Reducing student cheating
What are some ways you can reduce the opportunity for cheating in your classes?
On the first day of class we have an open discussion about cheating. I stress there is zero tolerance for cheating. I also explain to the students that during the testing time they will spread themselves out and the desk must be cleared. It is always explained to them why this is done. The students always need to know the "Why".We discuss it is not because I don't trust them, but because during test time they should be able to relax and not have to worry about someone else looking off their paper. One of the biggest complaints that I have gotten from students is that they are tired of other students looking off their paper during test time. This is an easy way to resolve this issue and the students do not have to be stressed out about someone looking over their shoulder during test time. I also have several different versions of the exam. And if you have that one student who always misses test day, I give a make-up exam which is always harder. Usually after they take one make-up test they make sure they do not miss another test day. This also keeps the students from telling each other what is on the exam. I feel it is very important to move around the room during testing procedure. This tells the students that you are aware of what they are doing even during test time.
@scales
We have to ability to computer test. While there is not absolute way to prevent cheating. I think computer testing with random question generators work pretty well.
I have 4 drafts of each exam and the student's don't know which copy they have. I explain this on the first day along with the rules reguarding test day regulations. I have the students clear their desk of all irrevelent material and cell phones are never allowed to be taken out during class. The student's may check their phone during the break. I have had this problem in my class and that is how I came up with my test taking rules and why I also have 4 drafts of each exam.
I even lecture from the back. Nothing hidden that way.
Absolutely, because ultimately there is no "test security". I make different versions every time.
I make it a point to cover the topic of cheating on the first day of school… That is, I emphasize that cheating is counterproductive, actually harmful, to student’s goals. Students are very cognizant that attending college is a costly venture; as an instructor, I encourage students view their education as an investment in themselves and to expect a significant return on their investment.
Cheating can be reduced by having different tests or questions are in different order for each student (with electronic tests it is an easy option).
I use essay questions whenever possible.
Life's challenges usually do not usually present themselves in a multiple choice format; essays allow us to express ourselves, explain our thoughts and are not subject to cheating (usually).
I ask all students if they have any questions prior to distributing the test. I teach basic college math, and although I do a very thorough test review, at least one student always has a last minute question. I will work an example problem on the board for each question. When there are no more questions, I erase the board, have my students clear their desks of everything but their calculators and pencils, and then I distribute their tests. After tests are distributed I stay at the back of the classroom so I can observe better.
We have been using the ipad for several years, all quizzes are on the ipad, the only thing allowed on the desk during tests and quizzes is the ipad. Most of the answers are multiple choice and true/ false. As an instructor, I can see through their hand movement if they left the screen with the quiz, and are looking to search on google or look up notes. Plus the quiz is timed and they usally do not have enough time to look up more than 2-3 answers.
I walk around the room, and if there is enough room I make sure the students are not sitting next to each other.
When testing, all bookbags, books, coats, phones etc must be placed in the back of the room. I do clinical precepting as well and I have found that good open communication with the staffs at my hospitals helps me to prevent and/or recognize cheating done at sites.
What I have found that works is to create 3 versions such Version A, B, and C. It's the same test, just in different order.
Thank you.
Laura
I walk around during test time.
Closely observing the room and your students.
The way I reduce cheating in my classes consists of testing the students in different ways and giving them ample opportunities to earn a fair grade. Some students are good at writing so I assign written homework. Some students are good at multiple choice tests so we take a few of them during the semester. Finally, I will assign a research paper or 2 in order to get a well rounded idea of the capabilities of the students and also earn a fair grade even if they do not score well in certain methods.
I too am in the back of the classroom observing. I have found over the years that this is more effective than being in the front of the room.
Student cheating has been greatly minimized at our institution because of the placement of students. We spread them out as much as possible, which decreases the opportunity for cheating. Instructors monitor test-taking from the back of the classroom, so the students are aware that they are being monitored.
Almost more importantly, however, is the connection we try to make with each of our students. That connection results in them respecting the instructor as well as the program as a whole, and they are less likely to attempt to cheat.
