04/09/2023
Open Letter To Hon. Awut Deng Achuil, The Minister Of General Education And Instructions, Juba, South Sudan.
By: Zechariah Riak Jool Nyok
Bor town, Jonglei state
Subject: Urgent Need for Education Reform (case of Examination malpractice)
Dear Hon. Minister Achuil
I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. As a concerned citizen and advocate for quality education, I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the current state of our education system and to urge you to take immediate action towards comprehensive education reform particularly, " the case of Examination Malpractice" . I write this letter to you because we all witnessed how you legitimately became minister of our nation and no one among us who're working in this ministry can question your ascendancy to power. You fought heroically for this country and, you stood by the SPLM and its Leader, HE. Gen. Salva Kiir Mayaardit. You are a loyal servant of the people of South Sudan, and we loved you for it.
Dear Hon. Minister, our nation's future relies heavily on the education and development of our youth. However, it has become increasingly evident that our education system is facing numerous challenges that require urgent attention, and the most challenging thing that needs urgent action is "Examination malpractice", Exams play a significant role in assessing student knowledge, understanding, and critical thinking skills. However, the current practice of exams often falls short in providing a comprehensive evaluation of students' abilities. The national exams isn't meeting the standard due to continuous malpractice, it limits the effectiveness and fairness of the assessment processes.
Dear Hon. minister, allow me to highlight several negative effects of examination malpractice on our nation as a whole. Here are some key negative impacts:
1. Erosion of Meritocracy: Cheating undermines the principles of meritocracy, where individuals are rewarded based on their abilities and hard work. When cheating becomes prevalent, it diminishes the value of genuine achievements and creates an unfair advantage for those who cheat, leading to a society where success is not determined by merit but by dishonesty.
2. Weakening of Educational System: Cheating undermines the credibility and effectiveness of the education system. It erodes the trust between students, teachers, and educational institutions. As a result, the overall quality of education may decline, as students no longer feel the need to study or acquire knowledge honestly.
3. Skills Gap: Cheating deprives students of the opportunity to develop essential skills and knowledge. By relying on dishonest means to pass exams, they miss out on valuable learning experiences, critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and subject mastery. This can result in a significant skills gap within the workforce, negatively impacting the nation's productivity and competitiveness.
4. Reduced Innovation and Creativity: Cheating discourages innovation and creativity. Genuine learning encourages independent thinking, experimentation, and the exploration of new ideas. When students cheat, they bypass the process of acquiring knowledge and deprive themselves of the opportunity to develop their creativity and problem-solving skills, hindering societal progress and innovation.
5. Ethical Deterioration: Cheating fosters a culture of dishonesty and moral compromise. It sends a message that achieving personal gain is more important than integrity and ethical behavior. When cheating becomes normalized, it can have far-reaching consequences beyond the educational sphere, negatively impacting the overall moral fabric of society.
6. Economic Impacts: Cheating can have economic repercussions for a nation. When students graduate without the necessary skills and knowledge, it can lead to a less productive workforce, hindering economic growth and development. Moreover, the devaluation of academic credentials due to widespread cheating can affect the reputation of educational institutions, making it harder for graduates to compete in the job market internationally.
7. Loss of Trust and Confidence: Cheating erodes trust and confidence in the educational system, as well as in societal institutions as a whole. When cheating becomes widespread, it can damage the reputation of educational institutions, affecting their credibility and the trust that students, parents, and the public place in them.
Dear Hon. Minister, as highlighted above the negative consequences of exams malpractice, I won't hesitate to suggest some appropriate mechanisms that need to be taken to mitigate this unethical practice. Here are some of the possible measures that your ministry to undertake;
1. Varied Exam Formats: Utilize a mix of exam formats, including multiple-choice, short-answer, essay questions, and practical assessments. By diversifying the formats, it becomes harder for students to rely solely on cheating methods specific to one type of assessment.
2. Secure Exam Distribution: Ensure that exams are securely stored and distributed to prevent unauthorized access. Use password-protected digital platforms or sealed envelopes to maintain the confidentiality of the exam materials until the designated time of administration.
3. Technology-Based Solutions: Leverage technology to enhance exam security. Online proctoring tools can monitor students remotely, detect suspicious behavior, and flag potential cheating instances. Secure online platforms can also prevent unauthorized access and limit the ability to copy or share exam content.
4. Academic Integrity Policies: Establish clear academic integrity policies that explicitly outline the consequences of cheating. Educate students about the importance of academic honesty and the penalties associated with misconduct. Encourage a culture of integrity and emphasize the value of individual effort and learning.
5. Enhanced Monitoring Techniques: Explore the use of advanced monitoring techniques, such as video surveillance or plagiarism detection software, to identify potential instances of cheating. These tools can serve as deterrents and assist in identifying suspicious behavior or plagiarized content.
In conclusion, I urge you, Minister Achuil, to recognize the importance of exams and its potential to transform our education system for the better future. By implementing a diverse range of assessment methods, we can better prepare our students for the challenges of the future and create a more equitable and inclusive learning environment. I eagerly await your positive response and look forward to witnessing the positive impact that your leadership can have on the education sector.
Thank you for your time, attention, and dedication to the advancement of education in our nation.
Sincerely,
Zechariah Riak Jool Nyok
NB/The writer isn't politician but a concern citizen of South Sudan, a Teacher by Practice and HR Specialist who wants change without violence, segregation, nepotism, and tribalism, he can be reached via [email protected].
