By moving the student up closer so you can lessen the ability to cheat, look over the material they turn in and look for signs of cheating.
Eric,
I started making them put all their books, purses, etc. on the floor under the table or chair. All they have on the table is the test. Some still try and leave everything up on top. I also have to make sure the zip up and close their pack pacs & purses.
Sara
Stanley,
Do you use a combination of all 3 tests within the same class? Great idea.
Sara Donevant
Hi Bruce,
You are right! You probably have never had students to cheat using this tactic.
Patricia
I tend to give tests that require more than just an a,b,c True/False answer. If the student is really cheating it will be obvious by the same words being used in the short answer questions. I also like to stand behind the students. You get a much better view of who is an who is not trying to cheat, and by being behind them you are not distracting them by moving around where they can see you.
Having students sit apart from one another I feel works well
When testing is involved, I use random question and answer arrangement. This especially helps when there is not enought room to leave ample space between learners.
I see plagiarism happening when writing assignments are given. I handle these by asking the learners to share their resources and review their written work with them to ensure they gained new knowledge or confirmation of their understanding from these sources.
I hadn't really thought of that. This quarter, my classes are fairly small, so people are sitting up front in even the larger classrooms. I do like the thought of taking my work and sitting at a desk behind them, however - especially if I suspect something is going on.
Yes, I believe it should be common practice that all books and folders are closed and away from the immediate space of the student as tests are taken. I make this statement before any test to let them know that is a definite (no question there), and that I will be alert throughout the test.
It is understood in my classroom, and throughout our school, that all cell phones or other communications devices are put away and off during class, period.
Though I agree that it isn't bad to let them know that cheating will do them no good through this method, it also focuses on all students from a position of distrust. I would like to avoid that if possible by simply having them spread out in the class room if space is available - and I am obvious in my attention throughout the testing.
If I have a student take a make up test, I do usually run a version "B" of that test.
Our classrooms do not allow for much movement. I usually am confined to the front of the classroom. I am "very aware" of ALL that is going on while class is in session.
I also have had good success with the multiple versions of the same test.
We have a couple different classroom set ups. Where space permits, I like to have students leave one chair between them when seated at desks. If there are rows of chairs, I like to have students seated in a checkerboard fashion. This accomplishes several things...I can more easily see everyone in the class, it makes it more difficult for students to be disruptive, and you must have better than 20/20 vision to see on another student's paper. If space does not permit, essay exams and multiple verisons of the same test seem to work well.
I am lucky to have the room in my class to have students sit several seats appart. I walk up and down the rows as they are testing.
I reduce the opportunity to cheat by allowing open book and notes to be used with the test. Although the tests are often harder, it forces students touse their own notes and books.
Hi Harold,
Coming prepared is always the best choice, but there are some people who simply want the easy way out.
Patricia
I have had cheating students in several different courses at several different schools. Since you never really know who might try to cheat, it is important to think about this reality when designing tests. Designing tests that ask students to explain themselves rather that just choose an answer can accomplish this. It is unlikely a student can be creative enough/sneaky enough to shuffle for study notes on just the right topic to adequately answer these questions. In addition, it is important to be aware that cheating may occur during any exam. So it is important to keep your attention on your students during a test. Don't grade papers, read a chapter for your next class, or write lesson plans. Students become aware that you are not watching, that your mind is elsewhere, and this leads to bad choices on their part. I consider it to be part of my job to help my students to not make this mistake.
I agree that walking around the room does detour them from cheating, but it is up to them in the end to make the choice not to cheat coming prepaired would be a better choice for the student.
Hi Ramona,
Whenever you encounter a large class, try utilizing different versions of the test. Also, you must watch closely for cheaters in a large class.
Patricia
My classes are quite small so it is easy to have the students spread out in the room so they are not tempte to look at each other's tests.
