Why do Students Cheat?

There are dozens of articles, and endless research on why cheating occurs. Why seemingly intelligent, high achieving students resort to copying someones homework, peeking at someone else's test, and yes even plagiarizing someones work. When I was in college I watched other students do this during a test. Proctors would walk up and down the aisles in a 300 plus auditorium and cheating was everywhere. But why? Was it the thrill one might get caught or was there far too much partying and hung-over students just needed to get a passing grade? Either way most got away with it. Teaching generation after generation that cheating works.

In 7th grade, the stakes may seem lower, but often they are higher. The pressure placed on them by ever watchful and encouraging parents. Peers that always get the A making them feel second best. Even, unfortunately too much pressure placed on them by teachers and themselves to exceed all the time. I teach 120 gifted students who on a daily basis I have to reinforce with, failure is a good thing. It is alright to turn something in that is not perfect. They will tear up nearly completed projects and begin again because the lines are not straight. This is setting many of them up to withdraw from learning, not take risks, and internalize every criticism.

As teachers we need to build strong, trusting, respectful relationships with our students. We need them to believe that we will tell them the truth and that when they fail, we will welcome it and help them succeed. Not give them negative feedback and move on. I discuss every assignment with a rubric. After the assignment is completed and graded, I pass it back and we have 1-on-1 check in's about their progress. This is instant feedback, purposeful critique and praise, and reassures them that no matter the grade I appreciate and value their effort. It is crucial for teachers to reflect on their teaching and it is also crucial for students to set goals and reflect on their learning. If this is continual they will find solace in it. They will see their growth and not internalize only grades.

Children cheat for many reasons, least of all to win. They want to belong to a community of those who are praised and have opportunities to try again without penalty. If a classroom is designed not around a pacing guide and grades but on growth and progress students will not feel the need to cheat. If they do and receive a good grade, they will feel relieved but when they see others who failed honestly, and get to retry and succeed, share their journeys and are proud of their accomplishments then students who cheated will not see any value in continuing to cheat. Set up a classroom of success geared around failure and there will be no need for students to feel the tug towards dishonesty.