Causes of Examination Malpractice

Security Education JSS 1 Second Term Lesson Notes – Week 5

Topic: Causes of Examination Malpractices

Lesson Details

Subject: Security Education
Class: JSS 1
Term: Second Term
Week: 5
Age: 10–12 years
Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioural Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

Define examination malpractice.
Identify the causes of examination malpractices.
Explain the effects of examination malpractices.
Suggest ways to prevent examination malpractices.

Keywords

Examination
Malpractice
Cheating
Integrity
Consequences

Set Induction

The teacher asks students:

Have you ever seen or heard of someone cheating in an exam?
Why do you think students cheat?
What do you think happens to those caught in exam malpractice?

These questions will help introduce the lesson.

Entry Behaviour

Students have written tests and exams before and may have observed or heard about malpractice.

Learning Resources and Materials

Posters on examination ethics.
Case studies of students caught in exam malpractice.
Newspaper articles on the consequences of malpractice.

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

Students have learned about honesty and integrity in past lessons.

Embedded Core Skills

Critical Thinking
Problem-Solving
Ethical Reasoning

Lesson Content

Definition of Examination Malpractice

Examination malpractice refers to any form of cheating before, during, or after an examination to gain an unfair advantage.

Laziness and poor study habits – Students who do not study look for shortcuts.
Fear of failure – Some students cheat because they are afraid of failing.
Pressure from parents and teachers – High expectations may push students to cheat.
Peer influence – Friends encourage each other to cheat.
Lack of preparation – Students who are not ready for exams may cheat.
Poor teaching methods – If lessons are not well taught, students may struggle and cheat.
Inadequate supervision during exams – Weak monitoring allows malpractice.
Desire for high grades – Students cheat to obtain good results dishonestly.
Corrupt invigilators and school staff – Some teachers or officials assist cheating for money.
Lack of strict punishment – When cheaters are not punished, others follow their example.

Effects of Examination Malpractice

Production of unqualified graduates – Students who cheat may lack knowledge.
Lack of self-confidence – Students may doubt their abilities.
Encourages corruption – Those who cheat may become dishonest in life.
Disgrace and expulsion – Schools punish or expel students caught cheating.
Low educational standards – Malpractice weakens the education system.
Poor performance in higher institutions – Cheaters struggle in advanced studies.
Loss of respect and integrity – Employers and society lose trust in dishonest students.
Legal consequences – In some cases, malpractice is a crime with legal punishments.
Emotional stress – The fear of being caught causes anxiety.
Damaged reputation – Schools with high malpractice rates lose credibility.

Ways to Prevent Examination Malpractice

Proper study habits – Students should read and prepare for exams early.
Strict supervision during exams – Schools should monitor exams closely.
Teaching good moral values – Students should learn honesty and integrity.
Avoiding last-minute cramming – Studying consistently prevents panic and cheating.
Strict punishment for offenders – Schools should punish students who cheat.
Encouraging confidence in students – Teachers should help students believe in themselves.
Using different question formats – Teachers can set unique questions to prevent cheating.
Use of technology to monitor exams – CCTV and strict exam conditions can help.
Parental support and guidance – Parents should encourage hard work and discipline.
Reducing pressure on students – Schools and parents should focus on learning, not just grades.

Evaluation

Choose the correct option:

What is examination malpractice?
a) Writing an exam without permission
b) Any form of cheating in an exam
c) Passing an exam without reading
d) Getting high scores honestly
One cause of examination malpractice is ____.
a) Hard work
b) Fear of failure
c) Honesty
d) Regular studying
A major effect of exam malpractice is ____.
a) High-quality education
b) Production of unqualified graduates
c) Respect for cheaters
d) Increase in student confidence
How can students avoid exam malpractice?
a) Studying well and preparing early
b) Copying from friends
c) Paying for exam questions
d) Using mobile phones in the exam hall
Which of the following is a way to prevent malpractice?
a) Allowing students to cheat
b) Encouraging last-minute cramming
c) Strict supervision during exams
d) Ignoring exam misconduct
What is one emotional effect of exam malpractice?
a) Confidence boost
b) Stress and anxiety
c) Happiness
d) Motivation to cheat more
A school with high examination malpractice cases will ____.
a) Gain more respect
b) Lose credibility and reputation
c) Attract honest students
d) Be praised by society
One consequence of cheating in exams is ____.
a) High integrity
b) Expulsion from school
c) Academic success
d) Increased job opportunities
Who is responsible for preventing examination malpractice?
a) Only the government
b) Parents, teachers, and students
c) Only teachers
d) Only students
The best way to succeed in exams is ____.
a) Hard work and preparation
b) Cheating and bribing invigilators
c) Copying answers from friends
d) Using secret materials in the exam hall

Class Activity Discussion

What is examination malpractice?
Why do students cheat in exams?
How does exam malpractice affect the education system?
What can schools do to stop malpractice?
How can parents help prevent their children from cheating?
Why do some teachers or school officials support malpractice?
What is the punishment for malpractice in schools?
How can students build confidence in their studies?
Do you think cheating helps students in the long run? Why or why not?
What would you do if you saw someone cheating in an exam?

Conclusion

The teacher marks students’ work and provides feedback.