Home | How It Works | Stats Login | Register         Go Back                 Case Posted on March 9, 2015 2:56 pm Add to Favorites qaqeHy Reps: 101 Cheating Last week, I was giving a unit test. The day before the test, a male student of mine who sits in the back of the classroom wrote some answers on his desk. I found the written test answers at the end of the school day. I know it was this student because he is in my last class of the day in that seat and I know for sure it is his handwriting. While the student intended to cheat, he never was able to cheat on the test since I wiped off his desk. How would you handle this situation? Should intention to cheat be treated the same as actual cheating? Seems like a technicality but I would like some good professional opinions on how others would deal with this matter.                 Submit a Possible Solution Please read response(s) below (if any) before posting your solution.                 Solution 1 Posted March 15, 2015 12:11 am Kristin Doyon Reps: 108 Some students might cheat because they think they can get away with it; however, what if the student is experiencing rough times at home? What if there is some other underlying issue, and the student was going to cheat because they did not have time to study? First of all, cheating is inexcusable; but, the teacher caught the student in time. As the teacher, I would pull the student aside and ask why they did it. I have done this before, and one broke down in tears. One of my top students did something similar, and his father just went to prison for violating his probation the evening before. The student had to take care of his siblings the night before the test, and he couldn't study (nor could he focus on studying). Again, I would take the student aside and have a chat with them before deciding what to do. I believe embarrassing a student is the last thing I would do. Students have their own personal struggles that teachers are often unaware. Votes: +49 / -1 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution Add a Comment                 Solution 2 Posted March 9, 2015 5:17 pm ZutyMa Reps: 100 I would use this as a "classroom example". I would explain to the entire class what was going on and tell them and the student who did it that they would receive a 0 for this assignment. Though it may sound cruel, this will set the example that you will not tolerate cheating. Then, explain to the class that if it happens again, they will receive a discipline referral and a 0 on the test. Votes: +21 / -22 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution unuhaj Reps: 102 I agree that students must know that cheating will not be tolerated at all. They must recognize the seriousness of cheating.   Posted on: March 10, 2015 3:16 pm neHaGy Reps: 200 This is an great solution! i will definitely use this in my classroom.   Posted on: October 2, 2015 6:32 pm Kathy Allen Reps: 200 I think it is a good idea to have a zero tolerance policy on cheating.   Posted on: February 23, 2018 8:10 pm Add a Comment                 Solution 3 Posted September 30, 2015 7:12 pm neraXe Reps: 134 I believe that his intention to cheat although serious is not the same and should be handled differently. If a student cheats on an assignment or test it is fair to give that student a zero for that grade and give the student more sever school punishments if it occurs again. In this case because the student did not get away with actually cheating on the test I would have a talk with the student about what they did. Points could be taken off of the test so that the student understand the severity of cheating. Votes: +19 / -0 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution neHaGy Reps: 200 This is an great solution! i will definitely use this in my classroom.   Posted on: October 2, 2015 6:33 pm vyBesy Reps: 101 I agree with this solution. Although the student was not able to cheat. I think an example should be presented to the class as a warning.   Posted on: October 17, 2019 3:46 pm Add a Comment                 Solution 4 Posted March 9, 2015 4:36 pm yQaran Reps: 100 Possible Solution: How to handle this type of situation would vary for me based on the student. If this student has never been an issue, I would certainly address to the student that you know they were going to cheat and only because you removed the answers before the test, that you were not taking further action. I would let them know that if I so much as think that they could be cheating in the future, they will be given a "0" and written up for cheating. If it is no surprise to you that the student would try to cheat because of previous behavior, I would give them the grade(only because they were not able to cheat) and write them up. Votes: +15 / -1 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution kelsey karr Reps: 105 I like the idea you added to this discussion. Thank you.   