Examination Malpractices – JSS3 Civic Education Lesson Note (Second Term)

Examination malpractice is any deliberate act of wrongdoing or abuse of the rules and regulations governing the conduct of an examination (internal or external).

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. define examination malpractice;
2. identify the forms of examination malpractice;
3. state causes of examination malpractice;
4. explain the effects of examination malpractice;
5. suggest solutions to examination malpractice.

What is examination malpractice?

Examination malpractice is wrong or illegal behaviour by a person before, during or after an examination.

• Rule breaking: it is the act of violating the rules and regulations of an examination body in order to succeed.
• Range: it covers copying answers from a textbook or sheet of paper, buying examination questions, and getting another person to write an examination for you.
• Internal examinations: these are set by the school, such as end-of-term tests.
• External examinations: these are set by outside bodies, such as BECE, WAEC and NECO.

What are the forms of examination malpractice?

Examination malpractice can happen before, during or after an examination.

Common forms explained

• Cheating: copying from another student, notes or a textbook during the examination.
• Impersonation: getting another person to write the examination in your place.
• Leakage: release of examination questions to candidates before the examination.
• Bringing foreign materials: taking notes, written papers or phones into the hall.
• Collusion: candidates, teachers or officials working together to give or receive answers.
• Bribery: giving money or gifts to officials, supervisors or markers to gain an unfair advantage.

What causes examination malpractice?

The causes of examination malpractice are numerous, and they come from students, teachers, parents, schools and society.

Causes linked to society and the school

• Paper qualification: undue emphasis on certificates for placement in higher institutions and other occupational opportunities.
• Poor examinations: difficult and poorly moderated examinations push students to cheat.
• Shortage of teachers: lack or shortage of qualified teachers leaves topics poorly taught.
• Poor library facilities: students have too few books and resources to study well.
• Poor test administration: for example, shortage of question papers and poor timing.

Causes linked to the student

• Poor preparation: the student has not studied enough and fears failure.
• Test anxiety: fear of tests and examination phobia.
• Lack of confidence: the student doubts his or her own ability.
• Negative peer groups: friends influence a student to cheat.

Causes linked to home and teachers

• Lack of motivation: teachers and parents do not encourage students to study.

What are the effects of examination malpractice?

Examination malpractice harms the student, the school and the nation.

• Loss of values: it is a serious problem and a threat to societal norms and values such as honesty and industry.
• Poor communication: students are unable to communicate correctly in the English Language.
• Expulsion: a student may be sent away for low academic performance, despite the “good result” used to secure admission.
• Inability to cope: the student cannot manage outside the school system, since he or she got through by dubious means.
• Punishment: a student caught cheating may have his or her result cancelled or be disqualified.
• Loss of respect: certificates from a school or country known for cheating are doubted by employers.

How can examination malpractice be reduced?

Examination malpractice can be reduced when students, teachers, parents, schools and examination bodies each play their part.

Solutions

1. Examination questions should be well screened. The examination committee must ensure that the questions are not so difficult that many students fail.
2. There should be enough security measures during the examination period.
3. Schools should be well equipped to make the environment conducive for students to learn and develop good study habits.
4. More qualified teachers should be employed in schools.
5. Teachers should not create examination phobia in students.
6. Examination officials, supervisors, invigilators and others should be people of proven integrity and high moral standards.

Roles of different people

• Students: study early, avoid bad friends and refuse to cheat.
• Teachers: teach the full syllabus, encourage students and set fair questions.
• Parents: motivate children, provide books and avoid pressure to pass at all costs.
• Government and examination bodies: equip schools, employ teachers and punish offenders.

Evaluation

1. Define examination malpractice.
2. State four causes of examination malpractice.
3. Explain two effects of examination malpractice on a student.
4. Suggest three ways of reducing examination malpractice in schools.

Assignment

Explain three solutions to examination malpractice and state who is responsible for carrying out each one.