I also use two or three different test forms of the same material. Once the students know that you doing this, they seem to concentrate on their test only.
For online students, the curriculum is strictly handled by the school staff without instructor input. Any cheating occurs through cut/paste work from a variety of sources. Most schools use Turnitin to check originality scores.
I always let them know the consequences upfront! I also use the same questions but in a different order. It is quiet common for me to have the same question on the top of each page, helps me identify them everytime! More importantly, I keep an open dialogue about cheating and remind them of the lack of preparation and the attitude of "just get it over with." I walk the room when testing to remind them of my constant presence and it really keeps the cheating down.
I have the students use cover sheets of colored paper, and insist they keep their answers covered at all times. I tell them that is very important their neighbor does not get the wrong answer. They find this comical, and comply with excellent results.
I do the same thing--I also have my students clear everything, and I mean everything, off their desks and make sure there is an empty chair in between each student
Hi Angela,
Different versions of tests have proven to be very effective. It really does reduce cheating. I also use the every-other-seat method when possible to help curtail cheating.
Patricia
Using multiple tests in a very effective way to denture students from cheating. Changing the test every 3 to 6 months helps also.
If I ever suspect anyone of cheating I stare right at them.
I tell them that all materials, except a pen or pencil, are not allowed on the desktop. I monitor them closely, when taking tests.
Periodically rearrange the questions on an objective test. Most test software will allow the instructor to do this. Of course I am such a perfect teacher, that no one needs to cheat:)
I use t2 different test A & B
I move the students into a configuraton that makes it difficult to cheat. I also have them remove all items off of the desk while test taking to allow me the best view of the student and takes away any place for them to hide answers. I also do everything I can to make sure they are prepared for the test they are about to take. If they are not ready, I have not done my job.
Hi Lori,
Absolutely! These type tests are much harder to cheat on. We as educators sometimes make it too easy for students to cheat such as T/F and multiple choice tests because we want easy grading to occur, easy cheating comes with this as well.
Patricia
Hi David,
Mobility is a good thing during testing. I've had students to tell me I make them nervous while walking around and they are testing. I tell them to act as though I do not exist and focus on their test. Maybe they are really nervous because of another reason...
Patricia
That is a great idea. It would work well in some of my larger classes where the students are sitting like sardines.
Our classroom setting has tables and chairs. There is not often enough empty chairs to put one between each student. From the first quiz on, I tell the students to build a barrier between them and the next student(s). Barriers can be backpacks, purses, a stack of books. All papers, books, etc are put under the table.Trust is then not the issue - opportunity is.
Hi Teresa,
What a great tactic to minimize cheating. What do you do to reduce cheating?
Patricia
I am constantly moving around the room and not standing in one place
I make the majority of my tests short-answer (essay tests). If the students learned the material, they should be able to explain a concept in their own words.
