Books like Cheating Lessons by James M. Lang

Nearly three-quarters of college students cheat during their undergraduate careers—a startling statistic that many attribute to student laziness or moral weakness. James M. Lang argues that the real drivers are the incentives embedded in learning environments. Using research from cognitive theory, he identifies specific, often subtle features of course design and daily classroom practice that create opportunities for cheating—high-stakes assessments, reliance on single evaluation methods like multiple‑choice tests, and arbitrary grading criteria. The book offers a practical guide for educators to reimagine courses, fostering intrinsic motivation, mastery, and student self‑efficacy. By implementing strategies that make cheating less worthwhile, faculty can improve student performance and become better educators overall.

First publish date: 2013