I have a very small class, so for me, I will make them sit one to a table, put all of their books and belongings on the floor. At times, I will make two seperate test and alternate them when passing them out. By doing this, I actually did catch a student trying to cheat. Needless to say, this student failed the exam.
Spread the students out
hand out different test
stand over the ones that cheat
I think all the suggestions are excellent ideas - different versions of the test, breaking up the room, sitting in the back of the room during testing along with walking around the room. All of these are excellent ideas. Another one I like is a hands-on portion of the exam - making the students actually "do" some kind of the work from scratch. Example, in your own words describe... or, with this software application do such and such with this information (or photograph) to demonstrate your ability.
My second qtr as a new instructor I used this method and have every since then. It is very effective.
Hi Cheryl,
Great tactics to deter cheating. I also let my students know and see that they are being watched closely.
Patricia Scales
Using multiple versions of the same test, allowing students to sit one to a table only, asking students to clear desks before starting test.
Hi Angie,
Great tactics to deter cheating! Keep up the good work!
Patricia Scales
The test engine software that we utilize allows us to use the same questions on an exam but mix the questions. Essentially no student will receive the same exam. Appropriate seating arrangements (making students sit a few seats apart) also helps.
I have virtually the same tests but with the questions in different order, and I also have them remove everything from their desks and move their seats. I agree it is more work, but in this field, I want to know I am sending out knowledgeable students.
I am givign a test tomorrow. I will 1) make different versions of the test. 2) separate my students, 3) walk around the room while they are testing.
Hi Tammy,
Penalize them accordingly...cheating is cheating.
Patricia Scales
I have found asking the students to cover thier test answers up as they go and telling them thier are to test with just the questions jumbled works the best.
What
I meant to say is that because
I ramdomly grab tags with names on them, in a larger class, it is rare that anyone ever sits beside the same person.
I don't have cheating so much in class but in the homework.. Ideas???
I do that before as well. I also require that all of their materials (backpacks, books, cell phones) be deposited in a place that is not near their seats. Cell phones make it too easy.
I also tell them how easy it is to catch those who would cheat or plagiarize. On our first day, I ask them what they miss out on when they cheat. I let them determine reasons to do their own work.
I tell my students to have everything put away, to stop talking once the quiz is being passed out. On the bigger tests (midterm, final), I have two versions of the test, and have them spread out.
Hi Joan,
I have known some instructors to alternate with pages going in reverse order,for example if you had a test with 2 pages, Test Version 1 would consist of Page 1 and 2 in normal order, and Test Version 2 would consist of Page 2 first and then page 1.
Patricia Scales
Hi Clifton,
Great idea of the front/back. I am just wondering if two people sitting side by side will end up on the same side. I create two different versions and alternate in that fashion.
Patricia Scales
I have about 3 seats left over in my classroom and cannot space them out for their exam. I have always liked the idea of a second test, but we have to do item analysis on each test. This process can take an hour or more. If I had to figure out where the test questions are or each test it would probably double the time it takes to complete this. Ansy suggestions. I also have them put their cell phones etc. at the front of the room. I am concerned that a phone might get stolen or misplaced, so I now have them put there backpacks up front, but have them put their cell phones right in front of them.
I HAVE SO MANY STUDENTS THAT THERE ARE ONLY TWO NON USED CHAIRS. EVERYONE SITS NEXT TO SOMEBODY ELSE. THEREFORE, I MADE ID'S OF WOODEN TONGUE BLADES WITH EVERYONE'S NAME IMPRINTED ON EACH. FOR EXAMS, I SIMPLY DO A "BLIND GRAB BAG" THING IN RANDOMINLY SELECTING FRONT TO BACK OR VICE VERSA WHO WILL BE SITTING NEXT TO WHOM FOR EVERY TEST. NO ONE EVER SITS AROUND THE SAME GROUP OF PEOPLE AND IN THE SAME AREA...
