International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) |Volume VI, Issue XI, November 2022|ISSN 2454-6186
Strategies for Curbing Examination Malpractices: A Mediating Role of Gender
Justice Dadzie, Ruth Annan-Brew (PhD), John Ahorsu-Walker
Department of Education and Psychology, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
Abstract: The purpose of the study was to examine the perception of teachers and students towards the efficiency of the techniques implemented to reduce examination malpractices in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis. Two hypotheses were tested. The design for the study was a descriptive survey. The sample of the study comprised 280 invigilation teachers and 370 students from 10 public senior high schools in Sekondi-Takoradi. A 4-point rating scale questionnaire named “Stakeholders Perceptions of the Effectiveness of the Strategies for Curbing Examination Malpractice Questionnaire (SPESCEMQ)” was adapted. Means, standard deviation and, multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was used for analysing data. The results of the study revealed that the strategies adopted for curbing pre-examination malpractice strategies were effective, but post-examination malpractices were slightly effective in Sekondi-Takoradi, Ghana.
Keywords: Examination misconduct, Gender, Pre-examination strategies, During examination strategies, Post examination strategies
I. INTRODUCTION
The cornerstone to economic prosperity is education. It is the only way to get information in all aspects of life, which is the foundation of progress. As a result, every country invests extensively in educating its citizens so that they are well-versed in all aspects of the country’s economy. At every educational attainment, the educated are expected to demonstrate some degree of knowledge to contribute to the overall economic growth of the nation. As a result, to demonstrate that one has attained the appropriate level of knowledge, he or she must pass an examination at that level of education. The outcome of the examination defines an individual’s advancement. Therefore, an examination can be seen as one of the most essential and practical techniques of determining the level of student performance in a certain line of study or instruction. “Any test that will give a true assessment of students’ performance must be legitimate, trustworthy, and free of examination misconduct” (Onuka & Durowoju, 2013 p. 342).
1.1Background to the Study
Education, according to Asante-Kyei and Nduro (2014), is amongst the most important elements for every nation’s socioeconomic growth. An examination, in their opinion, is one of the assessment strategies that is used to review and assess the output of the educational structure regularly. Academia helps to develop students’ talents, competencies, and job-ready skills in preparation for the labour market. As a result, an examination is a necessary process in the educational system. According to Asante-Kyei and Nduro (2014), examination continues to be one of the most acceptable techniques for