Challenges involved in the management of external examinations in secondary schools in Wakiso District

Abstract

The study set out to establish the financial, social and administrative challenges experienced in the management of examinations by secondary schools in Wakiso district particularly, it was to identify the financial challenges, examine the social challenges and explore administrative hurdles in management of external examinations.

The study used a descriptive survey design that employed both qualitative and quantitative methods. Ten schools were selected from Wakiso district using simple random sampling. From these schools, 216 students and 70 teachers were randomly selected. Also, some 30 head teachers from Wakiso secondary schools were randomly selected to participate in this study

The research findings indicated that secondary schools faced financial challenges because of high costs as well as minimal facilitation by UNEB. The social challenges schools face included missing examinations by some students who fail to meet UNEB fees. Also due to pressure from the community to excel, some schools and students involve themselves in examination malpractice with students taking the lead. The study further indicated that invigilators are often stigmatized as they are viewed as watchdogs in the various schools.

It was concluded that secondary schools spend enormous amounts of money during the examinations period. Schools also tend to have too much desire to ensure their children pass highly and some school administrators are forced to close schools prematurely to create room for candidates. In addition, teachers who are deployed during UNEB suffer social stigma due to isolation and cases of indiscipline increase.

It was recommended that head teachers should be trained in financial management, UNEB should provide specimen to schools, students should be sensitized not to get involved in examination malpractice, teachers deployed by UNEB should be well facilitated and that UNEB should punish severely all persons who involve themselves in examination malpractice.