The prevalence of academic cheating in Tanzania Universities
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Date
2019
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Dar es Salaam
Abstract
This study investigated the prevalence of academic cheating in six selected Tanzania universities. It was guided by three objectives. Firstly, to examine the prevailing forms and techniques of academic cheating used by university students. Secondly, to identify the causes of academic cheating among university managements to curb academic cheating in universities. The theoretical framework that explain students’ academic cheating phenomenon was informed by the Planned Behaviors theory and the Social Learning theory. This study is located within a pragmatic research approach which utilizes a mixed methods research approach. It employed a survey research design within multiple cases to answer the three research objectives and questions. Data were collected from a total sample of 2588 respondents. Categorically, there were 2230 university students and 358 academic staff form six selected university colleges and universities in Tanzania. Four were public and two were private. Data was collected through questionnaires, focus group discussions and documentary review. Data were analyzed beginning with cleaning and screening. Quantitate data were analyzed by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) VERSION 19 and were presented in tables, figure and charts while qualitative data analyzed through thematic analysis. The findings revealed the following. First, finding unfold that there were cases of examination cheating were identified: Examination cheating committed by students and those committed by academic staff. Examination cheating committed by students include copying from other students, seeking help from fellow students during the exams, sitting closer to academically able students and hiding materials in toilets. Examination cheating committed by lecturers include leaking exam papers, selling examination, stealing copies of exam papers, among others Secondly the findings revealed three main causes of examination cheating: student related, lecturer related and institutional related causes. Student related causes were inadequate preparation, fear for discontinuation, poor time management and desire for high GPA, Lecturer related causes include incompetency, favoritism and limited time allocate for marking while institutional related causes include enrolment of large number of students against available resources and examination format. On measure taken to curb examination cheating, strengthening invigilation, Nullifications of examination results and termination from employment for academic staff. Finally, findings revealed that measures taken were effective and efficient but require review to meet the changing context of higher education This study recommends that higher education institutions should employ mullt- strategy approach that involve stakeholders in creating conducive environment for quality provision of education that prepares competent graduates with competitive skills needed in the labor market.
Description
Available in print form, East Africana Collection, Dr.Wilbert Chagula Library, class mark (THS EAF LB2366.2T34 M832)
Keywords
Examination, Cheating, University and collages, Tanzania
Citation
Muga P.G (2019)The prevalence of academic cheating in Tanzania Universities,Masters dissertation,University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam.