Abstract:
This study explored the incidence of examination malpractices in Senior High
Schools (SHS) in the Asante Akim South Municipality of the Ashanti Region
of Ghana. The study adopted the descriptive survey design. Using a
questionnaire and an interview guide, primary data were sourced from SHS
students and head teachers within the Asante Akim South Municipality. The
population of the study comprised 5,497 students and 5 head teachers. The
simple random sampling technique and purposive sampling technique were
used to select 361 students and 5 head teachers respectively. The findings
showed that most students engage in examination malpractice due to their
desire to score high marks, poor preparation towards the exam, fear of failure,
and low self-esteem. The findings also indicated that students engage in
various forms of malpractices such as smuggling of notes written on tiny
pieces of paper into the examination room, writing of short notes on their
palms, and thighs. The findings revealed that poor performance at the
workplace, high cost of conducting examinations due to the possibility of
cancellation of examination results, dishonest attitude of students which will
later lead to corruption and nepotism at workplaces were some of the major
effects. It was concluded that students desire to be successful and pass their
examination causes them to engage in malpractices. It was recommended that
headteachers through the school guidance and counselling programmes should
intensify sensitizations to learners on the dangers of engaging in examination
malpractices.
