Ways to Prevent
Cheating In Coding Assignments
Computer Science is the most sought after courses
in the educational field, thanks to the wide array of career opportunity it
offers and the fact that computer sciences “fuel” every possible field in a
technology savvy world. However, enrollment to such courses brings a bigger
challenge to the academician- cheating in the code. Most of the undergraduate
students face the stress of achieving running code; hence they opt for the easy
way of cheating the coding assignments. Carolyn Duffy
Marsan, the author of many technology based article,
brings into light the idea behind the cheating epidemic among the youth. Have a
look at this http://www.networkworld.com/article/2207189/infrastructure-management/why-computer-science-students-cheat.html
In computer sciences often questions are recycled as they involve
programming which can be improved by debugging. This increases the risk of
copying and blindfolded referral to previous works. It brings a worrisome
situation as the idea of encouraging authenticity and creativity in coding
takes a backseat.
Here, we shortlist some effective measures to manage and curb
classroom code cheating:
Encouraging a
“Plagiarism Free” Culture – At the onset of course selection, the students
should be directed towards the value of originality, quality and trust.
Students are tempted to cheat more in cultures where leniency over core values
is evident. The more cheating is rationalized it becomes embedded in the culture
like a vicious cycle to which everyone falls prey. Rewarding the students for
authentic efforts sets great examples for everyone. A clear difference between
referring to an earlier idea and copy pasting the existing idea to shortcut
solutions must be established while teaching. Concept of marking scheme and
guideline to examine an assignment must be well laid out.
Different forms
of Assignments- Giving multiple versions of Assignments (i.e.
slight variations in the questions asked), alternating problems in assignments
(changing order of questions and marking schemes), giving an open-book exam
(i.e. student refers to the book but cannot find an outright solution), timed
take home online assignments by professors (speed and ease of problem solving
comes with practice and time based approaches can tap into level of
understanding of the students). Rotating assignments (i.e. a draft of all the
assignments allocated over years is maintained and every year assignment
questions are revised.)
Emphasis on
knowledge and understanding- Teachers can assess the competence, clarity of
thought, information and its application through assignments if they ask students
to explain their choice of code on submitting the assignment. To carefully
refine the assignment students require insights and “out-of the box” thinking
to expand their knowledge into effective practice. A student who copies cannot
harness the level of cognition used in a code. Thus, the teacher can understand
the individual effort involved in attempting the assignment. Credit to genuine
effort lowers the inclination to copy.
Constant check on
Plagiarism and course of action- With the plethora of tools available to
instantly check suspicious assignments of Plagiarism, it is easier for
professors to check assignments to determine the level of novelty or the extent
of copied material. Strict actions against copying must be established that
issues clear warnings for their actions and eliminates the student if further
breach of trust is observed. Students should also be encouraged to keep a log of
detailing in collaboration and every source consulted in completing the
assignment.
Ascertaining
clarity on the concept of Collaboration - Determining the
extent to which students can share ideas, take indications from the work of
others, work in teams for contributing ideas on coding and use available
resources as reference. Encouraging the children to work in partnership and
thoughtfully construct codes is the primary idea behind collaboration. It
raises the potential of students and encourages thoughtfulness in constructing
codes (by discussing
the logic for solving a programming problem). But if the student goes
beyond referral to repetition and copying the purpose of assessing the
student’s skill is defeated.
Grading
Techniques- Each assignment shall involve a unique set of grading pattern
depending on what the Teacher is trying to assess (Small scale coding questions
that test knowledge to full scale programming assignments that check
integration of various approaches). Timing of submission and quality of work
should have weightage in marking schemes. Less percentage can be allotted to
homework assignments and more emphasis on assignments that measure the grasp of
the student on the application and proficiency to persuade students for
attention and logical reasoning.
Why do you think
it is important to keep a check on cheating?
Our academic systems are optimistically designed in a manner that
replicates the knowledge and understanding of the student in a classroom
project to real world concepts. Coding involves substantial amount of
creativity and free radical thinking that can be mapped on to the future
world. Novelty in ideas adds to concept
clarity for reference and gives a framework for looking at something with a
different perspective. Plagiarism checks
thus help us in establishing a relation between meaningful learning and variety
eventually encourages skill development. It is also an indirect reinforcement
for dedicated individuals and their hard work and establishes standard of
conduct an activity for those who fall prey to cheating. According to a survey
conducted by the Stanford University, there is a high rise in the cheat
especially among the computer science students. Check here http://www.mercurynews.com/bay-area-news/ci_14351156?source=infinite
It establishes value and regard for the education system where
individuals compete to be performance driven. New ideas encourage interest and
power imagination.
How wonderful would it be if Dynamic and New ideas float in the
universal abundance of possibilities?
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