By Batool Albousabih

As private and public Arabic school 12th-grade students sit for their first final exams on Sunday, the issue of academic dishonesty in Kuwait, both in schools and universities, comes to the forefront. A recent interview with ten high school and university students by Kuwait Times sheds light on this concerning issue, exploring whether students have cheated, and if so, why and how.

Among the students interviewed, four mentioned that while they had never cheated in university, it was much easier to cheat in school due to the perceived lower level of academic difficulty. Ayoub Mohammad shared that he sometimes cheats by sitting next to a student who can show him their exam answers. Rana and Fatima, both high achievers, admitted to cheating regularly, claiming they were never suspected due to their strong academic performance and the stereotypical perceptions of their physical appearance — an unfair advantage, they argued.

Several students also explained that their lack of interest in the curriculum contributed to their decision to cheat, as they did not see the relevance of the material and thus felt no motivation to invest time and effort into studying.

There are numerous factors that may contribute to why students find cheating an easier path to success than studying. One such factor is the quality of teaching. When material is not presented in an engaging or accessible way, students often lose interest and fail to retain important concepts. Many educators, unfortunately, fail to recognize that every subject can be made interesting if delivered effectively — especially for younger generations. Teaching, therefore, should not be monotonous but should aim to inform and captivate. Along with the lack of engaging content, many students simply lack the motivation to study, resorting to cheating as a shortcut to pass their exams.

Despite the Ministry of Education’s efforts to address this issue through regulations, such as security checks before students enter exam halls, students still manage to find ways to cheat. Common methods include using cheat sheets, copying from peers, or utilizing headphones — a tactic that has become increasingly common in Kuwait’s schools. In fact, reports from Al-Qabas highlight that over 40,000 high school students were caught cheating in 2023, despite knowing the consequences.

The issue of academic dishonesty is further complicated by the mindset of some students, who believe that cheating will have no long-term consequences. These students fail to recognize that education is a serious matter, and cheating undermines its value. Moreover, the practice can have lasting effects, both ethically and professionally. Some students even brag about their success in cheating, which can give the impression that it is an acceptable behavior rather than something to be ashamed of.

In many cases, students who manage to earn degrees through dishonest means find themselves unprepared for the demands of the workforce. Without the knowledge and skills they were supposed to acquire, they may feel lost and underqualified when entering the job market. Though cheating may seem like a quick fix, it ultimately leads to negative long-term consequences.

This highlights the importance of understanding the true value of education. It is not merely a means to obtain a degree, but a crucial step in shaping one’s future and preparing for the challenges of the real world. Addressing the root causes of academic dishonesty in Kuwait requires a broader understanding of students’ perspectives, and a concerted effort from both educators and policymakers to create an environment that encourages genuine learning and academic integrity.