I also have multiple versions of each test. And I remind the students that "You can look up for inspiration, down in desperation, but do not look at your neighbor's paper for information".
Arrange the classroom to allow for sufficient space between each student.
Monitor the exam/test from the back of the room so that students will not know that you might be watching them.
Yes, I let students know that I use different forms: A, B, C, etc. I have found this effective.
For research papers, I ask that students present in APA format and making sure they know how to cite their work. For quizzes, I have two different type of quizzes in the academic classes as students get to sit next to each other and it make it easier to cheat if given the opportunity.
~Louis
By developing exams that reduce the likelihood of cheating (limiting the true/false, multiple choice questions). And by standing in the back of the room.
I like to give open ended or short-answer questions on the tests. This way they have to articulate what they have learned and if two answers are remarkably similar, I can suss out a potential problem.
By making sure that a review is given before the exam so they are not totally in the dark. It can help them focus on studying the correct information
I make sure to pay attention to all my students as they are taking the exam, while giving them plenty of time to take it. When they are less stressed because they have a reasonable amount of time to take the test they are able to think more clearly, lessening the likely-hood that their eyes will wander. They also know I'm paying attention to all of them, so the opportunity for cheating isn't really available. I am either walking around the room or standing in a place where I can see what they are all doing.
I keep the students separated enough that they cant' see each others tests. I have more trouble with students "sharing" product in a practical exam. I have to keep walking around being aware of everyone's product and tests.
"Please write complete sentences for this test and explain your responses. You also should use workplace examples where appropriate." There isn't too many ways to cheat on a test like this. I also stay in the room when giving tests so I know what people are doing.
I have students at tables next to each other in class, so I use multiple forms of the test if it is a large group of students. Otherwise I separate them at different tables when it is a small group. When you use multiple forms it is hard to review the test in a reasonable amount of time in class.
This is a very good method, and letting the students know right away that there is no use in cheating, also helps them to know there is no need to stress in trying!
Hi Derrick,
Your name is all you have, and once your reputation is ruined, it is hard for people to trust you.
Patricia
Integrity is important in life.
Cheating in the classes I teach is a moot point, due to the protacol of our curiculum. The written tests are open-book. When I teaachcore classes, no 2 copies of the test are the same at any one table, and the students are spaced out so they cannot have wandering eyes.
Hi Robert,
It is no need to cheat! Achieve your goal honestly as you and I have done. I too made it through with two graduate degrees with integrity.
Patricia
Patricia,
You bet I would have! When I was teaching in the Navy, you didn't need to prove it, if you suspected it in anyway, we investigated it further. I did not feel sorry for anyone that actually got caught and was sent back to the fleet with a reprimand in their record. I wish there was some way, that as college professors, we could adopt some of this mentality. I let my students know the first day of class, where I stand on this issue and I will do what I can to see that they won't be attended the University anymore if caught cheating. I may be strict, but if I made it through two graduate degrees without cheating, then anyone can do it!
Hi Robert,
If you could have proven that she actually cheated, I am sure you would have reprimanded her. Sometimes it is so hard to find proof.
Patricia
Patricia,
I wish there was a way that we could control this better. I had an individual in my last class who turned in an assignment late after I gave her permission to do so. When she turned it in, I could tell it wasn't her work. I looked at the properties of the file and it was developed by a completely different person. Of course, she could have been on someone elses computer when she wrote the paper. You just don't know!
I will do this moving forward as well. I worry that the students share their tests with other students who are a semester behind them.
