Incidence of Examination Malpractices in Senior High Schools in the Asante Akim South Municipality

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.