I usually divide them in groups which are different from the already formed groups.Before the test I let the students know that if I see somebody from that group cheating, not only the student, also the whole group will suffer points deductions. This technique is working very well during my tests.
Hello John,
Continue to throw monkey wrenches in the cheating network. We must try to curtail cheating as much as possible.
Patricia
I like to use asigned seating because this disturbs the cheating network.
The rotating, spacing and assigned seat theories work in some environments (John, you know I'm aware of your environment). However, the biggest deterrent is instructor particpation. Like the text suggests, don't sit at your desk or stand behind the podium. Move around the room and observe your students.
Hi Steve,
In a nut shell, the student is only hurting himself/herself. It saddens me when students feel as though they have to cheat. They are doing a huge disservice to themselves.
Patricia
Hello John,
Keep using these smart strategies to deter cheating. I especially like the rotating seat schedule.
Patricia
Hi Duane,
I punish both students the same, if the person is allowing or freely letting someone cheat. You must evaluate each situation though and move forward from the evaluation.
Patricia
I also let the students who the cheater may be copying fromthat the cheater does not deserve the same grade as the one cheating.
Good point I do not grade any tests untill they are all turned in.
I try to be carefull not to walk the room too much, or hover near students I suspect of cheating. I find this makes the students who are not cheating nervous, and their grades may suffer from it. Most students are a bit shaky during tests anyway, and don't need the added stress of thinking that their instructor is watching them like a hawk. I find a strategic place in the room to hang out, where I can move very little to gain a view on all students. Then I keep scanning the room constantly. The cheaters will always check to see if you are looking, and when They see that you are... They don't cheat. One mistake we make is to start grading the tests as they are passed in. This affords the cheaters a leangthy period of time where your attention is distracted.
If you suspect cheating is going on on tests you can always stand close to the student while the test is going on.
Different tests are needed, and spacing between students if the room size permits it. Sometimes assigned seats or having a rotating seat schedule may deter a student from trying to cheat.
When I address the problem of cheating, I mention to the class they only hurt themselves in the long run. If a student continues to cheat and get away with it, yes, his transcript can look pretty good to a prospective employer. However, it will not take the employer long to realize the person is not living up to what the transcript stated. Now, since he doesn't know what he professed to know, he loses that job and potentially has a harder time finding a second one.
I also use multiple test during exams,which almost eliminates the rolling eye cheating,but also walk the room alot during test. I also tell my students before the test that I have eyes of an eagle and I can see all movements and activity that occurs.
