Cheating in online assessment: a qualitative study on reasons and coping strategies focusing on EFL teachers’ perceptions

Abstract

A challenging aspect of online education is assessment since academic integrity could be violated due to students’ cheating behaviors. The current qualitative research investigated English teachers’ perceptions of why students cheat in online assessments. Besides, it attempted to find strategies to reduce cheating in online assessments. Twelve teachers (seven males and five females) with at least 5 years of teaching experience in different high schools in Tabriz, Iran, participated in the study. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and were analyzed using MAXQDA version 2022. Freedom in the absence of an invigilator, unpreparedness for assessment, getting better grades/outcomes, low self-esteem/self-confidence, shortage of time/poor time management, peer influence or competition, not taking assessment seriously, fear of failure/bad assessment outcomes, and lack of respect for academic rules/the teacher were some reasons of cheating in online assessment revealed by the analysis of the data. The teachers suggested strategies to curb cheating in online assessment, such as randomizing questions, using open-ended and essay-format questions, designing different test methods and question types, restricting exam time, designing learner-specific questions, showing one question at a time, and providing clear exam instructions. The study has some pedagogical implications for faculty members and administrators.