teacher?
What are you asked to
do?
Explain why it’s
important to study history of education.
Sample Answer:
·
Helps understand the origin of current
practices.
·
Helps avoid past mistakes.
·
Gives insight into global influences on
Nigerian education.
·
Builds respect for the teaching
profession.
FINAL
MOTIVATION TO NTI STUDENTS:
“Understanding the question is 50% of the
answer.”
Before you write, ask
yourself what you’re really being asked to do: Is it to explain, compare,
describe, list, or discuss?
Stick to point +
explanation + example where possible.
Read your textbook
before memorizing answers.
PDE-102
DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY EXAM GUIDE
1. Growth &
Development
Q1a. Five (5)
differences between growth and development
What you're asked to
do: Compare two related concepts clearly.
Answer:
|
Growth | Development |
|
-------------------------------- |
------------------------------------------ |
| Physical increase
(height, size) | Total change
(physical, mental, emotional) |
| Measurable | Not always measurable |
| Stops at
maturity | Continues through life |
| A part of
development | Broader term |
| Quantitative |
Qualitative
|
Q1b. Five (5)
implications of growth and development for teachers
What you're asked to
do: List how understanding growth helps teachers.
Answer:
1. Helps in lesson
planning according to age.
2. Aids classroom
management.
3. Helps in addressing
individual differences.
4. Guides selection of
teaching methods.
5. Ensures realistic
expectations from learners.
2. Human Development
& Environment
Q2a. Human development
is naturally contextual – Discuss
What you're asked to
do: Explain how development depends on surroundings.
Answer:
Human development
happens within social, cultural, and physical environments. Family, school,
community, and peers shape how children grow intellectually, emotionally, and
socially.
Q2b. Five aspects of
personality influenced by environment:
Answer:
1. Attitude
2. Social behavior
3. Confidence
4. Emotional control
5. Communication style
3. Prenatal Development
Q3a. What is the
'Uterine Environment'?
Meaning: Define the
womb condition where the baby grows.
Answer:
The uterine environment
refers to the conditions in the mother’s womb during pregnancy, which affect
the baby’s growth.
Q3b. Ten (10) factors affecting
prenatal development:
Answer:
1. Maternal health
2. Nutrition
3. Alcohol or drug use
4. Infections
5. Stress
6. Radiation exposure
7. Maternal age
8. Genetics
9. Environmental toxins
10. Physical injuries
4. Personality &
Language
Q4a. What is
'Personality'?
Meaning: Define the
term.
Answer:
Personality is the
unique pattern of thoughts, emotions, and behavior that defines a person.
Q4b. Five (5) factors
affecting personality:
Answer:
1. Family background
2. Peer influence
3. Culture
4. Media
5. Education
Q5. Five (5) factors affecting
language development:
Answer:
1. Parental interaction
2. Hearing ability
3. Social exposure
4. Cognitive
development
5. Educational
background
5. Adolescence &
Adulthood
Q6a. Define
Adolescence:
Answer: A stage of
human development between childhood and adulthood, usually from 12–19 years.
Q6b. Five personality
needs of adolescents and their implications:
Answer:
1. Identity Need self-confidence activities.
2. Independence– Involve them in decision-making.
3. Social acceptance – Group tasks help build belonging.
4. Emotional support – Teachers must show care.
5. Guidance Career and moral
counseling is important.
Q7a. Examine adulthood and
its intellectual features:
Answer: Adults are more
focused, practical, and prefer problem-solving learning.
Q7b. Five strategies
for teaching adults:
Answer:
1. Use real-life
examples
2. Encourage
discussions
3. Allow self-paced
learning
4. Respect experience
5. Use multimedia
6. Emotional &
Cognitive Development
Q8a. What is emotion
and its trend in school children?
Answer:
Emotion is a response
to internal or external events. In children, emotions become more expressive
and may cause distractions in learning.
Q8b. Five causes of
emotional problems & ways to suppress:
Causes:
1. Family issues
2. Peer rejection
3. Poor health
4. Low self-esteem
5. Academic failure
Ways to manage:
·
Provide counseling
·
Use positive reinforcement
·
Create a safe classroom
·
Encourage group activities
·
Monitor progress
7. Conception &
Cognitive Development
Q9a. What is
conception?
Answer: The process
where a male sperm fertilizes a female egg.
Q9b. Stages of prenatal
development:
1.
Germinal (0–2 weeks)
2.
Embryonic (3–8 weeks)
3.
Fetal (9 weeks–birth)
Q10b. Piaget’s four
stages of cognitive development:
1. Sensorimotor (0–2
years)
2. Preoperational (2–7
years)
3. Concrete operational
(7–11 years)
4. Formal operational
(12+ years)
8. Lesson Planning,
Teaching & Communication
Q11. Define a lesson
plan and its five purposes:
Answer:
A lesson plan is a
teacher’s guide for teaching a topic.
Purposes:
1. Guide for teaching
2. Time management
3. Sequence of content
4. Instructional
objectives
5. Assessment guide
Q12. Five barriers to
classroom communication:
1. Noise
2. Distractions
3. Language level
4. Poor teaching
methods
5. Emotional stress
FINAL WORD TO NTI
STUDENTS:
Ø “Your
NTI textbook is your best friend before this exam.”
Ø Understand
the meaning of the question before answering.
Ø Use
keywords, write in points, and stay relevant
Ø With
focus, preparation, and prayer, you’ll get A1.
