Academic misconduct

When a learner presents assessment evidence that is not their own, gathered from another learner’s work, or from online resources (including generative AI), or from any other sources, we call this ‘academic misconduct’. ‘Misconduct’ means some form of wrongdoing. This is sometimes referred to as ‘academic dishonesty’ or ‘academic integrity’.

Consequences of academic misconduct

Careerforce takes academic misconduct seriously.

We have an important role in ensuring the integrity of our programmes and qualifications. The employer needs to know that the learner is skilled and competent to do their job, and that clients are properly looked after.

When examples of academic misconduct are detected, there are consequences. In some cases, unit standards will be removed from a learner’s NZQA record of achievement and the learner required to re-submit new assessment evidence for marking.

If a qualification has been awarded and unit standards are removed from the NZQA record of achievement, the qualification will be removed. If continued academic misconduct is detected, the learner’s training agreement may be terminated, meaning the qualification is unable to be completed. These consequences can have impacts on the relationship between the learner and the employer, and without the qualification the learner’s rate of pay may be impacted.

How to avoid it – Learners should use their own words

All assessment work completed must be the learner’s own original work and must be produced without assistance from other people. Learners must not buy assessment answers, copy from other learner’s work, or copy from other sources. Where learners have used the ideas of other authors, they need to acknowledge all the sources. Learners are reminded that their training agreement requires compliance with The Educational Regulatory Framework of Te Pūkenga: Te Kawa Maiorooro. (7.7 covers Academic Integrity).

Don’t use AI for assessments

Artificial Intelligence chatbots, such as ChatGPT, Copilot, Bard and BingAI learn from information on the internet to generate written responses to prompts or questions. The use of AI in answering assessment questions is NOT acceptable.

Use of AI can be okay for generating ideas, translating languages or generating images, but learners should be aware that AI can make mistakes, may be out of date, and does not necessarily provide answers that are right for the context, the organisation and NZ laws and codes.

Assessment answers must be written in the learner’s own words and using their own examples. Learners are not being marked on how well they write or their English language skills. By giving their own examples from their workplace in their own original words, they demonstrate that they understand how to complete a task. Talking about their on-job experiences in assessments is the best way to show their competence.

Copyleaks integrated into Aka Toi learning platform

We’ve introduced a software tool (Copyleaks) that helps us identify any potential issues with assessments. This tool is built into our learning platform, Aka Toi, and will assist us in detecting things like plagiarism or work that may not be the learners own work.

Aka Toi learners will be asked to confirm that they understand and agree to this when submitting assessments.

For most learners, this won’t change anything. If learners have done their own work, there’s nothing to be concerned about. This is simply one of the steps we’re taking to continue upholding integrity of qualifications that we award. If anything concerning is found, the  assessor will discuss this with the learner. Learners will be supported through the process and given a fair chance to respond.

Here is a list of FAQs about Copyleaks.

Observers need to see the learner completing practical tasks

Where the learner is asked to demonstrate a task for an assessment, an observation form must be completed and signed by an approved observer or assessor.

We can support learners

If learners are struggling with any assessments, or with literacy, they should talk to their manager or assessor. Learners can also attend one of our free study workshops across the country, or contact us at Careerforce. The following resources may be helpful: Your original words.

Please remember, we are here to help learners become skilled and competent and succeed!

Frequently asked questions

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