I make it a habit of walking around the class during tests.
Prepare the students the best you can. You can give different tests, space the students out if at all possibe, and have the students remove everything from their desks.
I try to stand behind the students when I have the ability to, because students can't see you and it encourages them to keep their eyes on their paper.
Why do students cheat? When asked, many students blame the pressure that they are under to succeed. Parental expectations, competition to get into graduate or professional school, even the need to maintain eligibility for financial aid contribute to academic dishonesty. Opportunity also plays a role. The Internet makes plagiarism as easy as cutting and pasting, and crowded classrooms give students a chance to peek at their classmates' tests.
monitore class at all times, ensure clarity to students on all information
To reduce cheating in a class I would try to be sure the seating is not conducive to easy cheating (i.e. students rolling their eyes won't see another student's paper), monitor tests from the back of the room,
I TRY TO REDUCE CHEATING BY GOING OVER THE SUBJECT SEVERAL TIMES IN DIFFERENT WAYS HOMEWORK, QUIZES, CLASS DISCUSSIONS I TRY TO MAKE IT AS STRESS FREE AS POSSIBLE SO MAYBE THEY WONT FEEL THE NEED TO CHEAT
There are many ways to reduce cheating. The key is to make it as difficult as possible for the students to cheat. One way to do this is to prepare two different versions of the test. You can also spread seats apart as much as possible as space permits. Also if you pay attention to the students as they are testing rather than occupying yourself with other things you might notice cheating or make the cheater feel too uncomfortable to cheat.
Distributing different versions of an exam to students sitting in adjacent seats.
Thanks for that good idea I will have to try it.
On our computer test bank we use at our college, we are able to take a test and scramble the questions. Same test, just a different version.
WHAT A SURPRISE! when they get their scire if they cheated. Also, when proctoring an EPA exam, no student is allowed the same test sitting next to each other.(one of the rules on the epa exam) little more trouble, however it works either way.
In my classroom students have to sit on both sides of the table that double as work benches.I'm in the process of suspecting one of my students looking at other peoples test papers and sits by the top people in class when taking tests. I'm changing seating around for this next test and have that student sit at a table with some of the students that don't do as well. That way I can see how the student's test score does and if eyes wander.
Outlaw cell phones in class, clear desk of debree. Caution students to read tests very carefully.
Not only have different versions of a test, but also rearranging the order of the answers on the various versions is also helpful.
Hi Ronald,
If students are in the position to cheat, some students will take advantage to do so. As mentioned, take steps to reduce cheating such as space between students, variations of tests, and essay tests to name a few.
Patricia
There are many ways to reduce student cheating in the classroom. One of the best ways is to reduce the temptation to cheat! When students are asked to take tests, if possible have them seat in every other seat so that the temptation to look at someone else's paper is not there. In addition, I believe that talking about being professional and ethical in everything you do and how it is related to their success in any future career also helps tremendously!
Hi Ann,
I can tell you have your students best interest at heart. I too like to give my students a thorough review before the test. I even utilize study guides. My students really appreciate how well I prepare them for tests, if anyone fails a test, they take full blame.
Patricia
I have on occasion allowed students to take tests in pairs. Sounds crazy, but it not only removes any desire to cheat it works wonders in seeing how students who are "silent" open up and discuss the answers/choices. It is also a great tool for myself to see if students are grasping what I'm teaching.
I tend to focus more on more frequent, essay-style tests, allowing for, not only, more material application, but more or less nullifying cheating.
The first day of class and throughout the semester, I talk about the various ways in which I can help. I emphasize to students to let me know when they need help, and I speak to students one on one when they fail a test. I also do a review before each test, and students can ask for clarity on things they are not sure of.
