A very good idea : an honors creative project (HONRS 499)

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Authors
Archer, Kristin M.
Advisor
Fisher, Mathew D.
Issue Date
2000
Keyword
Degree
Thesis (B.S.)
Department
Honors College
Other Identifiers
Abstract

Academic dishonesty is present in all educational institutions, from college settings to elementary schools. Karel Montor found that cheating is more prevalent when teachers do not promote integrity in their classrooms (Montor, 1971). Students also claim that they have not been taught what constitutes cheating or why cheating is an unacceptable behavior (Montor, 1971). This creative project was designed as a children's book to be used in elementary school classrooms or at home. The book is to be used as a tool to promote integrity. It may be used as part of a classroom unit or simply as a bedtime story. The purpose of the book is to make children aware of what constitutes as cheating behavior. The book may be used to address different kinds of cheating behavior such as, stealing another individual's idea and using it as your own or destroying another individual's work.In a study conducted by Victor Dmitruk found that competitive situations may increase the cheating behavior of some students (1973). It has also been found that children with a high need for approval are more likely to cheat than other children (Lobel & Levanon, 1988). In order to create a realistic setting, the main character in this story is faced with a competitive situation. He also had a high need for approval and is highly motivated to succeed.Through the use of jungle creatures and a plot, which includes a contest, this book tells a story while promoting integrity. The book may be used as a tool in order to start discussions about academic integrity in elementary schools. If integrity units are created to be taught in elementary schools, perhaps cheating will not be as prevalent in later grades.Bibliography:Dmitruk, V. (1973). Intangible motivation and resistance to temptation. The Journal of Genetic Psychology, 123, 47-53.Lobel, T. & Levanon, I. (1988). Self-esteem, need for approval, and cheating behavior in children. Journal of Educational Psychology, 80 (1), 122123.Montor, K. (1971). Cheating in high school. School and Society, 99 (2331), 96-98.