Eye of the Editors: Cheating
Too often, copying answers is seen as only a student problem, when teachers could be doing more in the classroom to make it more difficult.
March 16, 2016
When it comes to cheating, most would automatically think to put the blame on students. However, teachers in many cases ought to share the blame, for they let the cheating happen right under their noses. Rather than showing trust in students, teachers must come to realize that without enforcing punishment upon students, cheating will continue to run rampant across campus.
Although teachers are fully aware of what occurs among students, many do not pursue consequences unless confronted with it. Instead, cheating exists because of the benefits offered: high test and homework grades, little work, and practically zero consequences. While the overall message at Diamond Bar High School seems to be an intolerance of cheating, nothing is done to fix the problem, creating a mutiny of silence.
Many examples exist that show how easy it is to cheat in class. One of the most alarming truths is that some teachers don’t make new versions of tests even with full knowledge that their tests are obtainable online or through other sources. This results in many students finding the questions and answers and receiving a high grade unethically. As soon as students catch on to the grading system, they take advantage of it.
In addition, some teachers turn their backs on students or even leave their rooms during a test. Over time, these instructors are sending out a message that cheating is the easiest way to achieve success.
Right-minded students and frustrated parents need to come together, complain and refuse to tolerate any situation that clearly shows a lack of academic integrity. The bottom line is that teachers must change the way they handle all aspects of testing in the classrooms. Of course to eliminate all cheating is impossible. However teachers must stop ignore the problem and start dealing with cheaters.
