The Problem of Cheating in Exams: Causes, Effects, and Solution

Abstract

This research was conducted to investigate the problem of cheating in exams in the Department of English at the Faculty of Arts / University of Zawia. The main aim of this study was to understand the causes of this problem, its effects on the achievement of the students and on their careers after graduation. Another aim was to try to find solution to this problem to eliminate its effects both in the short and long run. This research was part of the effort to reform and improve the learning/teaching process in the department. A questionnaire was distributed to 30 staff members at the department who are involved in teaching at present. Results showed that there are three major causes of cheating in the department. These are collapse of moral standards, absence of state authority and lack of security and, finally, lack of application of relevant regulations. With regard to the effects of cheating the study found that depriving good students from their chance to be distinguished is the major direct effect. Another main effect is that cheating leads to graduation of large numbers of students who are unqualified in addition to its negative effects on the whole country which will eventually lead to collapse in the administration system and the society's institutions if not dealt with seriously and urgently. Therefore, some suggestions were given to teachers and authorities of how to deal with the situation to solve this problem.