"Whole idea of trust but verify". To what extent do you agree with this "idea" as a feasible solution to curb academic dishonesty in your country?

The ‘trust but verify’ phrase basically refers to using a host of technological software to validate the students’ work and to ensure none of it is a result of a malicious act of cheating or plagiarism, while at the same time assuring the students that the school fully trusts them and believes in their integrity. We believe that this method is contradictory and the system of verification defeats the very purpose of believing in the students’ morals and values. This system sends the message to the students that they are actually not trusted by their teachers but are given lip service about being trusted. It thus causes them to lose their faith in the school also and it makes it even more difficult for the school to demand adherence to the honour code by its students.

By using these anti-cheating applications, the school gives the students get the impression that they are expected to cheat and these software are there just to rectify any such cases. The severity of a cheating offence is thus reduced and the students might feel that there is lesser to lose by cheating. More might be tempted to give it a try and this is overall a detrimental effect for the school. We therefore believe that though the schools should not completely remove these applications, they should use them in a more constructive way by using them only when they suspect a case of dishonesty and not scanning every single piece of work. By doing so, it cannot be said then that the school trusts its students.

In Singapore, an honour code and the basic value of integrity exists in all educational institutes. It is the students’ duty to uphold this value. While majority do adhere to this norm, a small minority do prevail who neglect or ignore integrity and cheat to find the easiest way out. It is the case of “one rotten apple spoiling the whole basket”. In order to prevent an increase in the number of students being influenced by such cases and attempting to skive off themselves, the schools are forced to install and use this technology against all students’ work. These measures send fear through the students as they feel insecure about their work and are scared to use any sources. The sad truth however is that these measures are necessary to prevent a greater disaster.

In conclusion, even though the phrase ‘trust but verify’ is contradictory to a certain extent, we believe that it is necessary to adopt this approach in the Singaporean society so as to maintain a level of honour in all pieces of work and to prevent any malicious acts from occurring.

Done By: Abhijit, Elaine, Thomas & Nicholas 09S06H