Tests and Cheating
To curb cheating in the classroom...I always print 3 different verstions of every test. That way they can't look off of their neighbor's paper.
Hi Carmella:
A similar technique to what you are describing is using assigned seating per the instructor's discretion. Like you describe, this decreases the chance the student will know who they are sitting next to and eliminate that possibility for cheating.
Regards, Barry
Hi Daniel:
If you're referring to a class of healthcare students, that's probably true.
If we can generalize for a second, we should have a clear set of expectations stated to the students, with the consequences outlined from the beginning of class.
Regards, Barry
Hi Halina:
Another good technique is to have the instructor walk around the class and put themselves in closer proximity to the students.
Regards, Barry
Stacey, I've had to do this in a few larger classes where students took colaboration too far. I want them to know that it's not that I don't trust "them", but that I figure students are way more clever than I am and that it's my responsibility to make tests as fair as possible for everyone. Sarah
Hi Karen:
This is a good practice to try to cut down on the unfortunate reality of students who cheat.
Many places like to follow a similar guideline that you've mentioned - no books, mobile devices, book bags, etc. allowed in the testing area on examination days.
Regards, Barry
Hi Fonda:
By having multiple copies of a test, it supports the idea there will be a decrease in the chance of cheating to occurr.
Unfortunately, it is a realistic consideration students will still continue to try.
Regards, Barry
Hi Joseph:
That's most likely true.
It's important students are told the consequences of cheating the first day of class, and that these expectations are reviewed from time to time to reinforce the importance of the organizational expectation.
Regards, Barry
Hi Colleen:
That's a great practice. Although it probably creates a bit more work initially for the instructor, using different tests gives the instructor more piece of mind that cheating will be more difficult.
Regards, Barry
I never thought of this idea and it sounds great! I may just use it too soon. Thanks.
This method has decreased cheating in my class too. I have students move their seats to another area they normally don't sit at so that they are not sure where they will sit until I give them that assigned seat. I also have all cell phones out of site in an enclosed area such a back pack and I have them close their back packs as well. Additionally, I ask to see all palm of their hands prior to beginning. I also remind them before each exam the penalties for cheating. It seems to be working thus far. I've caught several cheaters in the past that taught me well on how to decrease cheating.
Cheating should be automatice dismissal and an appeal process set up.
If they are cheating in class, they will do something to endanger the well being of "real" patients.
I did the same thing for one of my classes. it worked really well. when I have a small class, I have the students sit one to a table and they have to sit behind each other. this helps to curb cheating. plus I stand at the front of the room and look around.
There have been students who take pictures of their notes with their phone and attempt to use it during exams in the classroom. All items are now off their desks, phones are put away. If a student misses I now have them take a different exam. Even in our controlled testing center students are still finding ways to cheat. We just have to do the best we can.
That is a good idea. I usally only change the make up test.
Hi Dawn:
Students and cheating unfortunately seem to go hand in hand. All my quizzes and tests have a statement: "It is expected all work submitted is yours alone and submiited without any assistance (study aides, human or electronic)". This is also addressed in the course syllabus. I don't know how much this curbs cheating, but it makes it a lot cleaner when discipline is exercised if a cheater is caught.
Also, I don't allow cell phones, and students are not allowed to leave the room.
Regards, Barry
Cheating on tests is cause for dismissal from the program. Those that cheat cannot function independently
Different versions of tests along with clearing desks completely seems to have cut down on cheating in my classes.
Hi Suzzane:
As instructors we have to be sensitive to the possibility of students cheating and take measures to prevent obvious cheating tactics some student may attempt.
Regards, Barry
I have used different versions also. When we have computer tests, I try to have themselves space out. I have also collected phones from students, so they can't text or google.
