Can College Professors or Instructors Edit or Change Student Final Exam Answers After Submission?
Introduction to Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a fundamental principle in education that encompasses honesty, trust, respect, and responsibility. While it is true that any criminal might engage in unethical practices, most educators adhere strictly to the principles of fair and ethical grading. No reputable professor would engage in the practice of altering students' final exam answers after submission for personal gain or to cover up mistakes.
Historical Perspectives on Exam Grading
In the past, when exams were handwritten, the possibility of tampering was far less likely. Handwritten exams lacking modern technology made such alterations nearly impossible, providing an inherent safeguard of academic honesty. However, with the advent of technology and computers, the potential for unethical behavior has increased.
All About Student Fairness and Accuracy
Professors and instructors are ethically obligated to grade exams fairly and accurately. They must be attentive to any errors or ambiguities in their questions. For instance, if a question is imprecise, leading to multiple interpretations, the professor should account for such ambiguities in their grading rubrics. If a student answers the question in a manner that aligns with the professor's intended understanding, the student should receive credit for their answer.
Grading Practices and Subjectivity
Some classes inherently involve subjective elements that make it challenging to eliminate bias. For example, essays, case studies, and qualitative assessments often require subjective judgment. In such cases, grading involves a degree of subjectivity, and it is up to the professor to set clear criteria.
One notable example involves a business school professor who meticulously adjusted grades to ensure a fixed distribution. This practice, while somewhat controversial, illustrates how even experienced professors face the challenge of maintaining a consistent grade distribution. Such adjustments aim to ensure fairness, but they also align with the broader standards set by the institution.
Challenges and Ethical Boundaries
Altering or editing student answers after submission would be highly unusual and potentially harmful to the principles of academic integrity. If a professor believes a student's answer was incorrect, they should address the issue during the grading process, not after the submission. Any changes must be transparent and documented, aligning with institutional policies and procedures.
The Role of Accreditation
Accrediting organizations play a crucial role in ensuring that educational institutions meet certain standards. However, these organizations do not have overarching authority over all colleges and universities. Each institution has its own set of rules and procedures, and the enforcement of these standards varies. While some institutions have strict guidelines, others may have more lenient practices.
The absence of a single set of rules and procedures can create confusion and dilute the effectiveness of accreditation. Nonetheless, most colleges and universities strive to maintain high standards of academic integrity and strive to ensure that grading practices are fair and consistent.
Closing Remarks
In conclusion, while technology has introduced new challenges to academic integrity, the vast majority of college professors and instructors adhere to ethical and transparent grading practices. Altering student answers after submission undermines the core principles of academic honesty and should be a last resort, if at all, when it is clearly established that an error was made. Institutions must continue to uphold and enforce standards to maintain the integrity of the educational process.