How-to-Study Blog

John Fogarty sang “Bad Moon on the Rise.”  Well, he can change his song to “Cheating on the Rise.”  Surveys of high school and college students indicate that most students cheat (estimates range from 75% to 90%).  Even more alarming is that very few of these students feel that there is anything wrong about it.  Interestingly, the better the student, the more likely it is that the student cheats.  For example, AP and honor students are among the worst offenders.  Why not, since the chances of getting caught, let alone being punished, are extremely slim.

Certainly, students seem to under increasing pressure.  Certainly, students are aware of role-model athletes, entertainment stars, and even elected officials who cheat and often appear to prosper as a result.  Certainly, techology and the Internet makes it easier than ever to cheat.  These “certainlies” certainly don’t make cheating right or acceptable. 

We can never eliminate cheating.  What can we do to control it?  What can we do to get students to take the high moral ground?  Any ideas are welcome.