The Importance of Academic Honesty in Higher Education

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to highlight the significance of academic honesty in higher education system. Since the past decade it has been observed that students from the primary level to the higher level education are continuously involved in different forms of academic dishonesty. However, with the development of technology and rapid use of internet and mobile phones, students are found to be making inappropriate use of these mediums. The reasons for students to indulge in academic dishonesty include the longing for getting a better result, peer pressure and also an act of procrastination. Furthermore, increasing plagiarism found in assignments has a detrimental impact on the standard of education. Students are found to be alleged in illegal activities such as copying assignments, falsifying documents and presenting someone else work without proper citation. It is the responsibility of the educational institutions to implement policies and code of conduct which is mutually accepted by the students as well as the faculty members.

Table of Contents

Introduction1

Discussion2

Reasons for dishonesty2

Cheating2

Plagiarism2

Prevention Strategies3

Falsification of Documents4

Conclusion4

References6

The Importance of Academic Honesty in Higher Education

Introduction

The mission statement of majority higher educational institutions revolves around academic excellence achieved through the pursuit of precision. Academic integrity is strengthened by enforcing a challenging and task oriented environment for the students. The role of faculty members is critical in assessing the performance of the students after clarifying their expectations beforehand (Mc Cabe and Paveka, 2007), concerning the honesty in academic work. However, with the recent developments in technology, students are found to act dishonestly in order to gain short term benefits.

In the fast pace world of information technology, individuals are required to have a sound knowledge about the advanced technologies which give them access to up-to-the-minute knowledge and information about the relevant field. Accordingly, the new economy comprises of participants who have incorporated widespread usage of digital devices in everyday communication. This has impacted the youth to formulate an innovative culture of undefined boundaries (Harkins & Kubik, 2010). Instead of taking this novelty positively, students are found to be using cell phones during test and examinations. According to a study, nearly two thirds of students use cell phones during school irrespective of the rules against this usage. Moreover, with the excessive use, the students fail to realize cheating as an act of offense and some regard it as a common norm (Harkins & Kubik, 2010).

Discussion

Reasons for dishonesty

A survey conducted (www.plagiarism.org), 92% of the students knew someone who was involved in cheating. While 59% were of the opinion that they would intentionally cheat as they are do not consider it as unethical. The reasons for students to engage in academic dishonesty included the desire for getting better grades. Many students are found to be procrastinating throughout the semester and in the end they engaged in academic dishonesty to pass their courses (Jones, 2011). Additionally, peer pressure and non serious attitude towards studies also lead students to getting involved in such detrimental actions.

Cheating

The term cheating in academic institutions refers to ...