I will assign test questions that have to be written answers in there own words. This elimates all the possilbility of cheating, as well as it gives me a clear picture that they have learned the material.
Cheating is not accepatble at all. I go over the quiz sometimes. A quick review always helps.
Bottom line is to really be aware and involved with your students. This is especially true in a lab environment. Yes, students can and will cheat in the lab environment. We see it quite often at my school. Many students seem to think that they can go through your school, get a piece of paper and get a job. They don't think about the boards or certification exams or whatever else they may need to actually get a job. Even beyond that, will they be able to keep a job if they cannot perform the basic skills that they should have learned?
As I said, being aware of what your students are doing at all times is key. A lab environment can get very hectic at times and often when you are helping one student, you are presenting opportunities to cheat to your other students. So, you really cannot observe every student 100% of the time. But if you have been involved with the student, if you really know their skill level and what they are capable of, then it is easy to spot the cheating attempts.
In the previous module it also spoke of your students getting to know you and respecting you. Just like a kid will not want to disappoint a caring parent, a student will not want to disappoint a caring teacher. If you have been really involved with them and shown that you care about them, they will be much less likely to attempt to cheat.
That is excellent Idea. I wrote test for promotion testing in the Air Force, I forget that one of the way to prevent cheating was through the use of different verison of the test. The all had the same question, were arranged in different order.
walk around during test, & talk to the students about the importance of learning the subject
by monitoring ur students,, knowing what they are capable of.using tests that have short answers , not objective tests
In the past I have "patrolled" the class room. But in the course this is discouraged. In the future I will stand in the back so the students aren't feeling like I am looking over their shoulders.
When I have a large class size, I have two or three versions of the exam with the same questions but a in different order and with the answer selections rearranged.
I have used several of the methods discussed. The ones I most often used were spacing the students and using multiple versions of the same questions. I have also found that essay questions are effective in reducing the opportunities for a student to cheat.
A rotation of different tests seem to work well. I also walk around the classroom during exams to be an eye and ear and also clarify any questions a student may have regarding an exam.
In my class, if it is small enough, I make sure to keep a seat between each student. If this is not an option, I hand out different versions. I also walk around the class durring the test so my presence is always moving. As I walk around, I make it a point to pay close attention to back packs, laps, or any other area that they may hide materials.
I create multiple test and let the students know that cheating is a fast track to failing not only in class but in the real world.
Hi Dawn,
I agree! Do whatever you would like to try to ease the fear of test/quiz taking.
Patricia Scales
Hi Lynn,
With today's software/webware it is so easy to sramble a test to have different versions. This is an excellent way to reduce cheating.
Patricia Scales
Hi Carol,
I am sure that you enforce policies, and you also stick to your word.
Patricia Scales
I like this approach and I think it may help to reduce the test anxiety that many of my students have. I have many students who I work with individually that I KNOW understand the material and have a good handle on what they need to know. However, as soon as a quiz is put before them, they freeze.
I can't help but wonder if letting them know that quizzes are used to help gauge that what I'm trying to convey to them is adequate may help alleviate some of that stress.
Quizzes are tools to help the instructor and the student discover where the students may be having difficulties and shouldn't be seen as a stressor.
I prepare two versions of the test. Also, I work around the room during the test to make sure they are doing their own work. I make eye contact with each student in the classroom.
I am very clear about the penalties and consequences before each test or paper.
Simply hand a note to a student you're suspicious of cheating to serve as notice
I separate the tables and place tests on the table where a student is allowed to sit. (Tests are also numbered so I know a test does not leave the room and the student must write the number of the test on the scantron) There is a significant amount of space left between students. All personal belongings are placed around the walls or outside the class so the student only has a pencil. I sit at the front of the class and looking around (I do not have work to do, just looking out at the class
I try to make my tests as a research project than questions and answers. These research projects involves the use of the internet showing data and the bases for their answers. There is no right or wrong, just a good research and not so good.
