SOLUTION TO EXAM PAPER LEAKS
Dear Editor,
LEAKAGE of examination papers is not uncommon; it has always been there; and now it is worse with the incoming of I.C.T (Information Communication Technology).
Leakage of examination papers is a contributory factor to:
(1) Many honest students being denied admittance at universities, colleges and other institutes of higher learning; and
(1) High failure rate at 60 percent of students sitting for the first - year examination at these institutes of higher learning.
The Examination Council of Zambia’s recent propositions:
(1) to cancel and print new examination papers;
(2) to engage security forces to guard examination papers; and
(3) to use Close Circuit Television and video surveillance are unsustainable and not a panacea to leakage of examination papers.
Examinations Council of Zambia and Ministry of General Education are urged to adopt the Russian methodology which renders leakage of the examination papers inconsequential and lays a level playing field for students sitting for an examination.
According to the Russian methodology:
(1) Students write their answers under the watchful eye of invigilators and, one by one, present their written answers to a committee of examiners which, after going through the answers, asks the students (candidates) probing questions and give a pass mark there and then at the end of the day; and
(2) Students wishing to pursue further studies at any university, college, or any other institute of higher learning should sit for an entry examination.
MWIMBA GEORGE BWALYA, Lusaka.