Policy related strategies to curb examination Malpractices among Undergraduate Students in Kenyan Universities

Abstract

Universities have formulated policies on the execution of examinations but, examination malpractices are still witnessed. Eradicating examination malpractices needs engagement in enquiry driven reform and probing teaching and learning and schooling realities to highlight what to be done and how. The study's main purpose was to evaluate policy-related strategies to curb examination malpractices among undergraduate students in Kenyan universities. The theory of Planned Behaviour guided the study. The sample size comprised of 450 participants; lecturers, dean of students (DoSs), heads of departments (HoDs), examination officers(EOs) and undergraduate students from the selected universities in Kenya. Proportionate stratified sampling was used to select lecturers and students, simple random sampling for HoDs and further purposive sampling for DoSs and EOs. The study adopted a mixed methods design and data was collected using questionnaires, interview schedules, focused group discussions and document analysis. A pilot study was carried out to check the reliability of the research instruments. Data was analysed using both qualitative and quantitative statistics and results interpreted using frequencies, standard deviations, means and percentages. Pearson‟s Correlation Coefficient was employed to determine relationships between variables. The study findings on the existing policies related to examination malpractices have positive and statistically significant effect on curbing examination malpractices (r =0.669; p<0.05). The existing policies related to the examination malpractice have great effect on the degree to which students can practice examination cheating. Policies related to examination malpractices among undergraduate students include attaining minimum mark of 40 makes students engage in examination malpractices, overcrowded examination rooms which tempt students to cheat in examination, low lecturer/student ratio and lack of proper students‟ records make students to lie. Universities are better advised to adopt good policies that can curb examination malpractices. The study recommended that academic departments to review the minimum pass mark since the policy of minimum mark encourages students to be lazy and definitely engage in examination malpractices. It is also recommended that DVC and the Registrar in charge of academics to make spot checks during examination as a way of monitoring what is happening during this process of examinations.