The purpose of this study was to examine the various forms of exam malpractices in national examinations in Ethiopia, the perceived causes, and the mechanisms used to prevent the malpractices. A qualitative approach was used in which five participants from two departments in National Educational Assessment and Examinations Agency working in different positions were purposively selected for the study. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews with the help of an interview guide. The findings revealed that different agents are involved in exam malpractices: examinees, invigilators, supervisors, exam center chiefs, parents, politicians, officials, and the local communities. The major forms of malpractices committed by examinees include: Bringing prepared answers to the examination halls, copying from others, writing notes on body parts, impersonation, using electronic devices, exchanging exam papers, disturbing the examiners and the exam situation, bribing examiners, etc. The study identified that mass cheating, and cheating with mobile phones are the most serious problems. The major cause that pushes students to cheat in exams is the desire to get better results, especially, when they are not well prepared and this arises from the desire to join the competitive field of studies in higher education. Examiners on the other hand tolerate or support cheating due to the benefit they get from examinees or to support their own groups. It was also found that politicians leak examination papers to get political advantage. To control the problem effectively, the study recommends a technology-based online examination system or Computer Based Testing.

Authors:
Aregawi Gidey, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
Belay Hagos, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia

About the Presenter(s)
Aregawi Gidey is a PhD student specializing in Educational Assessment and Evaluation. Gidey has earned a Master's degree in Measurement and Evaluation from Addis Ababa University and has been working as a learning assessment expert at national level

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/aregawi-gidey-80ab781b7/

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