I create different versions of the test, and I try to keep away from using multiple choice or true/false questions. I try to use questions that promote solving skills.
Student cheating can be reduced by closely monitoring students and advising them of the consequences.
I try to spread the apart in the classroom and minimized their visual distractions.
Hi Rose,
Jumbling the questions is a great way to deter cheating. With today's software it is easy to cut and paste to jumble questions.
Patricia Scales
I walk around the classroom, sit on my desk, or use some other type of movement to help me monitor the test takers. Cheaters become very uncomfortable if they believe they'll be caught.
Hi Rose, I do the same thing. I often alter the numbering of questions so that the students are being assessed on the same content material, but the questions are in different numerical order.
I attempt to reduce the opportunity to cheat by: using formative and summative assessments. This way the students are assessed in various manners. During a summative assessment, students take the assessment in class and the numbering of the questions are in different order or each students. During a formative assessment, the student submits his/her portfolio and a conference is held to review the students growth based on the rubrics provided to students in the beginning of the semester.
Yes, I have jumbled the questions. I will tell the students that so if they are going to cheat, they can't.
You can ask the students to seperate themselves
Give multiple versions of the same test, separate students while taking test, direct observation
Hi Darnell,
A system has to be put in place to deter cheating. Students will do things that are out of their character when they are not prepared.
Patricia Scales
I agree, I apply the same techniques in my classroom.
Hi Terry,
Awesome ways to deter cheating. These practices really make it harder for students to cheat. Continue to monitor tests effectively.
Patricia Scales
I have the students spread out when possible. I point out in one class particular, dosage calculations, that cheating here can lead to making a med error causing serious harm or even death to a future patient once they start their medical career. The class does an exercise "Who do you love most?" that I took from a book I read. After I write the names of the people they love the most on the board, I ask them, "Wouldn't you want a competent medical professional administering the correct dosage to your son, daughter, mother, father, etc.?" I encourage them to ask for help right away if they are not understanding material. I also circulate when they are working on work sheets in class and ask each student how they are doing. I give them times I am available for extra help.
My class size is relatively small, usually no more that 10-12 students. Students are not allowed to sit next to or behind one another. I also make 2 - 3 copies of the same exam in scrambled order. After exams are graded and reviewed by the students, the exams are stored in a locked storage room, and exam keys are shredded. Exam templates are also stored electronically on a secure server.
Make students aware of the penalties for cheating up front. Additionally design your evaluations so that "all" is not riding on one graded event.
Hi Salvatore,
Essay questions tests are much harder to cheat on. Students will take full advantage of you on T/F and/or multiple choice tests with cheating if you are not careful.
Patricia Scales
Hi Desmomd,
Students are students, and it is better safe than sorry to try to prevent cheating. You do a fantastic job with minimizing cheating.
Patricia Scales
it is more difficult to cheat when questions are structured such that answers are more personalized responses.
Cheating is a sensitive issue. You constantly have to attempt to stay ahead of the cheaters. They always find new and creative ways to cheat. I tell my students all the time that you are only cheating yourself when you cheat. However, i know my students are like any other students so i still take certain measures so that its not easy to cheat in my class. I make multiple versions of the exam, on test day i trade an exam for a cell phone, and I switch up seating arrangements often.
