Many Students And Teachers Not Surprised By Poll Results

A recent poll conducted by the student newspaper staff at Timberlake High School revealed that many students admit they have cheated in one form or another.

The results of the poll did not shock many people.

“I’m not surprised at all,” said Phil Zimmerman, history teacher.

“I’d believe it in a heartbeat,” said senior Brandon Junso. “The 17 percent that said they haven’t are lying.”

The poll reached 299 of the 435 high school students. Of those, 249 admitted that they have copied someone else’s homework.

“I would say that (those numbers) are not relative to cheating on all homework,” said teacher Paul Kautzman.

“If you don’t have the time to do your homework, you’re gonna do it,” Junso added.

Many of the students and faculty at Timberlake believed that cheating on homework would catch up to the “cheater” when tests are taken.

“They’re setting themselves up to failing the test,” said junior Monica Mosqueda.

“It’s going to catch up to them sooner or later,” Kautzman said.

The “catch up” theory may not be valid. According to the poll, 164 students also admitted cheating on a test or quiz.

Even with the knowledge of these numbers, teachers said there is no need for changes in classroom procedures to help prevent cheating. Some said there really is no way to eliminate cheating.

“Obviously, I don’t like it,” said Zimmerman. “I do take steps to make it difficult to cheat.”

Principal Kurt Hoffman said he’s comfortable with the way teachers are running things in the classroom.

“Unless we change the consequence for cheating, it’s not going to change,” said Darren Gabrielsen, science teacher. “You have nothing to lose by cheating.”

“If your character is that low, you are going to find a way to cheat,” said Zimmerman.

Hoffman said there are two motives for cheating. “There is either so much pressure to excel and that’s the way they do it, or they are just lazy.”

Most agreed that the real question on cheating comes down to the individual’s moral choices.

“It’s like saying everything else is above their work,” said Jessica Mosqueda, senior. “They are putting their education second.”

“What surprises me is that the kids don’t see what’s wrong with it. They don’t have the moral direction to see the consequences,” said Gabrielsen.

“Many students don’t realize that knowledge is priceless,” said teacher Jennifer Maddy.

The poll also asked questions regarding different types of cheating. Eighty-eight percent admitted using some form of Cliff’s Notes or Monarch Notes to avoid reading a book. Also, 115 students said they had plagiarized part of an essay.

This sidebar appeared with the story: TELL US YOUR THOUGHTS

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