Critical terms
& definitions
A
ll schools want to reduce incidents of academic dishonesty, but what makes the
difference in outcome—between fostering integrity and not fostering integrity—is the
school’s mindset, and the way this mindset becomes the culture of the school.
SCHOOL FOCUS
SCHOOL FOCUS
Combating Cheating
Academic Integrity
This column reflects attitudes and practices that
either encourage cheating or help perpetuate it.
This column reflects attitudes and practices that
diminish cheating because they foster intrinsic
motivation and academic integrity.
(extrinsically influenced)
(intrinsically regulated)
Teacher attitudes toward academics,
student work, and tests
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Emphasis on getting high grades
Number of points = amount of success
Reward systems for performance & behavior
Tests are to establish grades
Teachers are perceived as not caring about students, or liking
them depends on student attitudes & behaviors
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•
•
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Emphasis on mastery of material
Expectation of continual growth
Tests help identify degree of mastery and areas that need
continued works
Unconditional like, acceptance, love of students
Recognition of student growth
The school’s attitude toward
academics, cheating, and competition
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•
•
•
•
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The school emphasizes performance
High recognition of awards, grades, trophies
Competition pits students against one another
Emphasis on mastery of material
High recognition of growth, improvement
Collaborative goal structured learning
Competition perceived by all students as a healthy test of talent
Parents’ attitude toward academics,
cheating, and competition
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•
•
•
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Pressure on kids to perform better than others
Pressure to gain recognition
A tiny bit of dishonesty is sometimes needed for success
High expectations to master material
Pressure to improve skills
Cheating is unacceptable, not an appropriate way to
solve problems
Peer attitudes toward honor & integrity
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•
Cheating is not a big deal
Almost everyone cheats, or would cheat
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•
Cheating is not an appropriate practice
Very few students cheat here
The student’s attitude toward academics,
honor & integrity
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•
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The purpose of learning is to gain status, money, recognition
Cheating is not a big deal
I need to cheat sometimes
CSEE Connections
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•
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The purpose of learning is to acquire meaningful knowledge & skills
Cheating is a poor way to solve problems
Cheating is contrary to my view of myself
Winter 2014
Page 23