How do we control cheating while keeping the cohort group?
I have international students that flock together in a group. They share notes and are caught talking during a test. When questioned about this talking, the reply is that the question makes no sense because of the language barrier and that the question is being explained in the native tongue. I have gone so far as to seperate the group, which was recieved in a negative manner and reported to the office for being prejudice against the group of students. I have taken students aside and explained that clarification of test questions is my responsibility and that talking during a test is not authorized. Then I catch them texting each other. It has gotten to the extreme that I have all phones turned off and put away under the penalty of failing the test if it rings or comes out. We do not take a break during a test. No eating, drinking, or use of tobacco. The word is getting out that I am a tough TESTMASTER. Cheating has declined and test scores dropped for a short time. Is there more that I can do to curb cheating without becoming a tyrant?
Hi Theresa,
Like your "shpeel" about being a professional. It is true and they need to hear and receive that message. They may cheat in class but they can't cheat on the job for very long if they intend on keeping that job. It really is up to them.
Gary
I don't play "cop" in the classroom (my own style, may not be good for others) I do however give them my "shpeel" about cheating - it goes like this: "you are adult learners, and in a professional environment - if you cheat, you are cheating yourself, no-one else - and your portfolio's and your interview answers to your prospective employer will reflect this - so invest in yourself and hold yourself to a higher level - you deserve it" - I really don't have any problems with cheating in my classrooms. I make it a point to tell the students that it costs them about $20 an hour to be here and this money is an investment in themselves, and they know they are worth it.
I hand tests back for review but I record the grades befor I hand them back.
Hi Vivian,
You give a number of very good advice points about how to handle test taking and support for international students. You are striving to keep the playing field level and fair for all students. Keep up the good work.
Gary
I agree, giving more than one version of each exam reduces the possibility that they will cheat. However, they will still attempt it. I find that sometimes, we as instructors are to blame. Once exams are passed out, instructors sit at their desk and do other work and that opens up the possibility for them. I walk around the class. I stand at different places and I keep my eyes on them. If they feel your presence and know you're looking, they'll be less likely to cheat.
Also, although international students do try to use the language barrier, they are not the only ones that I catch cheating. As an international person myself, I always tell them, that is not a good excuse because they enrolled in an English speaking college. I encourage them to bring a dictionary to class and when I write my exams, I keep my language consistent to the one I use in class so that I don't give anyone whether national or international doubt on the wording of my questions.
Ronald,
I have encountered much of the same. I have concluded that once the word gets out on how I conduct my class and what my expectations are especially during test taking time, that it all comes together in the end. The students stopped the claims against me, the test scores came up, and I actually had much more positive interaction with my students. My opinion only, just keep doing what you're doing.
Create Three or four Versions of the test with the same content and give the students that seat near each other a different version of the test. I used Thomson Learning Exam View to create my test. This will stop the cheating...
Hi Ronald,
Although this solution will make more work for you, it is guaranteed to work. Use the same basic test questions for the entire class. However, if you are using multiple choice or matching, change the location of the correct answer. this can be done several times. If you are using true or false, reword the statement to come up with the opposite answer. In extreme situations I have resorted to these strategies. When the tests are returned, believe me, there are some astonished students.
And one other suggestion, I would tell my students that if a cell phone is seen during the test, it will be considered cheating.
Hi Ronald,
Although this solution will make more work for you, it is guaranteed to work. Use the same basic test questions for the entire class. However, if you are using multiple choice or matching, change the location of the correct answer. this can be done several times. If you are using true or false, reword the statement to come up with the opposite answer. In extreme situations I have resorted to these strategies. When the tests are returned, believe me, there are some astonished students.
And one other suggestion, I would tell my students that if a cell phone is seen during the test, it will be considered cheating.
Hi David,
Well done. Sounds like your school has a very workable approach to testing.
Gary
We offer two different tests (same questions, different order). No talking, cell phones, or breaks during or after test. Once graded, scores are shown to the student and then a review of the test occurs audibly.
Hi Charles,
Isn't sad when you have to modify what should be a helpful procedure to enhance student learning due to dishonesty issues.
This is something each instructor has to be constantly on guard for. What the students don't realize is that by cheating in their work and on tests they are taking away from their professional preparation. This will come back to haunt them when they are on the job and lack the skills to preform what is required of them.
Gary
Hello,
Hip-Hip-Hurray for Louise:-)
We as educators must have ultimate control of our testing procedures.
These methods utilized to minimize cheating don't make us tyrants - just good educators - protecting the institution of higher learning and forcing student to really learn the material so they can pass the test w/o cheating.
For example: I used to give test back then go over it as a group. But, when 2 students were caught cheating...changing answers. I quickly came up with another approach - go over test - one student at a time, has I call them up to my desk.
Yours,
Charles
The best way to control cheating is to control the environment. Spacing between seats or even moving to a larger classroom can and does help.
Hi Beth,
Glad the suggestion was helpful. I look forward to seeing how it works out for you.
Gary
I like the idea of handing out different tests (i.e. with questions in different order). I have had quite a bit of problems with cheating and talking during tests - this will be very helpful to me. Thanks!
Hi Reva,
The key thing to think about is to have balance to how you place the students in relation to the testing situation. If you are a fair and dedicated instructor you will earn the respect of your students and be viewed as a fair instructor.
Gary
In an effort to control cheating, I changed the seating arrangements for the Final Exams, i.e. I moved around students from their "comfort seats", and away from their friends. They were upset at first, however, I felt this was the best approach to curb cheating. Do not feel bad about being called a tyrant, because my students think that I am tough, and somewhat of a "dictator". Some of the students have complained to Student Advisement,however, I stated it is important for me to maintain and established control in the classroom.
If I were you, I would consider being called a tyrant as a great compliment. You can only bend over backwards so much. Keep up the good work of maintaining quality. It is human nature to get upset over one negative comment. But if you look at the others who have graduated from your class you will be impressed with your performance, rather than lose sleep over a few complaining students. Each time I go through similar situations, I tweak my syllabi to reflect what my policy would be in such cases.
