Raising The Bar: Promoting Academic Integrity in Nursing Education Development of A Nursing Faculty Task Force Savetria Nicole Palmer Walden University NURS6351, Section 2, The Role of the Nurse Educator August 14, 2016 Abstract Academic integrity (AI) is a concern among nursing students. This project was developed for nursing faculty members with the goal of raising awareness of the troubling issue, suggest preventive strategies to prevent academic misconduct (AM), and reduce the overall incidents of cheating on classroom examinations. Following a review of the literature, a faculty task force was developed with recommendations to guide faculty and students in implementing measures to promote AI in nursing education. Keywords: best practices, academic integrity, academic misconduct, cheating, nursing education, prevention, promotion, culture, perceptions, students. Rationale: Faculty Task Force (Palmer et al., 2016) Emphasizes the importance of academic integrity (AI) Addresses the concerns of academic misconduct (AM) Reiterates faculty responsibility Empowers nursing faculty to enforce academic policies when violated Explores current trends surrounding AI Reduce incidents of AM Methodology Faculty Surveys Literature Review Knowles’ Adult Learning Theory (Billings & Halstead, 2016) Case Study Video (Livingston, 2016) Best Practice Guidelines (Stonecypher & Wilson, 2014; Medina & Yuet, 2013) Objectives Upon completion of this project, the learner will: Identify strategies to promote AI Analyze the impact of AM on nursing practice Explain how cultural difference play a role in AI Identify strategies to deter cheating Identify barriers to reporting AM Explain why faculty should promote AI Develop a nurse faculty task force The Problem (Palmer et al., 2016) 82% of nursing college students report cheating 66% of nursing students know someone who has cheated 64% of nursing student report cheating on tests Statistically, students who cheat in the classroom are more likely to cheat in the clinical setting Case Study Faculty Survey Results Cultural Differences/Perceptions (Simpson, 2016) A study by Duke University found that cultural differences led students to violate academic standards International student enrollment has increased International students violate standards 3 times that of domestic students Differences and Perceptions con’t Misunderstanding of what behaviors are considered dishonest (Simpson, 2016) Stress and/or pressure to perform well (Simpson, 2016) The belief that cheating is an acceptable means to a desired end (Woith, Jenkins & Kerber, 2012) Barriers to Reporting AM (University of Oklahoma, 2016) Having to prove violation of the code Ease of process Support of institutional authority ( i.e. deans, chair of department) Personal biases (i.e. turning a blind eye, “I don’t care”) Common Cheating Techniques (Palmer et al., 2016) Acquisition of test questions Using hand and feet movements to portray answers Speaking in languages unknown to faculty Discussing test questions with fellow students The use of technology Writing answers on part of the body or on desks Strategies to Deter Cheating (Medina & Yuet, 2013; Stonecypher & Willson,2014) Arranged seating Securing personal belongings Advise to remain quite during testing Proper storage of tests 2-3 proctors to monitor test area Certain clothing are not allowed in test area 2-3 versions of color-coded faculty-created tests From Deterring to Promoting (Tippitt et al., 2010) Incorporate the value of academic integrity into curriculum Faculty leading by example Discuss ethics early in semester and throughout program Honor Codes written by students Avoid labeling students Zero Tolerance Proposal: Faculty Task Force (Palmer et al., 2016) Purpose: Explore current trends surrounding AI Develop a formal plan to reduce incidents of AM on classroom exams Promote AI Task Force Structure (Palmer et al., 2016) The task force consists of 9-10 faculty members and students A task force chairperson should be elected The task force should meet weekly until their formal plan is developed, then monthly The task force should work closely with parent institution officials. Conclusions/Recommendations Potential impact within professional specialty: Nursing Faculty Awareness Potential impact within Practicum setting: Collaboration within the school Evaluations Student evaluation https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/M YM8L7P Peer evaluation Preceptor & instructor evaluation Summary AI is a major concern in nursing education AM affects the provision of safe quality care Nursing faculty are “gatekeepers” to future safety The development of a faculty task force has been proven to decrease AM in the academic setting References Billings, D.M., Halstead, J.A. (2016). Teaching in nursing: A guide for faculty, (5th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elselvier Inc. Livingston, J (2014). Cheating nursing student [Video File]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xL6kwlNlmQ Medina, M.S., Yuet, W.C. (2013). Promoting academic integrity among healthcare students. American Journal of Health Systems Pharmacy, 70(9), 757-787. doi: 10.2146/ajhsp.12056 Palmer, J.L, Bultas, M., Schmuke, A.S. Fender, J.B. (2016). Nursing Examinations: Promotion of integriy and prevention of cheating. Nurse Education, 41(4), 180-184. doi: 10.1097/NNE.0000000000000238 References Simpson, D.B. (2016). Academic dishonesty: An international student perspective. Academic Perspectives in Higher Education, 2(5). Retrieved http://digitalcommons.odu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1012&context=aphe Stonecypher, K., Willson, P. (2014). Academic policies and practices to deter cheating in nursing education. Nursing Education Perspectives, 35(3), 167-169. doi: 10.5480/12-1028.1 Tippitt, M., Ard, N., Kline, J., Tilghman, J., Chamberlain, B., & Meagher, P. (2009). Creating environments that foster academic integrity. Nursing Education Perspectives, 30(4), 239244.. doi: 10.6321/13-1028.1 References University of Oklahoma. (2016). Faculty guide to academic integrity. Retrieved from http://integrity.ou.edu/faculty.html Woith, W., Jenkins, S.D., Kerber, C. (2012). Perceptions of academic integrity among nursing students. Nursing Forum, 47(2), 253-259. doi: 10.1111/j.17446198.2012.00274.x.