23rd April 2014 9:00
By Blue Tutors
Universities are coming under increasing pressure to monitor students’ work to ensure that the work is their own. Whilst plagiarism has always been an issue that universities have had to contend with, a rising point of contention is the degree to which students are receiving help with their assignments. Many university students receive extra help from outside sources, including tutors, who will read their work and make suggestions for improvement. A particularly common request for help comes from international students, who require tutors or professional agencies to proofread their work and help with language skills. This has prompted a discussion amongst those in the tutoring industry as to how much help is legitimate, and what constitutes cheating.
There are some tutors who will not help directly with assessed work at all. This means that they can safely say that the coursework is all their students’ own work, and they do not feel compromised. However, this is a difficult position to maintain, when the majority of requests for help from university students is for specific help with coursework. The academic community is divided on whether helping international students by proof-reading constitutes cheating. Some say it is fine, because their language skills should not put them at a disadvantage; it is knowing the material that counts. Others say that proofing gives an unfair advantage, as well-written coursework can significantly contribute towards an improved grade.
Then there is the matter of advice that goes beyond proof reading. Where tutors comment on essays, how far should they go? Should they simply highlight problematic parts, or make suggestions for improvement? And finally, many tutors have been approached and asked to complete coursework on behalf of students. How tutors choose to handle the issue of helping students with coursework is up to them, and currently a matter of conscience. In making this decision, they should remember that their role is to act in the best interests of their students, and helping them cheat does not achieve that. The ultimate goal should be to help them learn in the best way possible.