I've made different versions of test, I've changed seating, and inforce rules related to cheating
First day make the rules and consequeces for cheating very clear. Don't sit at the desk while they are testing. I am constanly walking the classroom. Our classrooms are relatively small so I have great vantage points as I walk the room.
I have the students tell me first day and before each test the expectations. They usually say, no phone, eyes on your own paper, everything away...
I write it on the board. No one breaks rules when the class makes it together.
I have a clear "no tolerance" policy outlined in the syllabus. It is difficult in my classroom to identify students who are cheating because of their proximity to one another (very crowded). I like the idea of jumbling questions on tests.
Any additional suggestions to help administer this "no tolerance" approach in this type of classroom?
I generally trust my students, but if they show me otherwise then that has to be dealt with. Students have to be encouraged to do their own work and understand that when they cheat they do not learn which will not pay off in the long run.
I constantly remind students when doing homework to do their own work. I tell them that if someone asks you for your answers, they are disrespecting you and downplaying the efforts you have gone through to get your work done. For in-class assignments I have them spread out or if that if that is not possible due to seating, I will give 2 or 3 versions of the the same test or assignment.
My efforts include: 1) Emphasizing to the class as a whole the detrimental impact cheating has on the individual and their future hopes for success. 2) Emphasizing the importance of trust the individual student, his/her fellow students, their instructor, and their college. 3) Physically setting up the room/students seating so as to make cheating extremely difficult.
Hi Paul,
These are great ways to minimize cheating. The instructor does not need to do any activities while the student is testing; the instructor needs to be on their feet watching the students while students are testing.
Patricia Scales
I too have made A and B versions. I stand infront of the class and keep my eyes on them the whole time. It really makes the suspected cheaters uncomfortable. but after a couple of times their eyes stay on their own papers!
Walking around the class and not staying at one position will greatly reduce the possibility of cheating.
Some ways to reduce the opportunity for cheating are:
a. Administer tests that require short written out answers.
b. Arrange the classroom’s student seating to reduce the urge to cheat
c. Have two –three versions of the test that is administered. That way no one student is sitting next a person with the same test.
I always give a brief review of material on the test immediately before the test and ask if there are any questions. The review and question-and-answer session are limited to 20 minutes.
After this, I have the students remove all books, papers, and put away cell phones. Most of my tests are objective, but, require students to use a calculator to solve problems. No one is allowed to use a cell phone as a calculator.
My classes are small, but I view the classroom from the back, the sides and the front, taking a different route every few minutes. Test time is limited to 20 minutes (on quizzes).
On day one, I stress that cheating is my one pet peeve. I will not tolerate it and if a student is caught sharing information or viewing it, I will confiscate the exam(s) immediately and the student(s) will be given a zero on the exam. Students know this. If I suspect that cheating may be occurring I will reiterate to the class my policy. If the behavior seems to continue, then I will take the test. So far, I have not had to do anything beyond the general announcement to get suspicious behavior to cease.
Same versions of the same tests are good. Using the same questions worded differently is great.
to make them a part of the training so they are focused and they know you are ther to help
Put the focus on that particular individual and ask for input reflecting said questions
Hi Robert,
I love it! What a great way to promote learning and have fun at the same time. The better prepared a student is for a test the less likely they are to cheat.
Patricia Scales
In some classes I use the Jepardy form of homework/project /test.On both the homework and project I let the students know that this is the answer now find the question. On the test I give the question and they give the answer that they were already given but they found the question.It seems to work better and I am in the solution more then the problem.
I make sure that desks are completely cleared. Also, my students need calculators...I make sure that they are using real calculators...I do not allow them to use the calculator on their phone. The temptation to cheat is too high. I have extra calculators available if students forget theirs...BUT...they get "participation points" taken off if they forget theirs!
Hi Christopher,
These are great ways to minimize cheating. Nothing can be done to a student that is suspected of cheating without evidence. If there is evidence or the instructor sees the student, of course,the student can be reprimanded.
Patricia Scales
Finding hard evidence for cheating is often difficult - especially with multiple choice exams. Where possible, I require students to show their work in addition to an answer. Another strategy I have had success with is using more short answer questions requiring sentences to answer. Lastly having multiple 'editions' of the same exam has been very helpful. Something as simple as reordering the questions or the answers and having a code number on each test so I can match with the correct answer code key.
I get to know my students so they trust me more and feel weird about cheating.
