The University of Malta has received the Matsec post-examination feedback from candidates. The survey was sent to all candidates and a total of 1,549 replies were gathered.

The survey showed that feedback about examination centres and invigilation, which are organised and managed by the Examinations Department, Ministry for Education and Employment, is mostly positive, although it is the one area with most indicated room for improvement, the University said.

It added that, this year, however, more respondents complained about noise levels and traffic congestions.

Although most candidates said that they were uninformed that Matsec published a new candidates’ guidebook, the University pointed out that those who did use the guidebook reported it to be positive.

It said that as from the coming exam session, information about access to the guidebook will also be given with the exam timetable.

Most of the other respondents were informed either by the school or by following the Matsec website or social media. Most respondents (81.7%) seeking help from Matsec report it to be helpful, the University said.

It added that, “the only group of respondents which was not satisfied with the response was the group which used non-MATSEC official means (e.g. student organisations, school counsellors, petitions).”

The University also said that most survey respondents would prefer aural examinations to be conducted using live speakers.

The University added that, “following the implementation of recorded audio for SEC Arabic, German, and Spanish, this year the same practice was extended to the foreign language subjects at SEC level with the largest number of registrations: Italian and French.”

“Respondents, including those who did not sit for SEC examinations this year, reported audio problems as a reason why aural examinations should be conducted using live speakers,” it said.

This suggests, the University pointed, “that respondents’ views were influenced by media reports about lack of audibility during one of the examinations. Others think that using a live speaker would allow candidates with unfair advantages, such as resorting to lip reading or asking the examiner to reduce his/her rate or change his/her accent. Recorded audio, on the other hand, provides equal conditions to all candidates.”

Most respondents had positive views about coursework interviews held at Matsec, which are held as part of every examination session. The University said that, feedback collected from respondents who did attend such an interview was mostly positive.

The survey found that most of the respondents agreed with the structure of the Matriculation Certificate, “specially the importance given to interdisciplinarity, while disagreeing with the compulsory nature of IM Systems of Knowledge.” the University said.

It noted that the older candidates were more likely to see value in Systems of Knowledge. Most respondents also suggested that one should be required to obtain a passing grade in all these six subjects.

And finally, the survey noted that most respondents believed that the provided examination access arrangements were fair.

The full report may be accessed here.

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