Copying

Scenario--A Russian student, who has learned English and is able to do much of the work in your 4th grade classroom, copies work from other students during tests. When you talk to him about this, he doesn't seem contrite. His parents act like you are making a big deal about nothing.

Response--In many other cultures, copying from someone's paper does not receive the same reaction as it does in American culture. There is a lot of pressure on students to achieve any way they can. Many cultures in the previous 'communistic block' countries see copying as a way of putting one over on the government. It is not considered "bad". American standards for academic honesty must be clearly explained.