Here is the follow up rant.
I teach Computer Science classes. The students work from a textbook that guides them through their assignments. Because we are all human, there are still mistakes made. Mispelled words, wrong dates inserted, formatting errors, etc.
At the end of each section I assign a 'Free-Form' problem based on the concepts of the chapter. Basically, this assignment gives the student the outline for the final document, then they must create it. Each student arrives at a unique solution. It is graded on inclusion of concepts. Since the students are not 'told' what the final assignment should look like, they all make their own decision.
The students who were bright enough to turn in the 'same' documents, right down to the same mispelled words, wrong column formats, missing printout, incorrect dates met with me over the last few days to explain this 'odd' coincidence. Amazingly, even their 'free form' assignments were identical... hmmmm...[;D]
EVERYONE of them claimed to have NO idea how they had the same work submitted...
The each claimed that they 'might' have helped each other a little...maybe they did work together, but they did their own work! (huh?)
QUOTE from my syllabus:
"For this class, it is permissible to assist classmates in general discussions of computing techniques. [b]General advice and Interaction are encouraged[/b]. Each person, however, must develop his or her own solutions to the assigned projects, assignments, and tasks. In other words, students may not 'work together' on graded assignments."
Me: "Oh, really? You worked together, that is why your work is identical?"
Them: "Yeah, we helped each other, if she/he/we/I thought they were making a mistake I would correct them."
Me: "And you think is acceptable? Would you do this in a Math class? Would you do this on a test? Would you do this on questions at the end of the chapter? No? THEN WHY do you think this is acceptable when my SYLLABUS clearly states this is UNacceptable???!"
Rocket Scientist, every one of them...
Needless to say, 4 more students withdrawing or receiving an F.
And the were MAD at ME?!? I wasn't the one that cheated!
TheRedGoat