Educate Students

Individuals are more likely to act with integrity if students are educated about what constitutes academic honesty and academic dishonesty. In a study of high school students, Donald L. McCabe (1999) found that

Most of the students said that there is little discussion and cheating at their schools. Cheating is mentioned only occasionally; for example, at school orientation or during the first day of class.

McCabe also found that

Although some schools publish their policies on cheating in a student handbook, many students felt that such guidelines have little impact on cheating.

As college faculty members, we cannot assume that students entering our classes know what constitutes cheating. (Berg, 2005) And we cannot believe that Schoolcraft College’s strongly worded policy on cheating will have any impact on cheating. Instead, we must teach students how to behave ethically in our disciplines. “Most students want to be honest; dishonesty is not innate; it is learned. Preemptive instruction, role modeling, and rewards must precede the learning of cheating.” (Petress, 2003)

Best Practices

Combating Internet Ignorance

Require a Handbook

Hold Class Discussions

Develop Grading Rubrics

Plagiarize Proof Specific Assignments

Design Re-education Campaigns

Refer to Tutors

Refer Students to LAC

Help Students Become Scholars

References and Resources

McCabe, Donald L. “Academic Dishonesty Among High School Students.” Adolescence 34.136 (1999): 681-87.

Petress, Kenneth. “Academic Dishonesty: A Plague on Our Profession.” Education 123.3 (2003): 624+.

Steven L. Berg, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of English and History
Schoolcraft College, 18600 Haggerty
Livonia, MI 48152
734-462-4400
sberg@schoolcraft.edu

This page was last updated on 4 November 2007.