INFORMATION ON STUDENTS CHEATING ON TERM PAPERS Presenting Module 1B

Cheating on Term Papers The Problem

The issue of cheating on term papers is a national problem…  In surveys of 14,000 undergraduates over the last four years, an average of 61 percent admitted to cheating on assignments and exams.  Students no longer regard certain acts as cheating at all, for instance, cutting and pasteing a few sentences at a time from the Internet.  Gabriel, T. (2010, July 5th). New York Times Education. Retrieved September 6th, 2010, from New York Times :

The issue of cheating on term papers is a national problem… (cont.)  Although cheating is not a new concept, the popularity of the internet has created a much easier way to access information without being accountable.  As of December 2004, there were over 250 sites for Internet Term Papers where students can buy a paper written by someone else.  Bates, P. & Fain, M. (2009, March 23). Retrieved September 7 th, 2010 from Coastal Carolina University Kimbel Library: Presentations; Cheating 101: Paper Mills and You:  Professor Trevor Harding describes it as ‘Technological Detachment Phenomenon’  In his interviews with students he finds that as long as there is some form of technology between the student and the action then there is no culpability for the action.  Young, J. (2010, March 28). High Tech Cheating Abounds, and Professors Bear Some Blame. Retrieved September 7 th, 2010, from The Chronicle of Higher Education: Cheating-on-Homework/64857/

Schools Dealing with Cheating Current Policy

How do schools address the cheating issues?  By establishing a clear policy  By making students aware of the policy  By using technology to curve cheating and train teachers  By teaching students that any form of cheating is an unacceptable behavior and has consequences  By showing students what constitutes cheating  By educating the students on the proper ways of doing research, using references, and citing

Creating Policy from the Student Code of Conduct at Bismarck State College  Students at Bismarck State College are expected to be honorable in behavior and above reproach in pursuit of their academic achievements. Cheating, plagiarism, or collusion in class work, laboratory performance, shop work, or test taking is unacceptable and subject to disciplinary action.  Definitions: Cheating is: Copying from another student. Possessing or using material during an academic activity not authorized by the instructor. Collaborating with or seeking aid from another student without authority. Knowingly using, buying, selling, stealing, transporting, or soliciting in whole or in part the contents of an unadministered test. Plagiarism is the appropriation, buying, receiving as a gift, or obtaining by any means another person's work and the unacknowledged submission or incorporation of it in one's own work. Collusion is the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written work offered for credit.

Creating Policy from the Student Code of Conduct at Bismarck State College cont..  Policy:  It shall be the policy of Bismarck State College to have rules and regulations governing the conduct of students and to provide regulations and procedures for disciplinary action.  Authority:  The North Dakota State Board of Higher Education has delegated the administration of student discipline to the President of the College, who in turn may assign to individuals and/or committees the responsibility for assisting with the enforcement of the rules, regulations, and policies of the College.  Bismarck State College. (2010, May). bismarckstate.edu. Retrieved September 7th, 2010, from Bismarck State Student Handbook:

Mandan High Schools Policy on Cheating  First offense – “0” on that test or project.  Loss of semester test exemption in that course.  Parents are notified.  Second offense – Parents are notified.  “F” (60%) for the nine weeks period.  Further offenses may result in detention time.

Jamestown Public Schools Cheating Policy  Offense: Cheating  Definition: A student copying work or answers done by another student, or a student supplying work or answers to another student.  Initial Consequence: 1. Teacher will handle 2. Zero credit received for the work 3. Work must be redone for credit according to the teacher’s late work policy  Subsequent Consequence: 1. Zero credit received for the work 2. A “U” received in conduct for the quarter 3. The work must be redone for class requirements  Jamestown Middle School. (August, 2009). Retrieved September 7th, 2010, from Jamestown Middle School Handbook:

Help to Stop Cheating Prevention

Technology can Catch Cheaters and Train Teachers  SafeAssign- by Blackboard allows teachers to check papers for plagiarism  Students can submit papers, they are checked against SafeAssign’s databases of source materials.  Instructors may upload papers directly with the Direct Submit feature.   Grammarly is a online proofreader but also has a plagiarism option.  Students can use Grammarly to check for borrowed text before it gets them into trouble.  Teachers can use Grammarly to check students work. 

Technology can Catch Cheaters and Train Teachers  Turnitin – company provides teachers a resource for checking papers.  Student submits paper to Turnitin.  Teacher access shows papers that might have been copied by website resources in percentages and gives links to those sites.  ProctorU is a service to help students take exams online. Using almost any webcam and computer, students can take exams at home, at work, or anywhere they have internet access.

Technology can Catch Cheaters and Train Teachers  DOC Cop – is a plagiarism detection tool that can be used to find matches between a document and the web.  It allows the teacher to judge if plagiarism may have occurred.  There is no fee in processing the material. 

Provide Information on Cheating at Student Orientation  Schools spend time during student orientation educating students what cheating is, what the honor code is at their school, and the consequences if you are caught.  Schools direct students to watch an online tutorial on cheating.  Schools provide parents with information on cheating.

Use Creative Techniques  Have students present their information with a creative format.  Students must create a flyer or brochure to share their information.  Students must create a short presentation to share with their class.  Have the students write from a variety of view points.

Research and Term Papers are Important The Value

Technology does support learning, term papers included…  Students learn how to do basic research through internet searches.  Students will learn how to cite works and use references properly.  Students will become familiar with various computer applications such as MS Word or Mac applications.  It will provide students with valuable skills desired as they enter into the “real world”.  Students learn how to use online library catalogs, such as ODIN.  Students become familiar with different points of view from places outside their community.

Conclusion  Despite current policy, the fact remains that students are cheating and there seems to be little fear in getting caught.  Schools should have strong policies in place with clear expectations and consequences.  We as teachers should be educating our students about what constitutes cheating, the severity of the issue, and its consequences.  Schools have an obligation to train teachers in the newest technology so they can understand what is available to help to curve the cheating trend.  Technology is a valuable tool. Schools need the support of the community to keep their children educated in the current forms of technology. The information and skills enhanced help students prepare for their future as they enter the work force as adults.