People cheat, we fudge the scores to win in games, we pretend we have trained for 40 min when it really was only 35min, we sneak that piece of chocolate into our mouths even when we are the only one who cares. We basically take short cuts to make life easier or more pleasant for ourselves. And as long as we just deceive ourselves and no one gets hurt it may not be a big deal.
But when a student cheats it’s a different matter. Of course we all know that students cheat, in fact studies show that more than two thirds admit to cheating on exams, homework and assignments. And interestingly enough people with history of plagiarism as students are more likely to cheat on their partners, defraud on taxes and not follow the rules in workplaces later in life.
When I discovered that a student handed in an assignment that had been copied and pasted I not only felt lied to, but was all so annoyed over the fact that he thought I wouldn’t notice. Now I am left with the decision over what to do and I am very unsure.
On the one hand I want him to learn a lesson, teach him that every action has consequences, something he will hopefully take on board and remember later in life. And on the other hand I don’t want to be too harsh, as he is only a second year student and the main reason behind cheating is feeling too much pressure.
However as cheating does change how a person views right and wrong, I think it better to fail him on the one paper, talk to him about the reason why and hope it makes a change. After all I believe that honesty is too valuable to throw away and the only way you can succeed in life is to be truthful to who you are, not cheat no matter how high the temptation and always remember there is a right and wrong.
Better he learn the lesson in University rather than the workforce.
I think you’re right, but I don’t envy you. That interaction won’t be much fun for you.
no I hate it, but then it’s his fault not mine
Exactly.
Good luck, hope it makes a difference for him. <3
Nice post!I think it’s better to fail him on this paper and talk to him about it. After that, the choice (either to continue cheating when he thinks it’s necessary or not) is his. We have consequences for our actions. Just an opinion!
I so agree, sadly he didn’t show today so I have to wait till tomorrow to chat to him
Oh no!!!! I would be sad, upset, and frustrated all at the same time.
I hope dear one, you find the right way to deal with the situation. I know your words will be kind and eloquent!! (As they always are!)
<3 Jules
Well he didn’t show today so now I have to wait and hope he shows tomorrow … and yes very unpleasant
Yup, I think you have the right approach on the matter. It won’t be a comfortable conversation for either one of you but the lesson of honesty is much too important to let slip by. Good luck.
thanks … hope he comes in tomorrow he was absent today
There is no good excuse to cheat so he should receive the consequences. It’s unfortunate that it puts you in an unpleasant spot but you are also teaching life skills. Good luck.
Thanks … he didn’t come into class today so couldn’t get it off my chest
I believe you are right and it’s better to learn sooner than later…Diane