Stopping Cheating and Plagiarism in Schools
Tips For Proactive Teachers When Testing or Assigning Papers
Dec 1, 2008
Cheating and plagiarism in American high schools continues to increase every year. The Josephson Institute of Ethics reports a 60% increase in students cheating on tests while 36% of student respondents admitted to using the internet to plagiarize. It may not be possible to eliminate cheating entirely, but teachers can take steps to slash the statistics and create a mood in the class room that discourages cheating.
- During testing activities, space students as far apart from each other as is possible, placing them in different seats than they normally occupy.
- If students are allowed to carry cell phones, have every student place his cell phone on the corner of the desk. Students frequently text message test questions and answers to each other.
- If possible, use several different versions of a testing instrument. This is crucial if the same tests are being given in multiple classes.
- Insist that all book bags and other personal items are stowed behind the desks and that they are closed. Allow no loose notes next to the desk on the floor.
- If the test is essay or requires writing, provide the paper or the examination booklets.
- When students have questions, have them come to you so that you can still see the entire class.
- Be highly visible! Stand in the front of the class or walk the aisles looking at every test taker.
- Utilize totally different test versions or formats for make-up tests.
- When the students have left the class room, look over every desk to ensure that no notes were scribbled on the desk tops.
Plagiarism on Papers and Essays
One of the best ways to avoid plagiarism is to invest, as a school, in an on-line service such as Turn-It-In. These multifaceted programs not only detect internet plagiarism, but can be used as valuable tools to teach students about originality in research and writing. If such a service is being used, draft a policy mandating 100% student and teacher compliance. Students with the intent to plagiarize will resist submitting their final work. Additionally, compare the hard copy of the paper with the on-line submission.
- Read each paper carefully, vetting those submissions that include suspicious phrases or paragraphs.
- Cross check footnotes, internal citations, and bibliographies.
- Look for obvious changes in writing style.
Teachers that develop reputations for vigilance will experience far fewer incidents of cheating and plagiarism. Gaining that reputation may be difficult initially, but the long term results are worth the early efforts.
Teaching students how to write an original piece is the first step in preventing plagiarism. Some students may not know how to properly cite sources or credit ideas and conclusions drawn from a secondary source. Using one class period (or more) to highlight or reinforce proper sourcing goes a long way in preempting unpleasant situations.
Finally, every school should develop a concise written policy that addresses cheating, plagiarism, and any other form of inappropriate activity related to assessments. This policy should be both remedial and punitive.
Summary
Teachers can significantly curb test cheating and plagiarism by developing practical methods of assessment administration and paper submission guidelines. Students will rapidly come to understand that it is not possible to cheat in that particular class room. Appropriate class room supervision and management will ensure that every testing situation is ethical and valid.
 |
