Causes and effects of examination malpractice in public basic schools at afram plains, Ghana

Abstract

Examination malpractice has been a major problem in Ghana education sector. This practice lures students into other areas of misconduct, builds false foundation for students, among others. To this effect, the main aim of this study was to examine the causes and effects of Examination malpractice in Kwahu Afram Plains South District. In achieving this aim, the following objectives were put forward; to examine the causes of examination malpractices in Kwahu Afram Plains South District; to identify the effects of examination malpractices in Kwahu Afram Plains South District. The methodology employed quantitative approach with descriptive survey research design where questionnaires were administered through simple random technique in selecting the various professionals needed for this study. The targeted population was 365 students and 85 teachers from three (3) selected schools in Kwahu Afram Plains South District. The sample size of the study was 60 with 34 students and 26 teachers. All the 60 Questionnaires administered were retrieved. The questionnaires were scrutinized by the supervisor to ensure its validity and also the instrument was found to be viable, it measures the determinants influencing the examination malpractice in Ghana. The data was then analyzed using descriptive statistics while RII ranking technique was used in ranking the various determinants. The findings depicted that, the critical determinants which causes examination malpractices in Kwahu Afram Plains are; Desire to pass and fear of failure. The study also depicted that some of the major effects of examination malpractices are; builds false foundation for students who engage in it, and defeat the goals of education. The research recommended that, the government and school administrators should constantly organize seminars and workshops to educate the students, lecturers, parents and even the administrators on the consequences of examination malpractice.