I believe that cheating is wrong. No matter what the circumstances, it is not fair to cheat. Not only does it hurt the person who is cheating, but it also hurts the one whose work is being copied or taken. When students copy homework assignments, they think they are getting ahead; they are getting a quick solution for the assignment they didn’t have to the time or will to complete. However, in reality, they are just getting further and further behind. Not only will they not have the knowledge to be involved in the homework discussion the next day, but more importantly, they will not be prepared for the test that covers the homework’s subject. Although I think cheating on a test, paper, or other big project is unacceptable; I think cheating on homework is even more serious. It will ultimately lead to more cheating for the bigger assignments and exams.
I also think cheating harms the one whose assignment or exam is being copied. Those students who do their assignments, study religiously, and always find time are being cheated. Other students are taking credit for their hard work and dedication, and that is unjust. The ones who do work hard and do not cheat should be given full credit for their achievements. Nobody else should be falsely entitled to that.
The article discussed honor codes being put into place to make students think twice before cheating. I do not think that honor codes, signed agreements, or anything of that nature will have an impact on cheating. If students want to cheat, then they will. Students will not think about a contract that they signed, and if they do, it most likely will not be enough to change their minds. Further more, I believe that if these honor codes were put into place, the consequences for breaking them probably wouldn’t be severe enough to change a student’s mind.
The only way I can think of to decrease cheating at all is for teachers to think about large assignments that are due in students’ other classes. This way students don’t have projects, papers, or exams due in four classes all in the same day or week. Also, for teachers to give more warning and time for all assignments, not just the large ones. This way if a student has something going on one night, then he has another night to do his homework, and he will not have to copy someone else’s. One last solution is to space projects and exams out more. There have been many times when teachers load on the work toward the end of the semester. This just adds more stress for the students and leads to more cheating and copying if assignments.
When I do really well on a test because I studied hard and tried my best, the feeling of earning a good grade is so rewarding. I can’t imagine feeling accomplished by receiving a good grade through cheating. Although it is obviously more time consuming and takes more work to do your own assignments and studying, in the end, I really think it pays off. When students cheat repeatedly, they are just making it harder on themselves, because they won’t have the knowledge that will be required in the future. One will get so much further in life by just doing his/her own work.
