Selected Primary Schools’ Compliance in Prevention of Examination Malpractices in National Examinations in Solwezi District, Zambia

Abstract

This study assessed stakeholders’ compliance in the prevention of examination malpractices in selected primary schools in Solwezi district, North Western Zambia. Employing a survey research design, the study population comprised all head teachers, teachers and parent teachers’ committee chairpersons in primary schools in Solwezi district. The sample size of the study was 36 respondents which comprised 30 teachers; 3 head teachers and 3 Parents Teachers’ Committee Chairpersons. These were selected using stratified, purposive and simple random sampling techniques. Semi-structured interviews and focus group discussion were used as data collection techniques. The findings revealed that lack of self-confidence in examinations, excessive exposure to electronic gadgets by pupils and immorality among teachers and learners contributed to lack of compliance in the prevention of national examination malpractices. The study also established that the net effect of lack of compliance in the prevention of examination malpractices were irreversible loss of credibility and grave consequences in future employment opportunities. However, it was also found that provision stiff punishment to culprits and good remuneration to examination officers can help curb examination malpractice in schools. Therefore, it was recommended that aggressive campaigns educating all the stakeholders about the dangers of examination malpractices needed to be mounted coupled with appropriate policy change in the way examinations are structured such as by integrating systematic continuous assessment programs ending with final examinations.