THE PRACTICES OF CHEATING IN EXAMINATIONS IN THE CASE OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN AREKA TOWN ADMININSTRATION, WOLAITA ZONE, SNNP REGION BY

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the practices of cheating in examinations the case of secondary schools of Areka Town Administration, Wolaita Zone, SNNPR and to forward helpful intervention which could minimize the problem of cheating in examinations in the schools under study. The study was based on descriptive research survey methods, qualitative and quantitative approach was used so as to come up with adequate/proper findings. A purposive sampling method would be used to select eight sections out of grade ten students in two secondary schools and a quota and simple random sampling methods were used to select 240 students, 40 teachers and 5 directors from two schools and the questionnaire papers were distributed to them. Descriptive statistics mainly, cross-tabulations, frequency count, percentages, mean, weighted mean and chi-square were used by employing SPSS computer software in the analysis of the findings. The study reveals that, Insufficient preparation for the examinations among many students, lack of parents follows up on students day to day activities, punishment is not serious, not giving attention for learning and lack of self confidence among students as the major causes of cheating in examinations. Furthermore, looking other students answer sheet, throwing scratch of papers, exchanging question papers each other, using devices (mobile, calculator), helping another student to cheat and using short notes were identified as the techniques used by students to cheat in examinations. Again, creating an environment where cheating is unacceptable, tryout up to top ten ranked students by special classes, making students to know about schools rules and regulations regarding academic cheating, giving tutorial classes and special attention for low achiever students , reading culture of students to be revised and during exam, providing a seating arrangement which inhibits cheating is necessary especially in large class are the solutions taken by teachers and administrators to minimize the problem of cheating in exams. Finally, desire among many students to pass exam in all cost, not accepting cheating as generation killer in education etc were some of the attitudes of students and teachers towards cheating in examinations. To alleviate the above, it was recommended that schools should have strict rules and regulations regarding academic cheating and should incorporate in its rules “what is forbidden” and give awareness to the students early and should implement the rules strictly and consistently.