Are you looking for ways to motivate students not to cheat? If so, keep reading.

1. Restrict the learner’s participation in competitive learning activities.

2. Teach the learner appropriate ways in which to deal with anger, frustration, etc., so the learner does not feel the need to cheat.

3. Assist the learner in accepting the fact that self-improvement is more essential than being the best, “winning,” “beating” someone else, etc., (e.g., improving their own best time in swimming is better than always trying to “beat” someone else, etc.).

4. Prior to beginning a game or task, make sure the learner knows the rules, is familiar with the game, knows instructions, etc.

5. Urge the learner to take part in less competitive learning activities (e.g., reading, clubs, scouts, learner council, etc.).

6. Assist the learner in developing self-confidence and satisfaction in personal self-worth and successes by pointing out strengths, emphasizing positive aspects, etc.

7. Address the learner’s behavior every time there is a problem with cheating (e.g., when the learner cheats, remove them from the situation, and do not let them return, etc.).

8. Address the learner’s cheating privately rather than in public.

9. Praise those students in the classroom who do their own work.

10. Do not take action unless you are sure that the learner is cheating.

11. Select a peer to model performing their own work for the learner.

12. Connect with parents to disseminate information about the learner’s progress. The parents may reinforce the learner at home for doing their own work at school.

13. Draft an agreement with the learner stipulating what behavior is required (e.g., doing their own work) and which reinforcement will be implemented when the agreement has been met.

14. Praise the learner for doing their own work based on the duration of time the learner can be successful. As the learner shows success, slowly increase the duration of time required for reinforcement.

15. Create classroom rules: • Remain on-task. • Remain in your seat. • Finish tasks. • Meet task expectations. • Raise your hand. Examine rules often. Praise students for following the rules.

16. Converse with the learner to explain (a) what the learner is doing wrong (e.g., cheating, copying, etc.) and (b) what the learner should be doing (i.e., their own work).

17. Assess the appropriateness of the task to ascertain (a) if the task is too complicated and (b) if the duration of time scheduled to finish the task is sufficient.

18. Praise the learner for doing their own work: (a) give the learner a concrete reward (e.g., privileges such as leading the line, handing out learning materials, 10 minutes of free time, etc.) or (b) give the learner an informal reward (e.g., praise, handshake, smile, etc.).

19. Consider using an adaptive behavior management app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

20. Click here to learn about six bonus strategies for challenging problem behaviors and mastering classroom management.

21. Consider using AI to stop student cheating.