Quiet please!
Because of past problems with cheating, I make three versions of my exams. I still suspect cheating though. I have three girls that sit together who are constantly disruptive, even during exams. I caught a couple of them whispering during the last exam and just said "quiet please." Is there a better way to handle a situation like this?
Hi Kristi,
This should have never gotten to this point! Always, remember it is your job to control the classroom. If the instructor does not control the classroom, the student will. This situation could have gotten real ugly. Deal with students who do not follow directives quickly and swiftly.
Patricia
I have had the instance of students "whispering" during exams. I announced "quiet please" to the entire class. It worked for that exam but the next exam they were back at it. I announced "quiet please" and then spoke with them both outside of class individually after the second instance. On the third whispering episode during exam, one of the students in front of them turned around and spoke very sternly and not so quietly "SHUT UP". From that point forward, they stopped talking during exams and lecture.
Sometimes passive attempts do not work well. It took them being embarrassed in front of the entire class to "get it".
I agree.As adult students they should act accordingly as adults. Who do they think they are to interupt with someones education.
Hi Abigail,
I had similar situation and what I did was turn the table to them, that is, have them do the presentation and discussion in class. This provides them the experience and seriousness of the subject.
Hello Steven,
I like it! They should not have a reason to talk to each other during an exam. It is good to know you enforce the policy as well.
Patricia
At my school, if students are talking during an exam, then they fail that exam, no if, ands, or buts. They know this up front, so there is no recourse.
Great Job of doing the two version test
I have two students that sit together and I have made a three versions of the test so they were not able to cheat. After saying over again one of the student moved to another seat I think she knew I was talking about her. It was solved cause she didn't set by this student anymore.
Hi Dixie,
Whenever students respect you, these two words work like magic.
Patricia
I've had fairly good success with that, too.
Hi Shawn,
You are a very nice. When I dismiss students for being disruptive, it counts as an absence, and they receive a zero for any work for the day.
Patricia
I sometimes offer the students the opportunity to continue their discussion outside of the classroom. I let them know that they will be responsible for the work covered in their absence.
Hello Abigail,
Yes, do not tolerate it. Separate those three girls. They are lucky you did not reprimand them when you caught them whispering. They know better and should not have been whispering during an exam. Remove them from your course for violating the conduct code. I am sure your institution has a conduct code.
Patricia
