Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1044434
NEWS 5 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 28 OCTOBER 2018 JAMES DEBONO A NUMBER of candidates sitting for MATSEC exams have reported that some can- didates were keeping their mobile phones in their pock- ets to use them in the bath- room, with little to no action taken. A considerable number of respondents complained that even some invigilators chat- ted amongst themselves "or played on mobile phones" during their duties. This emerged from a feed- back survey among candi- dates sitting for MATSEC ex- aminations, which concludes that the illicit use of mobile phones amongst invigilation staff and candidates "seems to be a problem". The survey shows that 77.9% believe that it is difficult to cheat during MATSEC exam- inations. However, according to the report several respond- ents argue that it is fairly easy to copy, either from phones used in bathrooms or from notes being kept under the desk. "It is not fair on us who do not cheat, others take their mobiles in their clothes… and go to the bathroom with them," one candidate was quoted as saying. Another respondent sug- gested searching candidates for mobile phones before ex- aminations commence. Although the vast major- ity (69.8%) believe that in- vigilators were professional, respondents' views about invigilators' professionalism remain "the worst" in the sec- tion about examination cen- tres. According to the report a large number of respondents complain about invigilators talking amongst themselves. Others complained about invigilation staff using their mobile phones during the ex- amination, with one respond- ent claiming the invigilator was playing a game with the sound on. Some also reported that the invigilators left the room un- attended; could not speak or read in English; did not know rules for examinations (art and mathematics were spe- cifically mentioned several times); and three separate re- spondents claimed that invig- ilators even had an argument while candidates were sitting for an examination. The majority of respond- ents (80.0%) said they would like to have coursework con- tribute to the final mark in all subjects as they believe this would make it easier to pass examinations (80.5%) and reduce stress and anxiety (57.1%). Older and male par- ticipants were less likely to agree with the introduction of coursework in all subjects than younger participants. jdebono@mediatoday.com.mt Invigilators played on mobile phones during exams Students have denounced illicit use of mobiles in feedback survey cal experts and they possess no musical talents, it is the produc- ers or the national television station's responsibility not to air that footage," Bell said. However, Bell also says that a tendency to sugar-coat failure or disappointment in Malta, with social expectations that one cannot be "cruel to be kind", is a factor in the way those who do not cut the mustard feel let down. "In every aspect of Maltese mentality, there is a strong feel- ing of over-protection. Aspiring musicians and singers need to learn that resilience is an im- portant ability to possess in the industry," he said. Indeed, having seen the qual- ity of those denied their 'boot camp' promotion, and the re- actions of judges on foreign X Factor editions – like the feared Simon Cowell – Bell says the Maltese judges were timid by comparison. "There is only a certain point up to which you can accuse the producers and judges of simply airing 'bad' auditions," he says of the TV show's format to put in some howlers with the stars. "If you have no musical talent to start with and still insist on competing, then there is noth- ing people can do," he said. And despite the online criti- cism received, Ruth Xuereb will still be enrolling in next year's competition. The unnamed contestant will not. Three separate respondents claimed that invigilators even had an argument while candidates were sitting for an examination