Understanding Mathematics by Peter Alfeld, Department of Mathematics, University of Utah

Do you cheat on exams?


Well, I don't have to tell you that you are not supposed to do that! But there is more to it than that. You are wasting your time! Don't believe that all you need is a passing grade in this class since somebody made up an arbitrary rule! By and large there are good reasons for prerequisites and requirements. Cheating just makes your life miserable and only postpones embarrassment and agony. It deprives you of the pride and joy that comes from doing well because of your skills and accomplishments. It denies you the learning experience offered by the class. It leaves you with a handicap when taking advanced classes, or starting a position that requires your presumed but fake expertise. It ruins your self confidence. It's not even an effective way of getting a reasonable grade. Most people I have seen cheating are getting poor grades anyway. So you are on a road that leads nowhere and you are cheating only yourself. Either change your ways, or rearrange your life so you end up in a situation where you don't feel that cheating is the only way you can cope.


Fine print, your comments, more links, Peter Alfeld, PA1UM

[16-Aug-1996]