This is a story of a student who submitted the U1 DB to TURNITIN and received a similarity score of 65%. Later that day, the same student resubmitted the posting and a 5% score came up. Here is a Q & A we had:
Dr. Segal: Let us talk about what you learned. In your own words, tell me why you had to edit your initial post after viewing your TURNITIN report?
PROACTIVE STUDENT: I felt like I was stealing when I first submitted my assignment and found that 65% of my paper was exactly like the websites that I researched my idea.
Dr. Segal: What did you do differently the second time?
PROACTIVE STUDENT: So the second time I made the ideas my own, and used my own words.
Dr. Segal: And what will you do differently in the future?
PROACTIVE STUDENT: In the future I am going to use my own words, so that I won't feel like a copy cat and know that I am turning in my own work rather than someone else's. Paraphrasing makes a lot more sense to me now, and I feel a lot better about what I am doing since it is my own words about what I've learned, rather than just copying what someone else has said.
Dr. Segal: OPTIONAL QUESTIONS: Have you been submitting work like you did for the first submission all along? If so, how does it make you feel now?
PROACTIVE STUDENT: In the past I have not copied exactly, but just changed the words a little bit. I definitely feel like I learn more when I have to THINK and put what I read into my own words. I will definitely be using this method from here on out!
Hello Jeremy,
I too teach computer based courses, and you're right, it is obvious when cheating occurs. I hardly ever catch students cheating in these courses.
Patricia
Hi B. A.,
My institution has a policy in place for making up tests. Perhaps, you institution should adopt such a policy.
Patricia
I am rather fortunate that I instruct creative, computer based courses. Because of that, most cheating between students is pretty obvious. I see the evolution of the students' projects over the whole term, and when students do cheat (such as copy/paste pieces between their computer files), it is not difficult to tell, because that portion of the work is identical. I also discuss this at the beginning of the course, so it's very rare that students attempt to cheat.
I do this also....if students are far apart, then it becomes very obvious when they attempt to cheat, especially if you are moving around checking on all. My problem with cheating has been more focused on students that miss the test with a legitimate reason and then have to make up the test in a less than desirable area with a lack of supervision. For the most part, I have had good luck with this protocol but every so often, I have had to change when someone is taking advantage....and cheating, because they know they can get away with a flawed system.
I make it clear in my syllabus and before the first quiz that it is unprofessional, unethical, against the Code of Conduct and totally unacceptable in my class. I say this with a forceful and stern voice and luckily have not encountered a cheater.
Hi Lisa,
Great strategies that minimize cheating.
Patricia
Hello Jennifer,
What classes do you give oral tests in? I suppose this can be very time consuming, but I certainly see the effectiveness of it.
Patricia
Hi Pam,
This tactic really helps reduce cheating.
Patricia
Hi John,
By having an institution honor code, I've found that cheating has been minimized. My institution has a standard cheating policy as well. The policy is expressed at orientation, it is documented on every syllabus, and it is gone over the first day of each class.
Patricia
Hi Lisa,
I love your attitude! You want to see your students succeed, and you give them the necessary tools to succeeed. I am sure your students appreciate you!
Patricia
I too use different versions for tests. I also give oral tests to one student at a time. Students must sign-up for a test time slot, we meet in the classroom and then I give the exam - it is really more of a disscussion and it is a great way to really find out what the student knows.
I like to set students up to win. As a result, I work to provide students with tools that help them to master the information that is being conveyed. When I do give quizzes and tests, I provide students with graphic organizers before hand to allow them to prepare notes for the text or quiz and they can then use their notes and even their books to take the quiz. The goal for me is to teach them how to find information, prepare and master the respective concepts, not trick them or penalize them for forgetting information.
Our school has a standard policy which I review with the class prior to giving the first test of the course. The desk tops are cleared except for pens. We use multiple versions of the test material. I sometimes will rearrange seating for testing purposes. Students remain seated until all of the tests have been collected, graded and results reviewed.
Hi Cory,
We have to do what we can to deter cheating.
Patricia
Hello Eric,
These tactics always work to minimize cheating.
Patricia
Hi Cynthia,
Most of the time a spiel such as what you stated does typically help.
Patricia
I make it clear before the test that by cheating - the student is only cheating themselves. That a test is a way to find the areas they need to improve in. This seems to help.
Definately by haveing differnet test for each student but same questions just in different orders. or also having them sit with a s empty seat in between them
Hello Tonia,
Come up with rules. Students should not have cell phones on during class time nor should students have any materials on their desk, not to mention having a book open while taking a test. I do not allow my instructors to grade papers while administering a test. The instructor's full attention is to be on the students while they are testing.
Patricia
