Cheating in college classrooms is reaching epidemic proportions with more than 74 percent admitting to cheating during their college career. I suspect, that the number is larger than that. Most academic violations occur due to plagiarism, cheating on tests, and in some cases hiring professional writers to turn out term papers and projects. The techniques are varied, as are the excuses.
Dr. Marilyn Price-Mitchell, a well known psychologist recommends that educators and parents create a culture of integrity, and develop a moral vocabulary focused on responsibility, respect, trust and honesty. Dr. Price-Mitchell recommends that it is imperative that we address cheating as and when it occurs, have meaningful conversations with the guilty parties, and help our students believe in themselves.
I think we need to inculcate in our children the importance of honesty, and integrity. That failure at a task is better than cheating, and that grades are only ONE indicator of our skills – and that grades are not an indicator of our self worth. Honesty, respect, and integrity are learned values, and we owe it to our children to teach them well.
About Hemant Rustogi