There are some very unfortunate and reckless posts doing rounds in some rogue social media walls casting aspersions on KCSE markers. The posts castigate, mock and make fun of examiners. Nothing can be further from the truth. Marking the national exams is a very fulfilling and noble task that examiners carry out with pride.
Marking the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams is an essential part of the education system and represents the highest form of professionalism for teachers. The idea of vilifying examiners, mocking their work, or demonizing the process of marking these national exams is both unjust and unhelpful. Instead, we should recognize the crucial role examiners play in maintaining academic standards and ensuring fairness. This article seeks to highlight the nobility of this role and dispel any misconceptions about the process.
National examinations are a cornerstone of the education system. In Kenya, the KCSE plays a significant role in determining the future academic and career paths of millions of students. These exams are not only a measure of academic achievement but also a tool for identifying talent, providing opportunities for higher education, and shaping the workforce. As such, the accuracy and fairness of marking the exams are of paramount importance, and the role of examiners in this process cannot be overstated.
One of the most pervasive misconceptions is that marking exams is a mechanical or routine job, easily prone to errors or influenced by bias. Some people unfairly criticize examiners, suggesting that they do not take the task seriously or that the marking process is flawed. This type of criticism is not only harmful but also dismisses the rigorous training, standards, and dedication that examiners bring to their work.
Examiners are highly qualified professionals, often with years of teaching experience. They are selected through a stringent process that ensures only those with a deep understanding of their subject and the marking process are entrusted with this responsibility. The claim that their work lacks professionalism undermines the integrity of the education system itself.
Mocking examiners also shifts focus from the real issues that may affect student performance, such as inadequate preparation, limited access to learning resources, or even exam stress. Rather than directing our frustrations toward examiners, we should aim to create supportive environments that encourage student success.
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For many teachers, becoming an examiner is not just a job; it is the pinnacle of their teaching career. This is where their dedication, skill, and knowledge converge to ensure that students are assessed fairly. Marking national exams is an extension of the teaching profession, and the work that goes into it demands immense focus, patience, and precision. Each script they mark represents a student’s future, and examiners approach this responsibility with the utmost seriousness.
The process of marking exams is far from being a simple task. Examiners undergo intensive training to ensure they are aligned with national marking standards. They are familiarized with marking schemes and rubrics, ensuring they interpret and apply these consistently across all scripts. This ensures fairness and minimizes the possibility of subjective bias. Each script is carefully evaluated, with examiners working long hours to meet tight deadlines while maintaining high standards of accuracy.
Far from being a source of mockery, marking exams is a testament to a teacher’s professionalism. It requires a mastery of content, pedagogical skills, and a deep commitment to the educational journey of students. Every error or misjudgment could potentially affect a student’s future, making the role of an examiner one of great responsibility.
In many ways, being selected to mark national exams is an honour for teachers. It signifies recognition of their skills, experience, and competence. This process is not open to just anyone; examiners are chosen based on merit and their contribution to the teaching profession. They are entrusted with a critical task: to determine the academic achievements of thousands of students based on fair, objective criteria.
Exam marking also provides examiners with an invaluable perspective on how students across the country interpret and respond to exam questions. This, in turn, enhances their teaching skills. By seeing where students excel or struggle, examiners can better understand common misconceptions or challenges faced by students. This insight helps them refine their teaching methods, ultimately benefiting their own students when they return to the classroom.
Marking the KCSE exams is perhaps one of the noblest responsibilities a teacher can undertake. It reflects a deep commitment to the education system and to the students whose futures rest on these results. Examiners serve as the custodians of academic fairness and integrity. Their role is vital in maintaining public confidence in the education system, as parents, students, and institutions rely on the results to make key decisions.
Furthermore, the mental and emotional effort required by examiners is substantial. They have to remain focused for extended periods, ensuring they do not overlook any detail in the scripts they are evaluating. This work is both mentally and emotionally taxing, but it is also rewarding because examiners know that they are contributing to the future of the nation.
Instead of vilifying or mocking examiners, we should appreciate the critical role they play in the education system. The process of marking national exams is a noble endeavor that requires skill, dedication, and professionalism. It is a process that, when done correctly, ensures that students receive the recognition they deserve for their hard work.
Let us, therefore, support the examiners by acknowledging the challenges they face and recognizing the value they bring to the education system. Teachers who take on the responsibility of marking exams should be celebrated for their contributions to academic integrity and fairness, for they truly represent the epitome of professionalism in the teaching career. Theirs is indeed an envious task.
By Kamomonti wa Kiambati
The writer teaches English and Literature in Gatundu North Sub-county.
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