Posted on: July 10, 2016 10:54 pm Add a Comment                 Solution 5 Posted February 23, 2017 4:35 am beTyze Reps: 211 I wouldn't deduct points from this student because you already whipped the answers away. However, I would have a one on one talk with him and explain to him I found the answers and that it is not okay to cheat, ask him if he needs extra help and maybe give him a review sheet for the next test. Also tell him there will be consequences if he does cheat. Votes: +6 / -0 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution Add a Comment                 Solution 6 Posted October 4, 2015 11:37 pm eDuMez Reps: 100 I would hold a class discussion about cheating and let the students know that if anyone is caught cheating under any circumstance they will receive a zero. This will only take a few minutes, and if the problem should ever arise, you can explain that you told them the rules and now they have to be accountable for their actions. Votes: +6 / -1 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution Add a Comment                 Solution 7 Posted March 4, 2017 2:25 am Shelby Farrell Reps: 206 Since cheating itself and the intentions of cheating are a major issue, I would definitely treat it as the same. You can be nice and give them a slap on the wrist at first, or you can even punish severely. Votes: +4 / -2 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution Add a Comment                 Solution 8 Posted February 26, 2017 1:24 am uWuXyj Reps: 232 If this was my student, I would pull them aside and confront them for the answers. I would come to understand why they did it, and have them understand what bad things can come from cheating. I would definitely give him a zero, but have him understand that this situation could have been a lot worse, like a referral, permanent records, etc. Them sit down with your students and have them understand the seriousness of cheating and how it can affect and ruin their goals and dreams. Make sure they understand that you can tell when they are cheating so they don't try and pull a fast one, and that they know the consequences for this action. When I was in high school, my teacher showed us a news story of a girl who was going for her master's degree and, before the internet, she checked out every book pertaining to the topic of her big paper so that no one could use those resources, and got kicked out because they considered it cheating. She was not able to finish her degree and at the time no one would hire her because she cheated. Votes: +3 / -0 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution Add a Comment                 Solution 9 Posted October 12, 2017 7:48 pm jysema Reps: 102 What I would do is speak to the student. The intention was there but he couldn't go through with it, so he didn't have influence on the actual test. If he shows warning signs after the talk then speak to admin. But always give the student a chance to change and explain. And always tell them what your going to do. Votes: +3 / -0 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution Add a Comment                 Solution 10 Posted February 29, 2016 2:27 am uJasuX Reps: 203 I would address this with the student and then let them know that if it happens again, it will not be tolerated. Document your conversation so if the issue does arise, you can talk with admin and the student's parents. Votes: +3 / -2 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution Add a Comment                 Solution 11 Posted March 2, 2016 3:40 pm uhyJas Reps: 100 I would ask the child to stay after class and ask them if they cheated on the test if they say no I would ask them if they tried to cheat on the test. I would give them a chance to tell me the truth before I gave them a 0. I would explain to them cheating isn't away of learning, and they shouldn't do it. Votes: +2 / -0 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution Add a Comment                 Solution 12 Posted February 25, 2018 1:38 am Wendy Reps: 103 To be fair and balanced, you really need to have a conversation with each student that has sat in that desk that day and better yet, each class. Advise them all of the seriousness of cheating and if they were caught after the fact, rather than before, the consequences such as a 0 and a referral. For the students that sat in that desk, you may want to assign them a desk at the front of the classroom for test-taking. Votes: +1 / -0 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution Add a Comment                 Solution 13 Posted February 24, 2020 3:22 am tabape Reps: 300 Talk to the student about what you found on his desk and honesty. The student will probably feel embarrassed that he will think twice next time he is tempted to cheat. Votes: +1 / -0 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution Add a Comment                 Solution 14 Posted March 10, 2015 5:21 pm Getube Reps: 104 For me, I would write an office referral, but still allow the student to complete the test. I think that by doing this you are teaching him a lesson as well as showing the rest of the class that cheating is not tolerated but you are still allowing him to take the test which will not be detrimental to his grade. If this student had done this before I would take a different path and they would receive a 0 for the assignment. Votes: +1 / -11 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution geTuPa Reps: 200 Since the student did not get away with cheating I do not believe they should be singled out on a first offense. Instead addressing the class as a whole might be more helpful.   