The challenging terrain for academics in formally reporting contract cheating

Описание: Felicity Prentice | PhD Candidate, Edith Cowan University

In this video, we chat with Felicity Prentice, PhD candidate at Edith Cowan University, who unpacks the factors influencing an academic’s decision to report - or not report - suspicions of contract cheating by students. Drawing from several decades of experience in varied appointments across higher education, Felicity grounds the discussion in her work and research for her PhD on this same topic.

Speaking about the prevailing truths about contract cheating, including the many intersecting motivations that cause students to cheat and the fact it’s an ongoing issue for institutions to address, Felicity sheds light on the lesser-known challenges that problematise detection of contract cheating. Specifically, how educators and markers who develop a gut-feel of cheating amongst students are presented with the burden of proof to collect and write up evidence which is a labour-intensive exercise. Further still, the need to send it upstream where the chain of accountability can provide inconsistent outcomes.

Referencing existing studies that surveyed educators on self-reporting of contract cheating and why some overlook it, Felicity examines their claim that it is ‘impossible to prove’. She points to the unique limitations of contract cheating detection compared to more clear-cut misconduct such as plagiarism, and advocates for greater training and incentives - particularly for casual and sessional staff - to hone their instincts and formally report their suspicions. To this end, Felicity recommends the available TEQSA resources including her own checklist for gathering contract cheating evidence and the excellent content from her peers, and shares preliminary findings from her research.

What steps can institutions take to cultivate an environment in which educators feel supported in reporting suspected contract cheating for further investigation? Watch the video to hear Felicity’s perspective.

#academicintegrity #contractcheating #academicmisconduct #studentcheating