I am a HS Sophomore, and we had a reading quiz last week. The teacher allowed us to use a specific “green notes” on the quiz. However, I mistakenly didn’t pay attention to the “green” notes part, and thought we could use any notes on the quiz. So I printed an online summary to use as “notes” for the quiz. My teacher confiscated my “notes” and accused me of cheating. He is yet to decide on my punishment, but I am concerned. I understand this is a huge mistake I made on my part, but I feel this is an honest mistake and that I didn’t pay attention that we could only use the “green” notes. I have never got cheating offenses in my academic career, but I am afraid my teacher will make a big deal out of this.
I will almost certainly get a 0 on the quiz, thus dropping my grade a lot, but I hope the consequences won’t get more severe.
How severe do you think this is, and could it possibly go on my transcript/record for college admissions? If it does, how much will it affect my chances?
How do you think I should explain this to my teacher? I’ve been trying to tell him that this is my mistake, and I didn’t pay attention that we could only use the “green notes.” But he doesn’t seem to believe me, and says that no english class ever allows online summaries to be used as notes.
I am a concerned student with high pressure to achieve.
Any tips would be appreciated!
We have no way of knowing how severe it will be since you don’t know and you’re in your school. See what happens, then talk to your GC about it.
Oh man! I would go talk to your teacher in private and explain that it was an honest mistake and say that if it wasn’t then why would you not try to hide the notes. Maybe try to explain that you have a lot going on with college admissions and grades that you simply just weren’t paying attention. Say that you have never ever cheated and have never been accused of cheating before the incident. If the teacher is totally mean and a jerk he or she might create a cheating infraction (note) on your transcripts, however try to talk to him before he or she does. Good luck!
^ The OP should tell his teacher he “has a lot going on with college admissions?”. He is a HS sophomore. I think the OP should wait and see what will happen.
Thanks for your tips! I’m just worried, because this is one of those teachers who is very strict and picky about cheating. I believe its an honest mistake, but he may not believe this or trust my story.