Examination anxiety among undergraduate distance students at Chalimbana University.

Abstract

This paper details findings of a study which investigated the prevalence and causes of examination anxiety among undergraduate distance students at Chalimbana University. The objectives of the study were to establish the prevalence of examination anxiety among undergraduate distance students at Chalimbana University, and establish causes of examination anxiety among the students. The study used a descriptive survey design. The sample comprised one hundred and fifty-one (151) students who were randomly selected to participate in the study. Data was collected through use of an online questionnaire through whatsapp student platforms. The findings revealed that majority of the students experienced examination anxiety as they were writing their examination papers. The study also revealed that students experienced examination anxiety due to less work covered during residential school, inadequate preparation for the examination, so many courses to do, and lecturers not doing much to prepare them for the examination. The study recommends that university management should ensure that students are oriented on examinations, course combination, expectations and overall university culture for the students to easily adapt to the university system.