In every classroom, there are moments when students must choose between putting in the effort or taking a shortcut. Research shows how common that temptation is: A Stanford University survey found that about 60 to 70 percent of high school students have admitted to some form of cheating in school.¹

Cheating happens at all levels of education, not just high school. And while academic cheating isn’t new, the ways students engage in it have multiplied. Today, they might visit online cheat sites, copy homework, rely on hidden devices during a test, or use AI programs to generate essays. Earning an MS in Education (MSEd) degree can give teachers tools and knowledge they can use to identify, address, and prevent cheating while helping students develop academic skills and a strong sense of integrity.

Why Do Students Cheat?

Most students don’t set out to cheat. Many do it under pressure, feeling overwhelmed by heavy workloads or unsure about what’s expected of them. Some fear failing or disappointing their parents, while others may not fully recognize what counts as academic dishonesty. Teachers who recognize these pressures are better positioned to address the causes and create learning environments that reduce the temptation to cheat.

Spotting the Warning Signs

Recognizing academic cheating starts with knowing a student’s usual work. A sudden change in writing quality, tone, or vocabulary, or identical errors among classmates, can signal that something isn’t right. AI-generated writing, for example, may read as mechanically perfect yet impersonal. It may lack the depth, detail, or personal insight that comes from genuine learning. 

Traditional detection methods—such as reviewing drafts, using plagiarism checkers, and comparing assignments—can work, but AI adds new challenges. Several studies caution that current AI-detection tools can be unreliable and may falsely label authentic writing as machine generated.² Instead of relying solely on algorithms, experts suggest teachers combine technology with professional judgment and open dialogue.

Handling Cheating Fairly

Addressing academic dishonesty—when students are suspected of cheating on tests, for example—can be one of the most challenging parts of teaching. It’s a task that requires both fairness and empathy. Reacting too quickly can damage trust, but ignoring the problem can undermine integrity across the classroom. 

When something doesn’t feel right, teachers can start by gathering facts and approaching the situation methodically:

• Review the evidence. Compare the student’s work with earlier submissions, note unusual patterns, and collect relevant documentation.
• Address the issue privately and calmly. Ask the student to explain how they completed the assignment or prepared for the test. Their account often will reveal whether the issue stems from misunderstanding, pressure, or deliberate dishonesty.
• Make it a teachable moment. If a student copied because they didn’t understand how to paraphrase or cite correctly, show them how to complete the task and have them demonstrate mastery. 
• Follow school policy. Consistency ensures fairness and protects both teachers and students.
• Consider restorative options. Encourage students to revise their work or write a reflection on what they learned. Turning mistakes into learning opportunities helps reinforce positive behavior.
   

Preventing Cheating Before It Happens

Prevention is more effective than detection in managing academic cheating. Here are some teaching strategies you can use to be proactive:

• Define cheating early in the school year. To avoid any misunderstanding, clearly define what cheating is in your classroom and remind students periodically throughout the year. For example, cloning another’s work verbatim, copying and pasting large passages, texting others for answers, storing information in a mobile device, and reusing recycled material are just a few of the various forms of cheating. 
• Put safeguards in place. Some teachers recommend using essays and avoiding short-answer quizzes and tests, even for math, because explaining takes more thought and reasoning, thereby decreasing chances of cheating. In addition, making different versions of the same test, encouraging students to cover their answers, and proctoring the class from the back of the classroom can help limit cheating behavior.³ 
• Design assignments that are meaningful and connect to personal experiences. When students recognize how their work connects to real life, they’re more inclined to participate with genuine interest.
• Communicate consequences clearly. Schools may have protocols in place for ethics violations, but teachers can also create rules for their classroom. Whether it’s giving a zero for the assignment, throwing the test away completely and having them redo it, or informing parents of the unacceptable behavior, students should be aware of the potential outcomes of their actions.
• Get an early start. Experts suggest the best time to start reinforcing academic honesty is during primary school. By building students’ confidence and fostering a sense of pride and integrity in their work early on, educators can help prevent dishonest behavior later. The consequences of academic dishonesty can be severe. Students who develop cheating skills may struggle to progress academically, lose the trust of teachers and administrators, and risk developing a long-term loss of integrity.⁴
• Become a more effective educator. Graduate programs for teachers, such as an online master’s in education program, can help prepare you to make a greater impact in your classroom. The knowledge and teaching skills you build can help you create a supportive learning community that motivates and engages students and promotes academic honesty. 
   

Earn Your Teaching Degree Online

Walden University offers a range of online education degrees and teaching degrees designed to support educators at all stages of their careers. 

If you want to become a teacher, Walden’s online BS in Elementary Education degree program can help prepare you for teacher licensure. Walden’s MS in Education (MSEd) online degree program is ideal for educators seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills, prepare for potential leadership roles, or specialize in a particular area. 

Walden’s MSEd specializations include Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment; Educational Leadership and Administration; Elementary Reading and Literacy; Integrating Technology in the Classroom; and Mathematics and Science (K–8). With a focus on applying research to real-world problems, the MSEd program helps educators make a meaningful impact in their classrooms and schools.

Walden also offers a PhD in Education and a Doctor of Education (EdD), catering to different career goals and professional aspirations. The online PhD program is designed for education professionals who wish to contribute to and advance the practice of education through research and scholarship. The EdD online degree program focuses on practical solutions, teaching educators how to test new ideas quickly, use data to make informed decisions, and apply evidence-based strategies to lead effectively. 

One of the key advantages of earning a teaching degree or education degree at Walden is the flexibility of online education. Walden’s online learning platform lets you balance your academic pursuits with work, family, and other responsibilities. Walden’s online degree programs are designed to be engaging and interactive, with opportunities for collaboration with experienced faculty.

Learn more today about earning an education degree online. With its range of options and a commitment to academic excellence, Walden can help prepare you to make a lasting impact in education. 

Walden University is an HLC-accredited institution offering online certificate programs and bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs. Expand your career options and earn your degree in a convenient, flexible format that fits your busy life.

¹Source: www.the74million.org/article/high-school-cheating-increase-from-chatgpt-research-finds-not-so-much/

²Source: https://mitsloanedtech.mit.edu/ai/teach/ai-detectors-dont-work

³Source: www.educationworld.com/a_curr/profdev/profdev045.shtml

⁴Source: www.theclassroom.com/cheating-school-affect-rest-life-28573.html