PDE-105: Measurement and Evaluation
NTI
First Semester Examination
It
includes:
Ø A1 exam tips
Ø Meaning of the question (what you're being asked to do)
Ø Precise sample
answers
Ø Encouragement to read your textbook before answering
A1 EXAM TIPS FOR NTI STUDENTS
1.
Study your
NTI modules carefully most questions come
directly from them.
2.
Understand the difference between
key terms: test, measurement, assessment, evaluation.
3.
Practice
calculating mean, median, mode, standard
deviation.
4.
Always follow instructions:
define, explain, differentiate, calculate, list.
5.
Use point + explanation + example
format.
6.
Avoid story
writing be clear and straight to the point.
1. Evaluation Concepts
(a) Define Evaluation
Meaning: Say what evaluation means in education.
Answer:
Evaluation is the process of collecting and interpreting information to
determine the effectiveness of learning or teaching outcomes.
(b) Distinguish Between Test, Assessment, Measurement, and
Evaluation
Meaning: Highlight their unique meanings and differences.
Answer:
|
Concept |
Meaning |
|
Test |
A tool used to measure knowledge,
skill, or ability. |
|
Assessment |
Continuous process of collecting
evidence of learning. |
|
Measurement |
Assigning numbers or scores to
performance. |
|
Evaluation |
Judging the worth of the
performance or result. |
(c) Five Factors for Effective Evaluation
Answer:
1.
Clear objectives
2.
Valid and reliable tools
3.
Unbiased marking
4.
Feedback to students
5.
Trained evaluator
2. School-Based Assessment (SBA)
(a) Define School-Based Assessment
Meaning: What is SBA in the school
context?
Answer:
School-Based Assessment is the evaluation of students' progress by the
classroom teacher using tests, assignments, projects, and observations
throughout the term.
(b) Four Ways SBA Enhances Teaching
Answer:
1.
Identifies students' strengths and
weaknesses
2.
Helps adjust teaching methods
3.
Encourages feedback and correction
4.
Promotes continuous learning
(c) Classifications of Educational Objectives
Answer:
1.
Cognitive – mental skills (knowledge)
2.
Affective – emotions/attitudes
3.
Psychomotor – physical skills
3. Test Construction
(a) Basic Principles for Constructing Multiple-Choice
Questions
Answer:
1.
Use clear and simple language
2.
Ensure one correct answer
3.
Avoid clues or grammatical hints
4.
Distractors must be plausible
5.
Align questions with objectives
(b) Five Purposes of Constructing Tests
Answer:
1.
To assess knowledge
2.
To determine promotion
3.
To guide instruction
4.
To identify learning gaps
5.
To motivate learners
4. Validity and Reliability
(a) What is Test Validity?
Meaning: Can
the test measure what it is supposed to?
Answer:
Validity is the extent to which a test measures what it claims to measure.
(b) Types of Validity
Answer:
1.
Content
Validity – Covers the syllabus
2.
Face
Validity – Appears suitable on the surface
3.
Construct
Validity – Measures a psychological concept
4.
Criterion-related
Validity – Compares test results with a
standard
(c) Difference Between Validity and Reliability
Answer:
- Validity = Accuracy
- Reliability = Consistency
A
test can be reliable (same result each time) but not valid (measuring the wrong
thing).
5. Scoring and Essay Tests
(a) Guidelines for Scoring an Essay Test
Answer:
1.
Use a marking scheme
2.
Read all answers before scoring
3.
Be consistent
4.
Score one question at a time for all
students
5.
Avoid bias
(b) Explanation of Terms
- Mean: Average score
- Median: Middle score
- Mode: Most frequent score
- Range: Difference between highest and lowest
- Standard Deviation: How spread out the scores are
6. Statistical Calculations
Given Data (40 numbers):
35,
32, 33, 57, 52, 29, 30, 42, 43, 47, 35, 51, 45, 51, 50, 48, 41, 25, 23, 24, 35,
50, 40, 45, 55, 37, 36, 23, 25, 27, 56, 57, 25, 27, 33, 51, 43, 41, 51, 57
You
will calculate:
- Mean = Sum ÷ Number of items
- Median = Middle value (arranged in order)
- Mode = Most frequent number
(Due
to space, I can help with exact steps/calculations in another message if needed)
7. Continuous Assessment
(a) Define Continuous Assessment
Answer:
A method of evaluation where a student is assessed consistently over time, not
just by one final exam.
(b) Features of Continuous Assessment
1.
Continuous and cumulative
2.
Diagnostic
3.
Comprehensive
4.
Flexible
5.
Uses many tools (tests, projects,
observation)
8. Evaluation Types
Formative vs. Summative Evaluation
|
Type |
Description |
|
Formative |
Ongoing, used during learning to
improve teaching |
|
Summative |
Done at the end to judge
performance (e.g. final exams) |
9. Types of Tests
|
Test
Type |
Purpose |
|
Intelligence
Test |
Measures mental ability (IQ) |
|
Achievement
Test |
Measures what has been taught |
|
Aptitude
Test |
Measures ability to learn new
things |
|
Interest
Test |
Measures what a person enjoys or
prefers |
Final Motivation to NTI Students:
Ø
“You are not just writing an
exam—you are training to measure minds and shape learning. Take every topic
seriously.”
Ø
Use your textbooks and notes.
Practice the calculations often.
Ø
Understand the concepts before answering.