Examination malpractices in the Senior High Schools in Ghana the case of Asutifi North and South districts, Brong Ahafo

Abstract

The study sought to identify issues relating to examination malpractices and the role of the school leadership in controlling or eradicating this cankerworm in the educational system in Ghana. Asutifi North and South Districts (ANSD) of Brong Ahafo were used as study area. The study adopted the exploratory descriptive survey. The population was 4,480 students, 240 teachers in the four SHS and 2 district directors in the ANSD. A sample size of 519 which comprised 367 students, 150 teachers and 2 directors of education in the two districts was used. Purposive sampling was used to select heads of department, school heads and district directors of education. Simple random and stratified sampling methods were respectively used to select teachers and students for the study. Questionnaires, interviews and focused group discussion were used to gather data. Pilot testing was conducted to ensure validity of the instrument while Cronbach Alpha Coefficient was used to obtain reliability of the instrument which yielded a reliability coefficient of 0.94. Mixed analytical technique was used. Data gathered were analyzed using percentages and frequencies. Tables, chart were used in presenting the data. It was found that impersonation, copying answers from modules or text books and candidates intentionally writing exams in EM friendly centres were forms of EM among others; ill-preparation for examination, student’s desire to pass at all cost, and over emphasis on acquiring certificates were the major causes of EM; while students, invigilators and supervisors were the principal agents of EM in the ANSD; and EM negatively affects schools, students and the society as a whole. It was concluded that exams officials lacked integrity and trustworthiness; and effective teaching and learning was lacking in schools. Therefore, it was recommended that school leaders should ensure effective teaching and learning in schools; and exams officials selected should be people of integrity and trustworthy.