EXAMINATION MANAGEMENT: some useful practices BY DR MAMMAN MUSA DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE EDUCATION AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA A DISCUSSION PAPER PRESENTED AT A WORKSHOP FOR DEANS, DIRECTORS AND HEADS OF DEPARTMENT HELD AT POSTGRADUATE AUDITORIUM, A. B. U. ZARIA ON 2ND FEBRUARY, 2017

INTRODUCTION When a good test is constructed, only one important stage is reached. Good test alone could not guarantee quality of performance until and unless testing situation is well-managed. There are two important stages of examination management: During and After the exam.

DURING EXAMINATION Identify the candidates before the examination begins i.e. screen the candidates along the requirements. Take attendance of the candidates and let each sign the attendance list. This will help detect impersonation and fraud. Always invigilate candidates from the BACK of the examination hall or room not from the FRONT. This enables the invigilator to see all but candidates cannot be able to see him/her. Always be vigilant, do not spend invigilation time reading or marking.

DURING EXAMINATION CON’D Pay special attention to candidates in the centre of the hall. It was found out that most examination malpractices are committed at the centre of the halls not at the edges. Carefully inspect every item placed in bags or on the table. Do not allow a candidate into the examination hall if she/he is more than 30 minutes late. Do not also allow candidates to leave the examination hall until at least 30 minutes in the examination. In case of suspected examination malpractice, ensure that the suspect writes his/her own version of the case. If he/she refuses, hand him/her to the security.

DURING EXAMINATION CON’D 1.The should be at most 40 candidates per invigilator. If the hall is large, divide by 40 to know the approximate number of invigilators required. 2. There should be good seats appropriate to the age of the candidate and ventilated. 3. There should be well light and ventilated halls 4. The seats should be well spaced and linearly arranged. 5. All necessary facilities required during the examination should be made available and functional. 6. Conduct examination at an appropriate time of the day.

AFTER THE EXAMINATION 1. Count the number of scripts collected and let it agree with the number of candidates that sat for the test. 2. Package the scripts and label the content and indicate the number of scripts contained. 3. Hand over the scripts to the examination officer or the HOD  4. Mark the examination scripts question-by question, not script-by- script.

5. If there are several groups teaching a course, there should be coordination For Marking 6. Avoid bulk-marking, but distribute marks according to: accuracy, methodology and bonus for outstanding performance. 7. Attempt answering the exam questions yourself.

END THANK YOU !!!