Writing and Performing against Examination Malpractice in Selected Secondary Schools in Pankshin Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Abstract

 Examination malpractice is a huge challenge to formal education at all levels. Students, teachers, parents and examination supervisors have been indicted on several occasions leading to embarrassing headlines on print, radio, television and social media. While there are laid down punishment for Examination Malpractice as prescribed by the Examination Malpractice Act, this worrisome practice is still on the rise. The researcher in an attempt to discourage the act of Examination Malpractice among secondary school students initiated an outreach to twelve (12) secondary schools in Pankshin local government area of Plateau State. This Theatre in Education approach featured dramatized plays written by the researcher and performed by young amateurs trained by him for the project. Selective interviews were carried out among the students to gauge the impact of the play. It was discovered that the consequences of Examination Malpractice revealed in the play- Mr. Malpractice were better appreciated through the play than the warnings read out to them in a formal class. It was recommended that plays with strong moral and social consequences on Examination Malpractice be encouraged for presentation in secondary schools so as to discourage this act among the students. The paper concludes that partnership with faith-based drama organization like the Theatre mass Consult Linkages can help to stem the tide of Examination Malpractice in society.