You may accidentally encourage your classmate to apply more pressure if you soften your “no” in an attempt to be friendly. Avoid using statements like “I don’t know” or “this may be a bad idea. ” Instead, trust the clarity and power of a direct “no. ” Do not provide a complicated answer, just say no. A complicated explanation that emphasizes unusual circumstances may seem friendlier or more helpful, but it can provide an opportunity for your classmate to challenge your refusal and to ask again.
You can say “I know this is important, but my answer is not going to change,” or “I know that you are worried about grades, but I never share my answers. ” If you feel yourself weakening, remind yourself of the consequences you could face if you’re caught sharing answers. Your teacher could deny you credit for the work you’ve done since by sharing your work you’ve engaged in cheating.
Remember that the long term repercussions outweigh the immediate pressure. A school year can seem like a very long time, and you may worry about awkward situations if you disappoint a classmate. If you say no to a classmate, you may feel uncomfortable for a few days or weeks. If you are caught cheating, the consequences can last for years. Point out to the student that the consequences remain even if you don’t get caught. Copying homework answers doesn’t help you learn the information, so the student who copies you won’t be prepared for bigger assignments, such as the upcoming test. Even if they don’t get caught now, they may not pass the course if they fail the test.
Pay careful attention to your school’s rules regarding plagiarism. Plagiarism can seriously damage your academic record. Since what counts as plagiarism may not always be instinctive, speak with your teacher to clarify confusions that you may have. Your teacher will appreciate the opportunity address these questions before potentially plagiarized work is submitted.
Remember, if the other student doesn’t do the homework, then they aren’t learning the course material. Most likely, they will fail the big assignments, such as tests. Keep in mind that sharing answers would make you guilty of cheating, as well. You could jeopardize your future if you decide to share your answers.
When discussing your progress, highlight the effort you’re putting into the class, but acknowledge that you won’t know how well you know the subject until after your work is graded. Say, “I’m taking good notes and reading the material, but I won’t know if my answers are right until I get my paper graded. " Keep your homework concealed until the moment it is due. Discourage your classmates from asking for your homework answers by not publicizing it. If someone asks you for answers to homework that isn’t due for quite a while, you can always lie that you haven’t finished it yet.
Anticipate cheating around test times. Due to the high value placed on providing specific answers for assigning grades, stress can increase before major tests. This may make cheating seem more attractive. Before a test or major assignment, encourage a student that may ask you for answers or offer to study with them. This may reinforce proper study habits and discourage cheating.
Ask your classmate about their study habits. You may be able to explain how they can do homework more effectively.
Pay special attention not to emphasize the depth of your understanding. Your goal is to work with the student, not to give them answers. Make sure that they are actively involved.
