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.’
Careerforce takes academic misconduct seriously. As an assessor you have a key role in ensuring the integrity of our programmes and qualifications. Your organisation also needs to know that the staff member/learner is skilled and competent to do their job, and that the clients are properly looked after and supported.
Your role as a Careerforce assessor is primarily to uphold the quality and integrity of the qualification or programme.
More information about academic misconduct here
As an assessor, you must not mark work as correct if you are not convinced that it is the learner’s own original words. If you suspect that a learner has presented assessment evidence that is not their own, seek more information from the learner. This can be by having a conversation with the learner about their knowledge and understanding. Note down the key points of the discussion on the assessment, sign and date the notes, and if the learner is present, get them to sign the notes as well.
Guidance for Workplace Assessors when detecting and managing academic misconduct here.
When examples of academic misconduct are detected, there are consequences for learners. The learner may be required to re-submit new assessment evidence for marking. In some cases, unit standards will be removed from a learner’s NZQA record of achievement.
We have communicated with all Careerforce learners on this subject, to let them know what is and isn’t acceptable, and will continue to remind them.
Careerforce process for handling academic misconduct
Careerforce has developed an end-to-end process to REDUCE, DETECT and MANAGE academic misconduct.
Reduce
Various initiatives are in place to prevent learners from resorting to academic misconduct.
- Signed Declaration on Training Agreement – There is a more prominent area on the Training Agreement where the learner agrees not to use Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI) tools or directly copy from any source such as Careerforce learning materials, books, printed material, the internet, or another person when answering assessment questions.
- Aka Toi also displays a similar message prominently on the learner’s log-in page.
- New paper-based assessments will have a similar message on the front cover page for the learner to declare they will abide by this.
- Regular Consistent Messaging:
- During conversations with learners – we ask that you discuss academic dishonesty in your discussions with learners.
- Continued notices in our bi-monthly newsletters to learners (Training for Good and Apprenticeship Journey).
- On the Aka Toi online learning platform
Detect and Manage
When academic misconduct is suspected, various initiatives are in place to help detect and manage it.
What you need to do if you suspect a learner of academic misconduct
First instance of academic misconduct
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1. Workplace Assessor has a conversation with the learner (and the Careerforce Workplace Advisor (CWA)) about what has been deemed to be academic misconduct, providing examples. The assessor must mark the work as ‘not yet competent/more evidence required’. Learners are welcome to dispute/appeal an assessor decision here. |
Refer to guidance notes for handling conversations with learners here | |
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2. Workplace Assessor completes an Academic Misconduct form on iportal including details on what has been deemed to be academic misconduct. |
You can access the academic misconduct form(s) when logged into iportal. Simply choose from the ‘Academic Misconduct’ option on the left navigation bar when logged in. The form can also be accessed here once you log in to iportal. |
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3. Careerforce flags the learner’s record on our database. |
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4. Careerforce sends a first warning letter to the learner. |
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Second instance of academic misconduct
| Action | Notes | |
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1. Workplace Assessor has a conversation with the learner (and the Careerforce Workplace Advisor (CWA)) about what has been deemed to be academic misconduct, providing examples. The assessor must mark the work as ‘not yet competent/more evidence required’. Learners are welcome to dispute/appeal an assessor decision here. |
Refer to guidance notes for handling conversations with learners here |
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2. Workplace Assessor completes an Academic Misconduct form on iportal including details on what has been deemed to be academic misconduct. |
You can access the academic misconduct form(s) when logged into iportal. Simply choose from the ‘Academic Misconduct’ option on the left navigation bar when logged in. The form can also be accessed here once you log in to iportal. |
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3. Careerforce flags the learner’s record on our database. |
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4. Careerforce sends a final warning letter to the learner. |
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Third instance of academic misconduct
| Action | Notes | |
| 1. Workplace Assessor completes the Academic Misconduct form in iportal to escalate to Moderation. This triggers a notification to the Careerforce Moderation Team | The form can be accessed once you log in to iportal | |
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2. Moderation Team now take over |
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Careerforce Moderation Team now manage process
The moderator will conduct an investigation to determine if academic misconduct has occurred. A letter will be issued to the learner with the assessor and manager copied in. The moderator will aim to negotiate an outcome with all parties with a view to resolution without termination of training agreement or rescinding qualifications if possible (situation permitting).
How we can support assessors
Assessor and Moderation Hubs – New Assessors are advised about Academic Misconduct and how we can prevent, detect and manage it during the Assessor and Moderation Hubs (Wānanga Mātauranga) when they first become an assessor.
Guide for conversations with learners – A guidance document is available to support assessors with conversations with learners who they suspect of academic misconduct here.
Hono Mai meetings – Workplace assessors are welcome to bring queries to Hono Mai meetings on a Wednesday from 1-2pm. You can join the meeting link by logging into iportal. Just click on the ‘Hono Mai meeting for assessors’ menu option.
Academic misconduct form to escalate cases – When you suspect a learner of academic misconduct, you can complete an Academic Misconduct form on iportal including details on what has been deemed to be academic misconduct. This generates a notification for Careerforce to send an email to the learner. Subsequent instances of academic misconduct, result in the learner being referred to the Careerforce moderator.
AI detection tools – Careerforce is currently investigating suitable AI detection tools that we can recommend.
Resource on ‘Plagiarism, copying and AI use’ – This learning resource provides assessors with more information on dealing with academic misconduct, plagiarism, and copying.
Contact us – If you are unsure of the authenticity of a learner’s work or need to discuss this with someone, please do not hesitate to contact the moderation team – moderation@careerforce.org.nz