No quick-fix solution to end plagiarism

The solution lies in a thorough reform of the education system

Concerns over academic dishonesty and plagiarism have risen in the digital age. Violation of academic ethics begins in school when holiday homework is ‘outsourced’ for a price. Such behaviour, in academic parlance, is defined as passing off another’s work as one’s own — in short, plagiarism. The consent of parents in such practices lends an air of acceptability to the entire exercise and impressionable, young minds unfortunately process this behaviour as harmless, thereby continuing it in tests conducted in colleges and universities too. It is important to understand the reasons behind such behaviour and formulate remedial measures.

The proximate reasons for cheating in higher education are complicated. Young adults, overwhelmed by the unfamiliar experience of living independently in a new city, are often unable to devote time to study. Since university scores form the basis of short-listing for placements and internships, students use cheating as a quick fix in this rat race. The deeper reasons behind these proximate ones can be identified as the fear of mediocre performance in an exam and an absence of any fear of repercussions if caught. Nebulous understanding of what constitutes academic ethics and the fact that violations are often ‘let off’ with minor penalties add to the problem.

While no single solution can be the ‘silver bullet’ to this multidimensional menace, a combination of systemic changes (reforming the education system and inculcating values) and short-term steps (improving the conduct of examinations) may help in building a culture of academic integrity.

Unconventional techniques

Counselling should be provided to students and parents to encourage admissions based on interest and aptitude. In addition, curriculum design should be aligned with skill building. It should encourage critical thinking among students. Quality teaching should be incentivised and conversely, a ‘no-tolerance policy’ towards non-performance should be adopted. Overhauling the evaluation system by focussing more on application of knowledge and introducing ‘non-traditional’ assessment techniques, such as verbal tests and critical paper reviews, could contribute in reducing the need for and incidence of cheating.

It is also crucial to make students realise the gravity of violations of academic integrity. Universities across the world give enormous importance to academic ethics. In India, however, even a reputed institution such as Delhi University has no mention of ethics in either its handbook or website. This lack of sensitivity may be addressed by discussing academic ethics in college orientation programmes, along with making the students sign an ‘honour code’ statement wherein they submit a written declaration that they will refrain from such practices. Similar steps have been useful in reducing the incidence of ragging in colleges in India.

Parul Gupta is assistant professor at Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi University, where Veerangna Kohli is a student.

Source | The Hindu | 12 May 2017

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Pralhad Jadhav 

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