Hi Cynthia,
Great strategies to prevent cheating. I sometimes use all essay or majority essay to prevent cheating.
Patricia Scales
I think the biggest thing is take time with each student to have open communication. Most anger comes from bad communication.
One of the methods I use is to have different versions of the same test. I inform my students that there are two or three different tests. Knowing this fact, students do not see the opportunity to cheat.
I have made two versions of the test before, same questions and answer choices but in different order. Another way I have found to do the same thing is through our learning management system. I have added it to an onground course and use this same method, scramble test question order and answer order. This really seems to make it more difficult to cheat from someone elses paper. If it is a paper test and I have the room I will also have them sit everyother one but sometimes space is an issue in our larger courses.
I reduce cheating by walking around the room when tests are being taken and making sure that no one is using their cell phones or computers during the test.
Some ways I can reduce the opportunity for cheating in my class are placing my students far enough from each other; and placing myself in the back of the room. I also try to identify those students and reasure them about the benefits of being prepare for the test.
I remind the students at the beginning of class when they are going to take an exam that I will be watching closely. When I make an exam, I print out two versions so I can reduce cheating. When I print out the two versions, the questions are in different orders. I make sure the students do not have any books on the desk and they are not allowed to have their cell phones where I can see them or in their pocket. The cell phone must be in their bookbag/purse.
I discuss and review what can happen if they are caught cheating before an exam, and the students understand that they will get a zero and no questions asked. I use at least 3 different versions of the same test, so it will reduce the cheating
All I know is that sice I started teaching I have only had to mention cheating once. At the beginning of each new class I talk about the cheating policy in the syllibus and let them know there is a no tolerance policy for cheating. I also remind them that for this particular program they are paying to be here and this is their choice to be here and better their futures and by cheating they are only hurting themselves.
I give a speech in the first day of class and before taking the exam. Also spreading out the students so they don't have a chance to look at the paper next to them. Also another way, is to make different versions of the test, that way you will know if they cheated, and you have proof.
Use different versions of the exam or have students move to where they cannot see each other's papers. It is always good to remind them of the school's policy on cheating before beginning, so that they know what will happen if they do cheat.
I like to keep an empty chair in between students when testing but unfortunately this is sometimes impossible with big groups. In that case I just make 2 or 3 versions of the same test with scramble sections and answers and I make sure to let them know that they are free to cheat if they like but that they should keep in mind that their fellow class mate doesn't have the same test as they do. It pretty much kills the idea of cheating on their minds even before the test starts and that way they can focus on trying to take their exam rather than focusing on not getting cought! :D
Hi Dr. Richard,
I let my students know that even life in general has rules that we must abide by, otherwise there will be penalities.
Patricia Scales
Criminal justice, like many fields, have defined code of ethics. If you define the parameters, people tend to adhere to them. I explain to students that organizational value systems or codes of ethics are designed to educate and guide behavior and should not be a dilemma.
Hi Carole,
A good hint to you to help determine if students are cheating is that they will normally watch you to find out where you are.
Patricia Scales
Hi Dr. Richard,
How thorough! This should be very intimidating to students to really discourage them from cheating. You really cover all bases in this document. I am sure you get your students attention with this document.
Patricia Scales
Hi Cynthia,
My professor always gave us permission to make a cheat sheet. We were allowed to use one standard size index card and put whatever information we wanted, using both sides to aid with the test.
Patricia Scales
Hi Angelia,
I like the idea of making the make up test harder in format so that students are encouraged to take the test the first go round and not try to wait on answers from classmates.
Patricia Scales
I usually do not have space to separate students. If I do I will. Making an exam that also includes short answer and one essay question usually keeps students from cheating. Also standing wear it is hard to see me such as the back of the classroom is a good idea. If students are going to cheat they have to turn around to see where I am
Hi Mohammed,
I agree! We have to tell our students that they are only hurting themselves when they cheat.
Patricia Scales
