
We need to develop more insights about the ways we can foster an environment of academic integrity
JAMSHORO: Cheating which was once limited to schools and colleges is now becoming common in universities too. Cheating is not only unethical and against the rules but creates problems of depression among the students who work hard and take their exams with honesty.
Sindh University is one of the most renowned universities of Sindh but here too the menace of cheating has emerged. Students of this university are openly using unfair means in exams through cyber apparatus like Whatsapp, Messenger, calculators, notes, etc. Sadly, the teachers and invigilators let it go unnoticed. The reasons can be myriad but a few reasons why the teachers, in spite of being aware of cheating, take no action is that the teachers don’t want confrontation, denials, tears and, too often, administrative battles. Even students determined to be honest resort to cheating to be competitive with the cheaters. We need to develop more insights about the ways we can foster an environment of academic integrity. Dismantling the culture of cheating won’t happen overnight but just as cheating can be normalised at a school, college and university, so too can academic integrity efforts move the pendulum to the other side and create a different climate. At the very least, faculty and administrators must create a climate where honest students don’t feel they are at a disadvantage. It is time for the government and the relevant authorities to change the existing culture of tolerating cheating and plagiarism to one that encourages and values honesty, integrity and hard work of students as these values are an inextricable thread in the fabric of any education system.
Siraj Ahmed
Published in The Express Tribune, November 5th, 2019.
Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.