There are times we use multiple versions of the same test, but we also use scan trons. Scan trons are harder to focus in on because of all the bubbles.
Hi Jana,
I agree! My institution has an extremely STRICT policy on cheating, and it is enforced. Perhaps, your institution needs to implement a policy on cheating.
Patricia Scales
Recently, cheating has been at the forefront with the purchasing/pirating of testbank questions from our national standardize test banks. What I cannot figure out is how the student thinks this helps them. OK, cheat and pass this exam but how are they going to pass their boards?
We need to provide students with strict policies against cheating and immediate follow through and help them understand testing is an evaluation of knowledge required to pass a national exam.
Ways I use to reduce cheating is to make sure each student is separated from other student. Another way is to create multiple tests, so if they do choose to cheat it will more than likely be the wrong answer.
I spread my students out on their tables, have them put all of their belongings in the back of the room. They can only have two pencils on their desk and I walk around the room quietly. I also discuss respect for themselves and others when they start my course as well as self representation and ownership of their actions.
Students can have nothing other than exam papers and writing utensils on their desks and I tend to hover around at the back of the classroom.
Hi Shelly,
I really like the idea of removing jackets. Students can really hide cheat notes, and a jacket is a perfect place for hiding cheat notes.
Patricia Scales
These are some of the standard answers but here goes: observation throughout the test, walking around the classroom, all items removed from desk, cell phones cannot be used as calculator. That's about it. I also remind the students that though they may graduate from the program, they still have to pass a board exam, and they cannot cheat through that, so the only way they are going to be employable is by knowing the information and being able to apply it.
In order to reduce cheating in the classroom I have students spread out around the classroom. I also ask that students who are wearing jackets remove them during the exam. I stand in the front of the classroom for the first few minutes and then move to the back of the classroom where I monitor until the exams are turned in. So far it has worked very well.
We utilize a test bank where we can scramble the questions. We have a test A and test B so the students cannot cheat off of the person sitting next to them. I also like the idea of standing in the back of the class. That way the student wouldn't be able to have notes, etc. on their lap.
Hi Celine,
Most students are like your biological children. They have a relationship with you, and they will work hard on doing the right things as to not to hurt/disappoint you.
Patricia Scales
Hi Charity,
I teach computer courses as well, and a practice I like to use is that when students print their test, the students are not allowed to pick up the printout. They raise their hand, and I will pick up the printout and take it to them.
Patricia Scales
If you have a good rapport with your students they will less likely cheat because they don't want to disappoint you. I try to spread them out, if I can't do that then I walk around the room to ensure no cheating is going on.
Most of my classes are in a computer lab. To help prevent cheating by way of technology, I have all the students shut their computers down and make it clear that cell phones are to remain in their book bag till the test is over (unless they are experiencing a current emergency). Cell phones have been used to cheat on campus before, so this is a temporary fix but one that has worked thus far.
To reduce cheating during projects, an instructor can provide step by step instructions. This accomplishes the following: students do not know the outcome of the project as there are numerous steps; the instructor can assess student understanding before students get too far off the track;and, by breaking down assignments like this, students are less apt to cheat because the project has been broken down into manageable bits.
Hi Stephen,
I agree! Students need to be watched for cheating and reminded of the repercussions of cheating to deter cheating.
Patricia Scales
having different versions available so that the people sitting next to each other don't have the same test. Also having the students turn off their cell phones and clear everything off the desks. I also don't sit at the desk during the test, I walk around the room so I am able to monitor all of the students.
Post the schools policy on cheating and touch on it at the beginning of the course.
During exams separate student chairs so as to reduce the desire to cheat.
Have a series of exam through the course so as to not lump all the information into a final exam.
Allow for open book test.
I agree Nicholas because I often wonder how many of my students actually morally & ethically care that they are cheating in the 1st place? It is difficult to get to know students on a "one-on-one" basis in larger classes, let alone make determinations regarding whether they are morally & ethically grounded enough to think that cheating is inappropriate enough that they would not ever consider doing it.
I agree with you Edward because I am a math teacher as well & it is actually pretty easy to diversify and add variance to math quizzes and tests to the point that it is quite easy & very possible to change only a few of the tests/quizzes and thus lead the students into believing that all of them are quite different from each other.
