Tell-tales of Ghost-Written Assignments

An introduction to the art of identifying third-party authorship, often known as ‘contract cheating’.

Staff need(s) the workshop will address

There is something that just doesn’t feel right about some of the work submitted by my students – how can I tell? –

· Have they cheated?
· Am I imagining it?
· What should I do?

I’ve heard about the increasing problem of students commissioning ‘ghost-written work. Are there ways I can design assessments to make such contract cheating less likely?

Who would benefit from this workshop:

Grading and moderating tutors, examiners, AIOs.
How the workshop will contribute to Learning Practice
How the workshop will develop specific skills aligned with UKPSF
How the workshop supports Fellowship at D1, D2 and D3
Audience: Academic Staff
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Length of Session: 1.5hrs

To sign up to a workshop, please book through LibCal here.

How the Workshop will contribute to Learning Practice

Through this workshop you will:

Develop an understanding of assessment types that are more and less amenable to assignment providers.

Develop your understanding of tell-tales and what to look for with illustrative examples.

Acquire familiarity of actual ghost-written work via hands-on examples.

Sadly, all grading and moderating tutors can expect to encounter commissioned ghost-written work submitted by students.

How the Workshop will develop specific skills aligned with UKPSF

Specific skills
A3
This workshop will develop your knowledge of the types of assessment that are more readily commissionable, and so will enable more insightful assignment design.

Core Knowledge
K6
Knowledge of the typical indicators of ghost-written work will increase your abilities to identify ghost-written work with increased confidence. This will enhance the academic integrity of the courses and modules, the University, and the HE sector.

Professional Values
V1
Insights gained from this workshop will help you to promote professional and ethical practice and help you to install an awareness of – and sense of pride in – academic integrity amongst your students.

V4
Increased awareness of the issues – and the deceptive and disingenuous practices involved – will encourage ethicality and professionality at and beyond the confines of the University.

How the Workshop supports Fellowship D1, D2 & D3

D2 – Fellow of the HEA
Staff for whom teaching or learning support is a significant element of their role such as staff with experience as

  • Academic or Support staff holding substantive teaching & learning responsibilities.
  • Experienced professionals with substantive teaching & learning responsibilities including for example within workplace settings.

D3 – Senior Fellow of the HEA
Experienced HE teaching staff able to demonstrate sustained impact & influence on the L&T practice of others over a number of years, through

  • Leading, managing, organising programmes
  • Mentoring other staff
  • Departmental, School or other University responsibilities