I too give them alternative versions of a test. But I generally mention it to students and that discourages them completely to look in each other tests. But I agree that it is time-consuming to devise several versions of the test.
I have several vesions of tests, quizzes, etc. Also, I constantly remind my students they have to think for themselves because when they take their national boards they will not have their friends brain with them. I like to space the students out as much as possible during exams so the temptation is reduced.
Response to Patricia Scales
Hi Patricia,
One way to reduce the opportunity for cheating is making multiple versions of the same test, it can be the same test where question 1 on test A is question 5 on test B as an example. Another is placement of the students when it comes to taking a test. Another way is to examine the test, conduct a review of the material and even make so the students realize that the "test" will be something that they can tackle.
Thanks so much,
Kelsey
Generally I walk around the classroom to make sure no one has anything out and they have no way to cheat. I also will sometimes stand in the back of the class because they have no idea where I am so they are constantly wondering if I can see what they are doing. I have seen many students think of creative ways to cheat. I take cheating very seriously and have no tolerance for students who choose to do such. When I had a classroom obsservation done during a quiz, the observer said I didn't smile once. As soon as the quiz was over I started to smile. The reason I do this is because I want students to understand how serious I am about quiz time. I let my students know in the beginning of every class if talking occurs during their quiz it may result in a zero. This really seems to help to keep students quiet and at their seats.
Hi Kendall,
I agree! When the room is cluttered, students can cheat more easily.
Patricia Scales
I have also made multiple test versions. I also ask that the students leave all of their belongings at the door and only come in the classroom with a pencil/pen. Reducing the amount of personal belongings not only reduces the chances of cheating, but give me a more clear picture of the room and a chance to walk around freely.
I am the teacher that would walk around constantly to avoid having the cheaters. I guess I have had my eyes open to it. I think I was more interested in discouraging teaching in my class, since this is my first year, that I didn't realize the students testing implications. I do like the sitting at the back idea. Even the front and occasionally taking a walk around the class I think will cause less stress to the students during the tests.
Hi Khouloud,
I have found that simply watching students like a hawk is one of the most effective tactics to deter cheating.
Patricia Scales
Hi Sherry,
Watching like a hawk is one of the best tactics to deter cheating.
Patricia Scales
Hi Sundeep,
Great tactics to deter cheating.
Patricia Scales
My first choice is to develop a relationship with each of my students. Deep down people don't want to disappoint the people in their inner circle. I also believe that if you know their situation you can help them get through the class without feeling the need to cheat in the first place.
Of course as a fall back plan it would be a good idea to have 2 versions of the same test and have the students clear everything off the table prior to the test.
There are many ways to reduce the opportunity for cheating during a class. One of the most effective ways is to ensure that the students received quality education. Another strategy would be to remove books and study material away from the student during the test. Subsequently, observing the students while they are taking an exam will motivate them to concentrate, as well as appreciate the subject more.
I teach Math and there are many ways you can reduce cheating here are some of them:
A)I give different versions of the same exams by changing the numbers or values in the problems
B)I ask all the students to change seats and from my experience that the students who know each other before the class make more effort to cheat.
C)Be vigilant.Trust but verify. Let the students know that your watching them.
D)Forbid the use of cellphones and iPods in exam rooms. Students are extremely savvy when it comes to use common electronic equipment to cheat. Be alert to these techniques. Sending text messages via cell phone is more common than you realize.
We have the same problem at our campus. One semester I had a class of 32 students cramped into a very small classroom. There were 3 students to a table for testing and lecture. During this semester is when I started having two versions of the test with questions scrambled.
I have heard about students buying test banks. I often will make simple changes to the question as well or make it a select all question. This confuses them because they only studied the answer provided in the test bank.
You can reduce student cheating by being observant during testing and moving around the room.
Students know everything must be off their desks and they have to have at least one seat in between each other. Our classroom is a good size and we have enough seats to do this. They are not allowed to leave once the test has started and they must remain in their seat until testing is finished.
I handle this in a variety of ways by creating an environment where it is unacceptable and difficult to cheat. First, I explain from the very beginning of class the consequences of cheating. I allow a few quiet minutes for review before I pass the tests out. I have students remove everything from their desks except their pen/pencil.I have them move a seat away from another student. I (unlike the advice in this course) move around the room. I pick up their tests when they are done and the students that have completed their test can wait outside of the room for the remaining students to complete their tests. All of these work together along with the fact that I have created a warm, caring and close environment for and with my students. I believe they genuinley like me, their classmates and the class and do not wnat to tarnish the teacher student relationship.
I also prepare multiple test as well and I always have students move away from eachother. I also make sure all backpacks anad cell phone are put in the back of the classroom.
We normally have small classes in a larger room,
so seating plays a big part, I can go in early and reduce each table to one chair, also sometimes I print the test on 2 different color papers, the students don't know if there are different tests or not.
