An investigation into examination management practices at Takoradi Technical University (TTU)

Abstract

One of the major functions of a higher educational institution is the certification of its individual learners through examinations to find out if the concept of the knowledge and skills that have been imparted into them were understood (Idowu & Esere, 2009). With the purpose of investigating the current state of examination management practices at Takoradi Technical University, the study was conducted using the descriptive research design on all persons involved in the institutions examination process including the departmental administrators, heads of departments, lecturers, faculty officers and the student body. A sample of 370 respondents determined by the Bartlett, Kotrlik and Higgins (2001) table was selected through the quota and purposive sampling techniques. The study used two self-administered questionnaires for the staff and students to obtain data which were analysed using techniques such as means, percentages, frequencies and reliability analyses. It was found that the management activities of TTU before, during and after examinations are good and almost up to international standard. However, they encountered challenges such as inadequate infrastructure such as examination halls and desks for writing the examinations and some students not treated fairly by their lecturers during examinations. It was also found that these challenges could be improved if the examination unit is adequately resourced, its personnel are frequently trained, sufficient examination halls and desks are provided and examinations rules and regulations made known to all stakeholders. In view of these, the study recommended that the examination unit of TTU be adequately resourced and its staff be regularly trained on current issues of examination management.