New Teacher Tips on Cheating in the Classroom

Cheating is becoming more and more of aalways taught in conjunction with the child's needs
problematic issue in education in many classroomsand abilities. Test administration can be rethought to
around the world. The issue of cheating is farto lay out new expectations regarding class time for
however from being solved: cell phones and textpreparation for tests.
messages have become an additional culprit forWhat Should You Do?
cheating on tests and it is uncertain how futureIf you find yourself still in an awkward situation,
technology will continue to affect the cheatingunable to stretch beyond the curriculum definitions
situation.and limitations, it is important to find out what is the
Causes for Cheating in Schoolschool policy on cheating so that you know where
Students cheat because of many reasons, the mainyou stand in case you do run into instances of
being that they don't feel they can succeed on thecheating.
the test and as a result, they feel a need to coverYour first line of defense is to prepare multiple
up for whatever weaknesses they may have.versions of the same test. This is completely free
In the meantime however, it is important for you toshareware. It works for all questions.
know where you as a new or seasoned teacherIn addition, here is a list of responses, which might be
stand with regard to cheating in elementary, middlepart of your school policy or you might wish to bring
and High School. It is also equally important to knowit up with your school staff. What other reactions
what other teachers' feelings regarding cheating. Doprevail by other teachers regarding cheating?
they...- no credit for the test or assignment cheated on
- negative grade on the test or assignment
1. Feel strongly about cheating, respond strongly- sent to the principal
when it happens?- sent to the class teacher
2. Punish it when it happens, but don't convey strong- private talk with the teacher
indignation.- discussion with the whole class (no names
3. Respond not very assertively, would really rathermentioned) on rights and wrongs. (follow-up should
not know.be immediate)
4. Don't take any notice.- class discussion leading to clarification of rules and
Stop Cheating in School: Classroom scenarios beforepenalties about cheating. (follow-up should be
the testimmediate)
The atmosphere at school can definitely exacerbateIt should be very clear to pupils about the code of
the cheating situation. But, there are instances whencheating and what types of behavior will not be
a child believes in his or her ability to succeed, whichtolerated. Students are always looking where to
has a positive effect on his or her learning andstretch the limits (especially now with the new
self-esteem.technology) and it is important that you are backed
When students plan and design their own testup by school policy and / or the decisions of your
questions together for instance, with the teacher andparticular staff, before you commit to informing the
under teacher supervision and guidance they are notstudents on a consequence that has not been
only digesting the information, but they are workingimplemented previously.
towards higher level thinking skills, which are not