International Council for Education, Research and Training

Educational Counseling Strategies For Curbing Academic Dishonesty Among Students In Higher Institutions

Adeyanju, Janet Omotola and Ajani, Isaac Oluwatosin
Faculty of Education, Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomoso

Abstract

Academic dishonesty is a prevalent issue in the education system that arouses the interest of well-meaning compatriots. The dilemma has spread like wide-fire in that it is not limited to secondary schools; it is also a matter of concern in higher learning institutions. Although contemporary society is far from being the first to be confronted with the issue of understudy, the level of academic dishonesty in the modern education system has risen drastically compared to past experiences, particularly with the advent of technology. Academic dishonesty is any illegal act to falsify grades or use someone’s work without crediting the owner. It could be cheating in the examination or copying someone else’s assignment; academic dishonesty is situational.

Impact Statement

The study addresses the negative influence of academic dishonesty on students in higher institutions through educational counselling strategies. Many students engage in academic dishonesty for good grades and are not ready to give in to what it takes to achieve it legally. 

The study investigated the causative factors of academic dishonesty of students in higher institutions through interviews and found that parental and societal pressure, laziness, and fear of failure are major reasons for students’ involvement in academic dishonesty. The study establishes that Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Group Counselling, Client-centered Therapy and Leadership Training Counselling as the educational counselling strategies that can be employed to curb academic dishonesty among students of higher institutions.

About author

Janet Omotola Adeyanju, PhD is a lecturer in the Administration and Leadership Department of the Faculty of Education at the Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomoso. She holds a PhD in Pastoral Care and Counselling from the same institution. She also holds another Ph.D. in Educational Management from Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria. Her interest is in Christian Leadership through timely Caregiving and Empathic Counselling.

 

Isaac Oluwatosin Ajani, is a Master’s student at the Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomoso, specializing in Educational Counselling Psychology. He is a passionate teacher of God’s word, an educationist, an astute writer, a singer, and a communicator with a mandate among young people for raising kingdom leaders. He possesses a good sense of humour and delights in seeing that his arts and acts contribute to people’s happiness. 

 

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