To tell or not to tell?

ItsThatJenGirl, CNA · Dec 18, 2016

I don't understand your issue with this? People are still doing the work, studying and taking the tests. Can you clarify why you think this is worthy of an email to the teacher?

caliotter3 · Dec 18, 2016

If the material on quizlet is identifiable as being from the specific course, then I would consider informing the instructor. If not, do not bother. Some people put stuff on quizlet noting the specific course designator (NursFund120 ((at)) ABC SON ((taught by)) Lucy Smythe) or something similar, making it obvious that the info comes from such and such. Others just post general info and for all you know, it came from out of the blue.

nursingRN123 · Dec 18, 2016

Hi, yes. So, a lot of the question on quizlet is showing up on the exams, word for word. I'm not sure if they're coming from a test bank or where quizlet is getting it from. Hope that makes sense.

Double-Helix, BSN, RN · Dec 18, 2016

Your school would likely consider use of quizlet cheating. It sounds like the test bank questions used by your school have been posted on quizlet. I agree with you that, in addition to being unethical, memorizing test questions does not demonstrate actual comprehension of the material, not does it indicate competence as a nurse. I'm sure the school would appreciate knowing this, and I agree that if you decide to let them know, it should be done anonymously. Since email is never anonymous, a letter sent to the dean is a better method.

nursingRN123 · Dec 18, 2016

Yeah, it just doesn't feel right. I'm afraid to say something because what if the whole class gets in trouble for it? I was thinking of creating a new email and sending it that way, but I was afraid they may be able to see my IP address and trace and back to me. I'm not sure if I am doing it for selfish reasons or not. There are people in my class that I know would most definitely not pass had it not been for that site. I just want it to be fair. I did well without quizlet because I studied my A$$ off.

ItsThatJenGirl, CNA · Dec 18, 2016

Hi, yes. So, a lot of the question on quizlet is showing up on the exams, word for word. I'm not sure if they're coming from a test bank or where quizlet is getting it from. Hope that makes sense.

Quizlet doesn't "get" them from anyone, people create sets themselves and choose to make them public or not. I highly doubt that any former student took the time and considerable effort to put up the tests with the correct answers after they've taken them. I use Quizlet all the time to create flashcards for myself based on information given to me in lecture/notes. A lot of the information on my flash cards relate directly to test questions and I'm certainly not cheating. I do share my sets, too - it's no different to me than sharing my actual flash cards in study lab.

I would need more information about what's happening to make a call on the ethics of this, or if it's report-able. If it's definitions/matching/true or false, then I don't see the big deal. If it's the questions from the actual test, word for word, then I'd see an issue.

CalArmy · Dec 18, 2016

I don't see a problem with it. When I was in nursing school our teachers recommended us using Saunders. Lots of the questions were similar but with maybe some answers that were different. Maybe quizlet simplifies it for them so they can absorb it easier. Just because you are book smart doesn't make you a better nurse then someone who maybe struggles in the class but able to learn more in the field. People have different strengths and different ways of learning.

nursingRN123 · Dec 18, 2016

No, the questions are word for word, I repeat "word for word" For example, let's say there's going to be an exam on the chapter pain management. The student will look up chapter 3 pain management, fundamentals and find the test questions for the whole chapters. Does that make sense?

ItsThatJenGirl, CNA · Dec 18, 2016

No, the questions are word for word, I repeat "word for word" For example, let's say there's going to be an exam on the chapter pain management. The student will look up chapter 3 pain management, fundamentals and find the test questions for the whole chapters. Does that make sense?

Then yes, I would have an issue with it. Only you can decide if it's something you should inform your instructor about. Perhaps a phone call from a public place, or a mailed letter. Good luck in your decision.

Jules A, MSN · Dec 18, 2016

No, the questions are word for word, I repeat "word for word" For example, let's say there's going to be an exam on the chapter pain management. The student will look up chapter 3 pain management, fundamentals and find the test questions for the whole chapters. Does that make sense?

This is correct, many of the questions on Quizlet are from the test banks. I have no clue how they get there but again the exact test questions. OP I can't tell you what to do but I appreciate your attempting to work through it and also reflecting on your own feelings and motivation that might be driving your dilemma. Good luck!

RNNPICU, BSN, RN · Dec 18, 2016

OP: is the quizlet part of the course? Was it a recommended resource? I am not sure how instructors pick their exams but that would be odd for an instructor to use that solely. This is a tough one on what to do. If this was a resource that the school had on the syllabus then it is fair. But, if it is some kind of back way of obtaining test information then that is cheating.