Educationists differ on exams
Education scholars have differed on whether this year’s national examinations should be postponed in the wake of some areas being affected by floods.
The education sector has not been spared as schools have either been damaged or displaced people are sheltering in them. As a result, suggestions pouring in from many quarters are calling for the postponement of this year’s national examinations.
However, Steve Sharra has proposed that government should not postpone this year’s examination schedule but set special ones for those affected by floods.
Said Sharra: “They (the affected students) could be given a different set of examination questions at a more conducive time for them,”
He pointed out that any option put forward (on whether to shift examinations or not) must be explored in the context of the purpose and functions of the examinations.
Former Director of Research and Test Development at Malawi National Examinations Board (Maneb), Gerald Chiunda, is against any postponement of the examinations arguing that there are systems that could be adopted.
Chiunda pointed out that when such a situation occurs, Maneb uses what he calls the Classical Testing Theory (CTT) which compensates those that are in compromised situations like in the flood affected areas.
Said Chiunda: “However, if they insist on changing the examination timetable, the issue of cost has to be put into consideration. This cost is not only in the form of money but time of next year’s academic calendar as well.”
Civil Society Education Coalition (Csec) executive director BenedictoKondowe has called for an assessment to determine how much education was affected by the floods.
Said Kondowe: “It would be unfair for Maneb to proceed with examinations without considering what happened in the affected areas.”
“There will be no special treatment (for students in) the affected areas.” said the Ministry’s spokesperson Manfred Ndovi in a questionnaire response.
Ndovi, however, suggested that the affected students should have additional classes.
Said Ndovi “Those far from their previous schools should attend classes at any nearest school.”
Meanwhile, (Maneb) has released the timetable for this year’s national examinations.
