Exams Malpractice

 By Kefas Yohanna 

Exams are an important aspect of education, as they enable the assessment of students’ performance and knowledge acquisition. However, the integrity of exams is often compromised by malpractice, which involves any dishonest or unfair practice that gives some students an advantage over others. Exam malpractice is a widespread problem that affects education systems worldwide, and it undermines the credibility and reliability of exams.

There are several forms of exam malpractice, including cheating, plagiarism, collusion, and impersonation. Cheating involves unauthorized access to information, such as copying from textbooks, notes or another student’s work. Plagiarism involves presenting someone else’s work as one’s own, either in part or in full. Collusion involves working with others to cheat, such as sharing answers or exchanging information during an exam. Impersonation involves pretending to be someone else, usually by using fake identification documents or impersonating a registered candidate.

The consequences of exam malpractice can be far-reaching and severe, both for individual students and for the education system as a whole. Students who cheat or engage in other forms of malpractice may receive artificially inflated grades that do not reflect their actual knowledge or abilities. This can lead to a false sense of achievement and may hinder their academic progress in the long run. Moreover, exam malpractice can undermine the integrity and fairness of the examination system, eroding the public trust and reducing the value of academic credentials. In some cases, it may even lead to legal challenges or regulatory actions against educational institutions or organizations responsible for administering exams.

There are several factors that contribute to exam malpractice, including pressure to succeed, lack of preparation, inadequate supervision, and inadequate sanctions. Some students may feel compelled to cheat or engage in other forms of malpractice due to intense pressure to succeed, such as high stakes exams that determine admission to prestigious universities or professional programs. Others may feel compelled to cheat due to a lack of preparation, which can be caused by inadequate resources, poor teaching quality, or ineffective study habits. Inadequate supervision during exams can also facilitate the occurrence of exam malpractice, as students may not feel the pressure to abide by the rules if there isn’t someone around to enforce them. Finally, inadequate sanctions for exam malpractice can create a culture of impunity, where students who cheat feel they can get away with it.

To prevent and address exam malpractice, it is necessary to adopt a multi-faceted approach that includes various stakeholders such as schools, teachers, students, and regulatory bodies. Schools and educational institutions can take steps to reduce the pressure to succeed by adopting more inclusive and diverse admission policies that recognize a wider range of skills and abilities. Additionally, schools can provide adequate resources, such as textbooks, study materials, and preparation courses, to help students prepare for exams. Teachers can also play a role by providing adequate support and guidance, as well as by designing exams that are fair, transparent, and reflective of the course objectives.

Moreover, regulatory bodies can play a key role in preventing and addressing exam malpractice by developing and enforcing strict guidelines and policies that discourage and penalize malpractice. These guidelines may include measures such as surveillance cameras, electronic detection systems, and proctors during exams. Strict penalties, including suspension or expulsion, should also be enforced for students who engage in malpractice.

In conclusion, exam malpractice is a serious problem that affects the credibility and reliability of education systems. It undermines the academic integrity of exams, and creates a culture of dishonesty and impunity. To prevent and address exam malpractice, it is necessary to adopt a multi-faceted approach that includes measures to reduce pressure, adequate preparation, strict rules, and penalties for those who engage in malpractice. By taking these steps, we can ensure that the assessment of students’ performance is accurate, transparent and fair, and that students are able to demonstrate their true knowledge and abilities.