By Ibrahim Mansaray (Nello Jay.) & Santigie Abu Kamara
Introduction
Examination malpractice refers to the unethical behavior of unscrupulous students using various harmful methods to cheat on exams in an attempt to pass and receive high grades. According to Sooze (2004), examination malpractices include any unethical methods used by students to pass exams. This claim is consistent with that definition. One issue plaguing Sierra Leone’s educational system is examination malpractice, which has been known to occur there for a while. Academic credibility is being negatively impacted by this issue at all levels and in all kinds of exams, internal or external. It is impossible for certain pupils from Sierra Leone to write a test without engaging in some sort of exam misconduct. Interethnic players in Sierra Leone’s education system had long been curious about the prevalence of examination malpractices.
To put it simply, examination misbehavior or wrongdoing is what is meant by examination malpractice. In order to earn a “A” on their exam, a student may also exhibit a negative attitude. Examinee-related misconduct has become a widespread occurrence in today’s culture, which is completely incorrect; many now view this as a business opportunity, particularly in the secondary and tertiary sectors.
The Examination Malpractices and Miscellaneous Offences Act (Act 33 of 1999), which was created by the Sierra Leonean government to address the problem, has become such a concerning occurrence for all parties involved in the educational system. Examinees typically continue over from secondary school into the qualifying test that is required to get admission to tertiary institutions, where they are likely to commit examination malpractices that have spread widely and become a regular occurrence.
Examination misconduct is punishable by repercussions, which include repeat exams or a two- or four-semester suspension from the University of Sierra Leone, a government-affiliated and private university. Students continue their exam-related misconduct in spite of this severe action. Aiming to explore the causes of test malpractices as reported by University of Sierra Leone and University of Management and Technology undergraduates, this study was founded on this premise.
Examining practices’ causes and impact
The widespread problem of examination malpractice in today’s educational environment has a profound impact on students’ intellectual, ethical, and personal growth, below are the following Causes and impacts.
Causes of examination malpractice
Parent: Exam malpractice is mostly influenced by parents, who use all means necessary to ensure their children achieve high exam results. This is especially true during the junior, senior, and college years. Please allow me to state that parents are the primary culprits behind exam malpractice. From early childhood education to post-secondary education, parents should be able to keep a constant eye on their children’s academic progress. Exam malpractice will be effectively eliminated or reduced as a result of this.
Educators: A growing number of professors nowadays are also contributing to the criminology act of examination malpractice by increasing the level of examination malpractice on a daily basis due to their lack of academic expertise. Due to the high rate of unemployment in our society, many people enter the teaching profession despite having little experience in it. This has a negative impact on students taking lectures because they lack the necessary knowledge and are forced to resort to unethical behavior in order to pass their exams.
Pupils / Student: Exam misconduct is most commonly promoted by students. Why would you do an atrocity like this? Alright, since1. You wish to avoid reading. Three. You observe your buddies acting similarly, and you want to pass by all means. The Act of Cheating refers to this, which is essentially incorrect. As you would be unable to explain your performance in public, you are deceiving society, your parents, and yourself. For what reason, then, are you now involved in an activity that neither benefits you nor your community? Quit and put an end to this abusive behavior in the examination.
Impact of examination malpractice
Inadequate Education and Information Gathering: The main goal of assessments is to gauge students’ comprehension and proficiency in the material, and examination malpractice undercuts this goal. Students lose the chance to actually study and understand the material when they cheat or commit other misconduct. Their understanding consequently stays limited and imperfect. As a result, they not only struggle academically but also find it more difficult to use what they know in practical ways.
Decline of Academic Honesty and Morality: Exam cheating weakens students’ sense of moral responsibility and academic integrity. Cheating develops a culture of dishonesty and undermines the concepts of justice and meritocracy in education. It discredits diligence, dissuades sincere effort, and encourages a false sense of urgency. In addition, kids who achieve through dishonest methods lose out on the opportunities for character development that arise from taking on obstacles, growing from setbacks, and becoming resilient.
Reduced Self-Respect and Self-assurance: Exam misconduct can have serious consequences for students’ confidence and sense of self. Imposter syndrome and feelings of inadequacy can arise when people realize that their academic results are the result of cheating rather than their own skills. Anxiety is heightened and confidence is undermined by the persistent worry of being discovered. This could lead to a cycle of low self-esteem and stunted personal development as kids grow more and more reliant on dishonest methods.
Poor Readiness for Upcoming Difficulties: Exam fraud costs kids the chance to acquire critical abilities and traits they will need to overcome obstacles in the future. Cheating allows pupils to get around the process of analytical reasoning, problem-solving, and critical thinking that tests are meant to evaluate.
Reduction in Credibility and Respect: Examination fraud damages students’ reputations in the academic community and in the larger society. People who have a reputation for cheating lose credibility in their accomplishments and are seen as less trustworthy. Their interpersonal and professional connections may suffer long-term effects from this lack of respect. Furthermore, it damages the confidence that organizations, employers, and society have in their skills and credentials, which may limit their future possibilities for growth and progress.
Furthermore, I would like the government of Sierra Leone to develop a unique policy on examinations malpractice that will deter people from engaging in such malpractice. Parental guidance, should lay more emphasizes monitoring their children both at school and home on the importance of reading and learning until they reaches there climax. Teachers should possess a strong foundation or have completed their degree before working as instructors or lecturers, (qualification in education). Students should adopt a positive outlook prior to, during, and following exam period. Schools should not encourage students to cheat on exams; instead, they should prepare them well.
In conclusion
It is impossible to exaggerate how detrimental examination fraud is to today’s pupils. The ramifications go well beyond the purely academic context, ranging from lowered learning objectives to ruined integrity and character.
References
Adekale, A. (1993). Incidence and causes of examination malpractices among students Nigerian Journal of Educational Foundations, 4, (1), 18-4 1.
Adenipekun, O. (2004 March 4). Examination Malpractices and multibillion naira business Vanguard Retrieved July 19, 2009 from website: htt://www.sdnetwork.kabissa.org.
Josephson, M., 1998. Report card on the ethics of American youths; Los Angeles, CA: Josephson
*The authors of this article, Ibrahim Mansaray (Nello Jay. ) & Santigie Abu Kamara are lecturers at IPAM – University of Sierra Leone
Copyright –Published in Expo Magazine, February Edition, Vol.2, No.2, 2024 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
