How to Stop Students from Cheating

The problem with cheating is there are too many creative ways to do it and not enough school policy.

The other day, I had given my tenth graders a quiz on some vocabulary words. Five minutes into the quiz, I became very wary and got the feeling that a few kids might be cheating. It was my first time witnessing this event to such a degree and never thought that it would happen with this class before.

I double checked and yes, certain pairs of eyes were looking and lips were moving. It was time to act. I told the students that I wouldn't be giving them a grade for their quiz (they received a final grade of zero). They wanted to do the quiz but I wanted to instill the principle of consequences for their actions. They were mad, as I anticipated, but I didn't give in.

At home, I took a perfunctory look at the school's handbook that is usually given at the beginning of the year. I wanted to know out of curiosity, if there was ever a formally written out school policy regarding cheating.

There was none.

When school policies aren't written out, it is each teacher to his or her own, which can be an isolating experience especially for a new teacher. It really makes sense to have a session at the beginning that includes all the important basics for starting off the new year - cheating is no less important in my opinion, than the treatment of textbooks.

I grew up in a educational system where parents often got memos and school updates about various happenings and policies. I knew that if I ever were to cheat, I would get a letter sent home or a phone call with the possibility of being invited to the principal's office. (I don't think that is such a bad idea, considering the circumstances)

I would never think of cheating, because I knew there was a formal school policy. New teachers need to be looked after and made to feel there are no surprises. Kids don't like surprises either, and when there is a clear framework of expectations, they will at least know, to think twice before copying off from another student's test.