Case Study, Chapter 18. A group of nursing students are in the middle of an exam when two students witness another student pull out his phone and look up answers. Neither student informs the faculty member but after the exam they discuss what they witnessed. 1. Describe the most common forms of cheating in the classroom and in the clinical area. 2. What should the nursing students do in regard to what they witnessed during the exam? Why is it important for them to do anything?
Chapter 18 presents a case study involving a group of nursing students who witness a fellow student cheating during an exam. The case study raises two important questions: 1) What are the most common forms of cheating in the classroom and clinical area? and 2) What should the nursing students do in response to their observation? Additionally, we will explore the significance of taking action in such situations.
To address the first question, it is essential to understand the various forms of cheating that can occur in educational environments. In the classroom, one common form of cheating is the use of unauthorized materials during exams, such as bringing in notes or using electronic devices for reference. Students may also engage in plagiarism by copying or paraphrasing the work of others without proper citation. This can occur when writing assignments, where students fail to attribute ideas or passages to their original sources. Another prevalent form of cheating is collaboration or communication during an exam, where students share answers or work collectively to complete assignments that are meant to be completed individually.
In the clinical area, cheating takes a different form. Some examples include altering patient documentation to reflect inaccurate information or borrowing another student’s clinical experiences or observations in order to fulfill requirements. Cheating in the clinical area can have serious consequences, as it compromises patient safety and trust in professional caregivers. It is crucial for nursing students to understand the importance of ethical behavior and academic honesty, as these principles are the foundation of their future practice.
Moving on to the second question, the nursing students who witnessed their peer cheating during the exam should take appropriate action. In this case, they have a responsibility to report the incident to the faculty member or the appropriate authority within the academic institution. By doing so, they uphold the integrity of the educational system and ensure fairness for all students.
Taking action against cheating serves several important purposes. First and foremost, it upholds the values of honesty and integrity, which are fundamental to the nursing profession. Nursing students must adhere to a code of ethics that includes being honest, trustworthy, and accountable for their actions. By reporting cheating, the students demonstrate their commitment to upholding these ethical principles. Moreover, by not reporting the incident, they would be complicit in unethical behavior, which could undermine their own professional integrity.
Secondly, reporting cheating helps maintain a fair and level playing field for all students. When some students cheat, it creates an unfair advantage over those who adhere to the rules and regulations. This not only undermines the credibility of the educational institution but also diminishes the value of education. In order to ensure that all students receive a fair and equitable education, it is essential to confront and address cheating.
Furthermore, taking action against cheating fosters a culture of academic integrity within the nursing program. By reporting their observations, the nursing students are sending a strong message that cheating is not tolerated and that all individuals are accountable for their actions. This helps create an environment where ethical behavior is valued and upheld, ultimately preparing future nurses to provide high-quality patient care based on principles of honesty and integrity.
In conclusion, the case study in Chapter 18 highlights the importance of addressing cheating in the classroom and clinical area. The most common forms of cheating include the use of unauthorized materials, plagiarism, and collaboration during exams. In response to witnessing a fellow student cheat during an exam, the nursing students have a responsibility to report the incident to the relevant authority. Taking action against cheating upholds ethical principles, ensures a fair learning environment, and promotes a culture of academic integrity within the nursing program.