Introduction
Academic integrity is vital in every student's life. Academic integrity instills values and ethics in students. The importance of academic integrity is evident in all aspects of life. It is important for students to understand the difference between right and wrong. In a learning environment, students are expected to behave properly. It is important for them to know there are consequences for their negative actions in school. Let us look at why academic integrity is important in students’ lives. Before that, let us learn what academic integrity is.
What is Academic Integrity?
Don McCabe, a specialist in integrity, honor code, and cheating who has a vast knowledge of these subjects coined the term academic integrity for the first time. Mr. Don McCabe is considered the “father of academic integrity”. The students in an educational setting are required to abide by particular guidelines and moral standards. These fall under the category of academic integrity.
In a learning environment, students would have to abide by certain rules and guidelines when conducting research projects, writing papers (or essays) on assigned topics, etc. This includes not plagiarizing the work of others, refraining from submitting fraudulent research, and adhering to other ethical standards. Academic integrity also refers to a person's conduct outside of the classroom or school setting.
When a person fails to follow academic integrity coherently, it is considered academic misconduct or dishonesty. Academic dishonesty is a serious offense that can have an impact on a student's future. The importance of teaching students about academic integrity and how to uphold it can therefore not be overstated.
Why Academic Integrity is Important?
Fosters the Growth
When students are encouraged to come up with their own ideas it leads to their own development. Students will work harder to come up with original ideas if they are prevented from imitating others. They will engage in brainstorming and make the most of their abilities to come up with fresh, novel ideas. They begin to believe in themselves in this way, which opens the door for their development.
Scope for Skill Development
Students' latent talents and abilities will come to light when they are encouraged to complete their assignments independently. Additionally, it helps individuals grow their soft skills, which will aid them in accomplishing their objectives. These abilities will be beneficial throughout their academic career and in the workplace in the future. Moreover, it helps students gain confidence in themselves as individuals who can achieve things on their own without help from others around them.
Knowledge Acquisition
Students truly learn when they finish their assignments without engaging in academic dishonesty. The learning concepts become thorough for them. Say for example, if a student cheats in an examination he/she puts their future in jeopardy. Moreover, the student will not be learning anything from their class lessons. If students don’t learn anything from their school, they will fail to achieve greater things in life. Hence, in this way, academic dishonesty hinders knowledge acquisition.
How to Encourage Academic Integrity?
Classroom Discussions
In the classroom, teachers can talk about how important academic honesty is. Students will learn how to uphold academic integrity in this manner. Teachers can educate students about the negative effects of academic dishonesty. Additionally, they can educate them on the consequences of engaging in actions that cast doubt on their academic integrity.
Disciplinary Actions
Students who cheat on exams can face disciplinary action from their schools. Students would learn the repercussions of their behavior as a result of this. This promotes good behavior in students and motivates them to do their academic work independently without engaging in dishonest practices.
Suggested Read - Types of Disciplinary Action
School Policies
Teachers should make sure that students understand the rules of the school. If not, explain it to them and invite any questions they may have. Students understand the value of academic integrity and why it's necessary to follow the rules when they abide by the school's laws and regulations.
Conclusion
Academic integrity is important for students' personality and academic growth. Therefore, it is critical that the students understand the value of academic integrity in their academic careers. Practicing academic integrity would be beneficial for them in every facet of their life. Hence, schools should promote academic integrity among students and take measures to eliminate academic dishonesty among students.
With Teachmint Integrated School Platform, schools can manage their activities from a single platform. The lms portal, institute erp, performance management system, and other tools smoothen the process of school management.
