A Phenomenological Analysis of Experiences of Parents, Teachers and Students about Examination Malpractices in Kisii County, Kenya

Abstract

While the problem of examination malpractices in Kenya has been a perennial one, the efforts put in place to address it have not fully borne fruits. This study focused on understanding this scenario from the phenomenological perspective that sought to examine the experiences of teachers, parents and students in Kisii County about examination malpractice and the relationship therein. The following was its objective: explore the complexity of examination malpractice, its related ills and the responsibility of the education stakeholders as experienced by the teachers, parents and students in Kisii County. The study focused on parents, students and teachers in secondary schools in the county who have experienced the problem of examination malpractice. It was guided by normative ethical theories to understand its persistence. It utilized descriptive survey research design through focused group discussions and open-ended questionnaires. Purposive and snowball sampling procedures were used to pick the respondents complemented by document analysis. The study adopted hermeneutic and transcendental phenomenological approaches for both prescription and analysis of data. The findings showed that: forms of examination malpractice are either conventional or non-convectional and are grounded in either the positive or negative experiences of teachers, parents and students; The study makes the following conclusions: focusing on both conventional and non-conventional forms of examination malpractice gives a wider understanding of what ails the examination process in Kisii County; understanding the negative and positive experiences of teachers, parents and students in regard to examination malpractice as well as understanding its complexity is key in formulating a comprehensive solution to the menace; and the network to hold those who engage in examination malpractice responsible to be widened. The study recommends more focus on both the conventional and non-conventional forms of examination malpractices to capture in detail what ails the examination process in Kisii County;  utilization of both the negative and positive experiences of the students, teachers and parents to come up with more all-encompassing solutions to the issue of examination malpractice that is grounded in their experiential attitudes;-, and more analysis of the complexity of examination malpractice to generate more lasting solutions to the menace.