Cheating In School: Why It Happens And How To Prevent It

This week we talked a bit about cheating in schools. It did not shock me that a lot of people in the class admitted to cheating. I think that everyone will cheat in their lifetime at least once, in one way or another. Maybe I'm wrong. I have cheated and I won't say that I will never do it again because I probably will. I'm not proud of it and I don't excuse it. I know it is not right no matter how small or big.

This article explores who cheats, why they cheat, and how to prevent it.

Who Cheats

1. Students who are unprepared
2. Students who do not see the relevance of assignments
3. Students who exhibit high self-confidence, cynicism, and lack of emotional expression

Why They Cheat

1. Pressure
2. Motivation
3. Ethical Standards
4. Peer Behavior
5. Perception of teachers
6. Perceptions of schoolwork
7. Grade-focused environment

I liked the suggestions the article gives for preventing cheating because it's not just centered on the child. They include things parents and teachers can do to prevent cheating. A point that the article made that I strongly agreed with is that chronic cheaters may make damaging behaviors in life outside of school. 

I've been each of these type of students who cheat and I've cheated for all the reasons listed. But what do you think: What is the main reason why people cheat? If you cheated before, what was the reason? Do you think it's possible to prevent it or is it inevitable for someone to cheat if the opportunity arises?