Liberalization of Primary Education and Examination Malpractice in Mbarara City North, Western Uganda.

Abstract

x Abstract The study examined the relationship between liberalization of primary education and examination mal practice in Mbarara City North. The study was guided by the following objectives; i) to assess the level of liberalization of primary education in primary schools of Mbarara City North. ii) to examine the level of examination Malpractices in primary schools of Mbarara City North. iii) to establish the relationship between liberalization of education and examination mal practice in primary schools of Mbarara City North. This study adopted a correlation research design. The study population comprised of the City Inspector of School, City Education Officer, School Management Committee, Headteachers, Teachers, and p.6 Pupils that sat for p.7 external promotional exams and currently in primary seven. The sample size of 468 was used. Purposive sampling and simple random sampling was employed to sample respondents. Data collection methods were self-administered questionnaires and interview guides. Data was analysed by both qualitative and quantitative data analysis. The findings on objective 1 underscore several factors contributing to the enhancement of the teaching and learning process like quality of the school environment, availability of resources, consistent pupil attendance, and parental contributions all play significant roles in fostering a conducive learning atmosphere. The findings on objective 2 suggest that examination malpractices were prevalent in primary schools in form of examination leakage, external assistance provided to pupils, corrupt practices involving stakeholders and examination officials, hiring others to take exams, invigilators extending extra time, and answer sheet substitution during examinations. These results underscore with substantial agreement that examination leakage, external assistance to pupils, corrupt practices involving stakeholders and officials, hiring proxies for exams, extending extra time, and answer sheet substitution are occurring, it's clear that the integrity of assessments is compromised. Findings on objective 3 revealed a significant positive correlation (r = 0.234, p < 0.01) between the liberalization of primary education and examination malpractice in Mbarara City North primary schools highlights the importance of a balanced approach to educational reform. Recommendations to the study were Strengthen examination security measures, Promote ethical conduct and integrity, Enhance monitoring and surveillance, Standardize examination procedures, Strengthen accountability mechanisms, Foster a culture of academic integrity, Conduct comprehensive impact assessments, Integrate integrity into reform strategies and Continuous review and adaptation