I ask that work-spaces be cleared of all non essential materials and I work quietly while observing the proceedings. For post test review, I pass test papers back to the students, but do collect them instead of letting the students take them home. I have developed differing versions of a test when teaching multiple sections of a specific course.
Having "A" tests and "B" tests are always helpful. I sit at the back of the class room and occasionally walk to the front and write something on the board. the students then now that I am paying attention
I have my students sit every other seat. I also have them clear their desk completely. I do keep my head up and I am attentive so they know that I am watching during the test.
I always make sure they put everything away except what's needed for the exam and then I walk around the room as they are testing.
monitor the class from the back of the room.
I also remind my students that cheating will only hurt them in the long run. My students must pass a national exam in order to have the best job prospects. Those who cheat will never be able to pass the exam and will not excel in their chosen career. A reminder regarding this reality usually gets their attention.
Hi Mamie,
I agree! Students really need to fully undertstand the impact that cheating has on them. Students will do what it takes simply to pass that test. They really do not look at the overall picture.
Patricia
In my classes, I have always addressed cheating and plagiarism during the first class. I also list the cheating policy on their syllabus, so there is not an excuse for not knowing the class expectations. In the past, to reduce student cheating, I've also created two different exams (covering the same material). This method prevented students from looking on their classmates paper for answers. Students view cheating as a means to an end, but it's really detrimental to their overall learning experience.
M. Allen
Students are told to have only their writing instruments on their desk; all books and bags are put away. Students are spaced with enough distance in between to prevent easy glancing at other papers. Using short-answer or essay questions also reduces the likelihood of copying answers from another student's test paper.
Hi Joel,
All of these practices are effective when it comes to minimizing cheating.
Patricia
Eliminating all the clutter around their area and reduce their test taking material to the essentials. also, continuing to walk the room as well as re-arranging seating assignment prior to all tests
Maria, THAT IS TRUE BUT I WONDER IF THAT MEANS ANYTHING TO THEM.
I talk abot cheating in class al the time.I review with the entire class and let them see how prepared he or she is. I walk around the room and I also look under the desks when I am testing.
K Harris
Hi Thomas,
I agree! Wow, you go to great lengths to try to prevent cheating. Hard work on your part to ensure that every student has a different exam (srambled questions).
Patricia
Hi Keelan,
Some students do not care if they are cheating themselves. They just want to pass the course, but they will certainly suffer in the long run. I believe in the quote, "A cheater never wins, and a winner never cheats."
Patricia
Hi Patricia,
At the start of every exam I give a prepared statement stating the cheating will not be tolerated all cheaters will receive a zero and be brought to the school’s academic committee for discipline, and if they decide to cheat then they are only cheating themselves. When they get to the real world they will be tested and this material should come naturally since they would have seen it in the past. I go to the extreme I have each student receive their own copy of the exam and no two are alike to prevent cheating (all questions and answers are scrambled). I will also quietly walk around the classroom while the students are taking the exam because if the student knows that they can get away with cheating on an exam they will.
by telling them that they are only cheating themselves cause in the long run the aquired knowledge they are seeking will help only them in the long run.
Hi Karen,
Fair enough! You thoroughly prepare your students by going above and beyond in regards to doing a brief review before the test. Students realize when you catch them, it is on them because you did your part as an instructor.
Patricia
Hi Eric,
Very true! We get from our students what we expect.
Patricia
Hi Kyle,
Just by students knowing that you are watching them will deter cheating tremendously.
Patricia
