When students find comfort in cheating
CHEATING is omnipresent in colleges across the globe.
The pressure of being successful in college is leading a lot of students down this cheating path. Students see it as a way to get through their classes without considering the longterm effects it can have.
Cheating is extremely detrimental to students and prevents tutors from helping students with what they need. No matter how small the dishonest deed is, at the end of the day, cheating is cheating.
I would prefer even to fail with honour than win by cheating.
And when students cheat, they bypass the learning process and gain unearned rewards.
Students who cheat once are more likely to cheat again. The more students cheat, the more they will feel stupid and incapable of doing well. This will lead to their self-confidence plummeting.
It seems cheating is becoming prevalent among students and it’s creating a culture of dishonesty within educational institutions.
For so long I have wanted to write something about cheating by students. From what I see, not what I hear, students are finding comfort in cheating while in exams.
This week I am strolling in the field of cheaters at college.
But it won’t surprise me to see that those who cheat in exams can be cheaters in real life (sarcastic).
Many students feel pressured to engage in similar behaviour to keep up or gain an unfair advantage.
This perpetuates a cycle where cheating becomes normalized and accepted as a means to succeed academically.
Fellow students, the culture of dishonesty extends beyond the academic setting. Students who cheat in college are more likely to engage in unethical behaviour later in life.
In the end, this can have far-reaching consequences, as individuals who lack integrity may struggle to maintain ethical standards in their personal and professional lives. The erosion of honesty and integrity within society can have detrimental effects on trust, collaboration, and overall societal well-being.
Cheating in exams is a complex issue that has been prevalent among students for many years. While it is generally considered unethical and dishonest, some students find comfort in cheating due to various reasons. Not only once or twice but several times, I have seen some students cheating on exams.
To date, I have written several exams and I have witnessed some being reprimanded over cheating.
On several occasions, students have been told to write reports which is a procedure when one is caught cheating.
Students create what are called discs, some write on their thighs especially females so that they can refer for any questions.
While some students visit the toilet several times, most likely they would have placed their‘discs’there.
For others, they survive without being caught and they get away with that.
Cheating is not the answer. Honesty is the best policy.
In today’s world, technology is literally at students’ fingertips. They are becoming increasingly adept at hiding their cell phones in class and can easily look up answers but the number one rule when you enter an exam, you switch off your phone completely.
Fortunately, there is no competition at college but of course, some work for higher grades while some just want a pass to proceed with their own lives.
While some don’t even care much about grades or anything.
A song by the late legendary Mtukudzi, kune varume vanorarama neraki (there are some men who live by luck).
Indeed, this is true since some students have achieved what they are today because they have cheated.
However, cheating among students has several sad aspects that go beyond the immediate act itself.
It undermines the integrity of education, stifles personal growth, and fosters a culture of dishonesty. By promoting academic integrity, providing support for struggling students, and fostering a culture that values learning over grades, we can work towards creating an educational environment where cheating is not only discouraged but also unnecessary.
To be frank with my fellow students, cheating erodes the fundamental principles of education, such as honesty, fairness, and meritocracy.
Education is meant to provide individuals with knowledge, skills, and opportunities for personal development.
This undermines the purpose of education and devalues the efforts of those who have genuinely worked hard to achieve their academic goals.
One thing that I have observed is that some students may resort to cheating due to pressure to perform well academically. In today’s competitive educational environment, students face immense pressure to achieve high grades and excel in their studies.
This pressure can be overwhelming, leading some students to cheat as a means of ensuring success. They may believe that cheating will help them secure better grades and improve their chances of getting into prestigious universities or securing scholarships.
Another reason why students may find comfort in cheating exams is the fear of failure. Failure can be a daunting prospect for many students, as it can have significant consequences on their academic and future career prospects. Cheating provides a sense of security for these students, as they believe it reduces the risk of failure and protects their self-esteem.
By cheating, they may feel that they are increasing their chances of success and avoiding the negative consequences associated with failure. It is important to note that while some students may find comfort in cheating exams, it is not a sustainable or ethical solution.
Cheating undermines the integrity of the educational system and devalues the achievements of those who have worked hard and earned their grades honestly.
Moreover, it hinders the development of essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and independent learning, which are crucial for success in higher education and professional life.
While some students may find comfort in cheating exams due to factors such as academic pressure, fear of failure, lack of understanding or preparation, and peer influence, it is crucial to recognize that cheating is not a viable solution.
Educational institutions should strive to create an environment that encourages academic integrity and supports students in their academic journey.
For other related campus stories contact me at nyangu.latwell27@gmail.com