Cheating and plagiarism are prevalent issues in the educational setting. It can be observed in both high school and college level courses, and it has become a major concern for educators and education professionals. Cheating and plagiarism can lead to reduced academic integrity, a lack of trust between students and educators, and decreased learning outcomes. Punishing students for cheating and plagiarism is not always an effective solution, as it does not address the root causes of the behavior. Instead, educators must look beyond punishment and address the root causes of cheating and plagiarism in education. This article explores the various causes of cheating and plagiarism and suggests some solutions that can be employed to reduce its occurrence.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Causes of Cheating and Plagiarism
Pressure to Succeed
One of the main causes of cheating and plagiarism is the pressure to succeed. Students are under constant pressure to achieve academic success, which can lead them to take shortcuts such as cheating or plagiarism. A study conducted by the International Center for Academic Integrity found that students who are under academic stress are more likely to cheat. This pressure can come from parents, peers, or educators, and it can be compounded by societal expectations and norms.
Lack of Understanding
Another cause of cheating and plagiarism is a lack of understanding. Students may not fully understand the material or the assignment requirements, which can lead them to cheat or plagiarize. In some cases, students may not have the necessary skills to complete the assignment, which can also lead to cheating or plagiarism. Educators must ensure that students have a clear understanding of the material and the assignment requirements to prevent cheating and plagiarism.
Easy Access to Information
Easy access to information is also a contributing factor to cheating and plagiarism. With the advent of the internet and various online resources, it has become easier for students to access information and use it to complete their assignments. In some cases, students may not even realize that they are committing plagiarism, as they may not understand the rules surrounding citing sources. Educators must teach students about proper citation and referencing techniques to prevent unintentional plagiarism.
Lack of Consequences
A lack of consequences for cheating and plagiarism can also contribute to its occurrence. When students are not punished for cheating or plagiarism, it sends a message that the behavior is acceptable. Educators must enforce consequences for cheating and plagiarism to deter students from engaging in the behavior.
Solutions to Cheating and Plagiarism
Emphasize Learning, not Grades
One solution to cheating and plagiarism is to emphasize learning, not grades. When students are focused solely on achieving high grades, they may be more likely to cheat or plagiarize. Educators must shift the focus from grades to learning and understanding the material. This can be achieved by assigning projects and assignments that require critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which cannot be achieved through cheating or plagiarism.
Teach Academic Integrity
Another solution is to teach academic integrity. Educators must teach students about the importance of academic integrity and the consequences of cheating and plagiarism. This can be achieved by holding workshops or seminars on academic integrity and by incorporating discussions on the topic in the classroom.
Assign Authentic Assessments
Assigning authentic assessments is another solution to cheating and plagiarism. Authentic assessments require students to apply what they have learned to real-world situations, which cannot be achieved through cheating or plagiarism. Authentic assessments may include group projects, case studies, or simulations.
Provide Support for Students
Providing support for students is another solution to cheating and plagiarism. Educators must provide students with the necessary resources to succeed, such as tutoring, study groups, and academic advising. By providing students with the support they need, educators can help reduce the pressure to cheat or plagiarize.
Further Research
Although there are several solutions to address cheating and plagiarism in education, further research is needed to identify effective strategies. Future research should focus on exploring the efficacy of different interventions, such as academic integrity workshops and authentic assessments. In addition, research should examine the relationship between academic stress and cheating and plagiarism to identify ways to reduce academic stress while still promoting academic success.
Implications for Practice
Educators can implement the solutions presented in this article to address cheating and plagiarism in the educational setting. By emphasizing learning, teaching academic integrity, assigning authentic assessments, and providing support for students, educators can promote academic integrity and reduce the occurrence of cheating and plagiarism. Educators can also work collaboratively with other professionals, such as academic advisors and tutors, to provide students with the necessary resources to succeed.
Conclusion
Cheating and plagiarism are significant issues in the educational setting, and educators must take a proactive approach to address these behaviors. Punishing students for cheating and plagiarism is not always effective, and educators must employ solutions that address the root causes of these behaviors. By emphasizing learning, teaching academic integrity, assigning authentic assessments, and providing support for students, educators can promote academic integrity and reduce the occurrence of cheating and plagiarism.