As I was handing back tests that I had corrected in my Computer Tech class this week, I pointed out to a student that I thought it was interesting that she and the girl that she sits by got the very same score and missed the very same problems on the test. I had a substitute teacher give the test so I had no idea what had gone on during the test.
The student asked me if I was accusing her of cheating. I replied, "I have no way of knowing that; but I just find it interesting that you have the same score." She asked me if I wanted her to take the test over. I replied that I would let her decide that by listening to her conscious. I told her to let me know if she did want to take it over. I continued on passing out tests and monitoring the classroom when before long, she came back to my desk and said that she would like to take the test over because she didn't want me to think that she cheated.
I was very proud of her for letting her integrity shine through and choosing to make it right. She is a very bright girl, and my guess is that the other girl copied her, if there was copying going on. But I had said that even if you allow someone to copy you, you are involved in cheating.
I was proud of this teaching moment and letting the student evaluate her integrity rather than just accusing her of cheating and demanding that she retake the test. I believe that she will learn more from this lesson by listening to her own conscious and evaluating her own integrity.
I've decided that I will give a anonymous student award in our next Awards Assembly and share the story as an example of integrity without embarrassing her in front of others.
