TITLE:
Academic Integrity and Exam Invigilation/Proctoring Risks: A Chief Examiner’s Storied Experiences at a University in Ghana
AUTHORS:
Florence C. Awoniyi, Abraham Amankwah, Araba A. Z. Osei-Tutu
KEYWORDS:
Examination, Higher Education, Academic Integrity, Invigilation/Proctors, Risks, Examination Policy, Ghana, Narrative Inquiry
JOURNAL NAME:
Creative Education,
Vol.15 No.9,
September
29,
2024
ABSTRACT: Examinations play an important role in many educational systems towards fairness, validity, and reliability of the results produced, and vigilant invigilators are invaluable in preventing cheating by enforcing the rules. However, in certain contexts, enforcing the rules and guidelines of examinations puts invigilators/proctors at risk of emotional, mental, and physical harm. This study employs a Narrative Inquiry approach to interpret and understand the meanings that a chief examination officer makes of the physical and emotional risks experienced in their role. The lived experiences shared revealed blackmail, intimidation, and even physical harm as some of the risks invigilators navigate in their role. This study builds on the chief invigilator’s experiences and recommendations to underscore the necessity for educational institutions to enhance invigilator safety. Examination threats can undermine the credibility of certificates and the integrity of awarding institutions. Additionally, the study calls for further research to explore these risks more broadly across universities in Ghana, Africa, and globally.