Posted on: October 26, 2021 2:15 am Add a Comment                 Solution 15 Posted July 3, 2017 7:25 pm ynaHah Reps: 100 Being you wiped his desk and got rid of the evidence. He's free to go this time and I wouldn't even mention it to him this time because he failed the test im sure anyways. I would recommend some extra studying. And next time being I know there is going to be a next time I would bring up his first attempt of cheating and I would recommend a good lecture about cheating and how its not the way to go in life. I would share some real life examples of how cheating can mess up your life. Votes: +0 / -0 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution Add a Comment                 Solution 16 Posted October 8, 2017 8:05 pm Maritza Reps: 201 I would have a personal conversation with the student about the importance of being honest. I would explain to the students that cheating on a test means being dishonest and it could lead to a class suspension. Votes: +0 / -0 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution Add a Comment                 Solution 17 Posted February 23, 2018 9:27 pm Kenneth Allen Reps: 207 I don't think you have a case because you don't have enough proof. Also, when you wiped the desk off, you resolved the solution. The truth will come out in his/her grades. Votes: +0 / -0 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution Add a Comment                 Solution 18 Posted February 24, 2018 12:34 am Ariel Brangers Reps: 102 Rather than call the student out individually, I would tell the classroom you found notes for the test written on the desk. If anyone were to try this to cheat, they will receive a zero for the assignment and detention or whatever else is a suitable punishment. The student will know exactly who you are addressing and won't do it again. Votes: +0 / -0 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution Add a Comment                 Solution 19 Posted November 28, 2018 4:31 am udaXuh Reps: 306 I would use this as a teaching moment and say that it was discovered that a classmate had intentions on cheating and that behavior is not tolerated in your class. Explain the significance of cheating and why academic integrity is so vitally important to instill in themselves. After class I would speak with the student and tell them you know it was done on their desk and ask if they know of anything that had to do with it. Give the student the opportunity to come forward. I would let it go the first time, but obviously let the student know you were aware of their intentions, and any further actions pertaining to this will not be tolerated and will result in a zero. Votes: +0 / -0 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution Add a Comment                 Solution 20 Posted February 26, 2019 3:35 am eBejaP Reps: 201 I would tell the student I saw the test answers on the table and let them know that cheating is not allowed and does not get you anywhere in life. I would not punish them because the student did not actually get to cheat. Votes: +0 / -0 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution Add a Comment                 Solution 21 Posted April 15, 2022 1:01 pm beVuLu Reps: 203 I would take a picture of the desk before I wiped it off and have a private discussion with the student. I would ask him if everything was ok at home, or if there are ways that I can help him with his studying. I would talk about the code of ethics and strictly tell him that I am here for him, but cheating of any kind will not be tolerated. Votes: +0 / -0 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution Add a Comment                 Solution 22 Posted November 13, 2022 2:48 pm ePaReP Reps: 202 I wouldn't pentalize his unit test if he did not have that cheat sheet. I would however, go to admin about this so the student has some form of diseplenary action. Votes: +0 / -0 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution Add a Comment                 Solution 23 Posted October 5, 2023 1:20 am ujySaB Reps: 201 I would have a discussion with the class as a whole and not talk to the student individually yet. After setting your expectations for tests (again) if the student continues then I would pull them aside for a discussion. Votes: +0 / -0 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution Add a Comment                 Solution 24 Posted February 26, 2018 10:43 pm meXyHy Reps: 158 Do not assume that tests and answer guides left at school will be safe. If you are going to leave such test materials at school, be sure to lock them in a file cabinet and keep the key with you at all times. Be sure to change your test content from year to year. This will help siblings and friends in different grades from passing on last year's answers. Votes: +0 / -1 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution Add a Comment                 Solution 25 Posted February 24, 2017 4:46 pm nick morse Reps: 200 Let the students know that it wont be tolerated and give the student a 0. Votes: +0 / -3 This Solution Is Useful   This Solution Is Not Useful   Comments posted for this solution ujySaB Reps: 201 I agree! Start with telling the class your expectations.   Posted on: October 5, 2023 1:21 am Add a Comment                 Submit a Possible Solution Please read response(s) below (if any) before posting your solution.