Summary of the Study
The research was designed to analyze examination malpractice in secondary schools in Delta State. In the introductory chapter, a brief background of examination malpractice was discussed and three research questions were raised.
A comprehensive literature review was done to cover the concept of examination malpractice as a subset of examination malpractice, and its causes, the forms of examination malpractice and its effects and finally possible solutions to examination malpractice was reviewed.
The research was designed to analyze examination malpractice in secondary schools in Delta State. In the introductory chapter, a brief background of examination malpractice was discussed and three research questions were raised.
A comprehensive literature review was done to cover the concept of examination malpractice as a subset of examination malpractice, and its causes, the forms of examination malpractice and its effects and finally possible solutions to examination malpractice was reviewed.
The study adopted descriptive survey research design and the population was all secondary school students in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State. However, a sample of one hundred respondents was drawn from the general population. The instrument for data collection was a researcher designed questionnaire and the researcher used frequencies, percentages and mean scores in order to answer the research questions raised.
Findings
The following are the findings as revealed by the study:
1. The most prominent factors that influence students’ dishonest characteristics in secondary schools are: to make better grades in examination, to gain admission go through school and graduate and to incur peers recognition.
2. The major indicators of students’ dishonest behavior are: cheating in examination, term papers etc., and impersonation during admission and examination, submission of fake credentials for admission or examination, and general misbehavior in hostels and classrooms.
3. Students are of the view that the threats and challenges of students dishonest behavior is that the credibility of the degree becomes questionable, academic standards collapses and the institution loses its credibility.
Conclusion
Against this backdrop therefore, it is concluded that the symptoms of dishonest activities by students are with us. They come in forms of cheating in examinations, copying from others, assisting others in writing their private assignments and tests, submission of fake credentials to gain admission and graduate and general misbehavior. These activities are carried out by students on believe that dishonest characteristics are acceptable norms in society and students are not immune to them.
The challenge posed by this ugly demon in secondary schools in Nigeria cannot be overemphasized. Pathetically, the students in secondary schools in Nigeria have painted a clear picture of the consequences of the observed trend in their educational environment. Firstly, their degrees automatically face re-examination as a result of this trend, secondly, institutional stability becomes threatened and thirdly, their institutions lose their credibility.
Recommendations
Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that educational managers, teachers as well as parents should re-orient their children in order to change their behavior towards positive traits in higher education. Specifically, students’ dishonest attributes in higher education should not be allowed to continue since the identification of a problem exposes the solution. In other words, there is a way out of this societal ill and all concerned should embark on its elimination.
Suggestion for Further Studies
The following are suggested for further studies:
1. Other methods of analysis could be used apart from those used in the study.
2. The study can be replicated using other levels of education like secondary and primary schools.
3. The study can be replicated using other states of the federation.
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