Hi Renee,
Objective tests are really the easiest to cheat on with other students. Essay tests are the hardes test to cheat on with others.
Patricia Scales
I discuss what the term "cheating" means within the context of the academic community. In reality, most of us "cheat" in daily life when we acquire knowledge not of our own creation. For example, we "cheat" by using GPS devices . . .we "cheat" by looking at recipes for making a dish . . . and we "cheat" by having to ask a website for a password we forgot. Then I move discussion to cheating in activities such as cards, sports, resume writing, copying software, or social small talk. What's the harm? Nothing -- really? Finally, we discuss plagiarism, it's levels, and the impact it has in the scholarly community. Once they grasp the concept of cheating -- whether in daily life or on-campus -- reports of its use seem to diminish rapidly.
Tests in introductory economics courses are generally quite objective in nature, with many students sitting within extremely close proximity to one another. One way that I minimize cheating in these situations is to create several different versions of the test (rearrange the question order). The students' test versions are identified by a colored answer sheet or another simple mechanism, and it makes it virtually impossible for students to copy each others' answers.
1. try to engage all students, paying attention to those that may be falling behind or struggling. 2. reduce the opportunity by spacing students one open seat apart. 3. Make tests random..instead of having one generic form. 4. Make the test less objective, have more true/false, mix/match questions.
We make multiple versions of the exams and do not let students write on the exams.
Hi Diane,
It sounds like you all are working hard to reduce cheating. You have great tactics in place. It is ashame you have to do all of that to keep students from cheating.
Patricia Scales
I always ask the students on test day to leave all of there belonging at the front of the classroom. I also explain to them on the first day what is expecting of them on test day and if any rules are broken that points will be deducted from there test or even a 0 depending on the situation.
Reducing cheating is one of the main focuses for my campus right now. My department had to dismiss 2 students due to cheating. We developed a short Ppt that defines cheating in detail and what the repercussions might be if found cheating. We make 2 versions for each test, back packs and all other personal items at the front of the class and have now decided to have the students place a stack of textbooks between each other. We don't have the luxury of space to not have students right next to each other.
Thanks, Diane
Thanks. Well last semester, I made that mistake and gave them back, figuring they could use them to help study for the final.
Really they have their homework, which I grade, we go over in class and I give back to them for study purposes.
Thanks again. This is a great tool for green teachers like myself to learn from the veterans.
Hi Jerome,
Yes instructors should keep ALL tests, quizzes, and most assignments as well. It is very common for students to pass tests, quizzes, assignments to future classes. Students will do what they can to help each other out.
Patricia Scales
Being new to teaching, these are all great ideas. Thanks everyone. I would never have thought about sitting in the back of the room. Makes sense.
Simply rearranging the questions also makes sense, as opposed to making up similar but different questions.
I see some of you keep tests .vs. letting the students keep them. This makes sense so tests don't get passed on to future classes.
Should instructors keep all tests and quizzes?
Is sharing of tests to future classes common?
There are many ways to reduce cheating in class: spread them out in the class if you have empty seats, walk around when they are doing exams or exercises and make sure they are not looking on someone else's paper, and finally you can make you exams and course work non-objective.
Taylor your assignments and tests so that "option" of cheating is greatly reduced. For example, instead of a true/false or multiple choice answer test, create a short answer or essay test.
I too move around the room until the last test is handed in. Students also know that once the test is in my hand, they cannot get it back. Any corrections/revisions must be made prior to the test being turned in. Great post!
Good morning Kerry!
Creating more than one version of the test is an excellent idea to reduce instances of cheating. How many versions of test do you typically create, and are students assigned different seats during testing situations. Great post!
Nichelle Ancrum
Good morning!
I have only encountered one instance of cheating, and that student was given an automatic zero on the test. The opportunity presented itself because I allowed the student to take the test in another room, due to the activity that was taking place in the regular classroom. To reduce any further instances of cheating, I do the following:
1. Walk around the classroom during all testing situations.
2. Require that nothing be on table/desks tops.
3. Any loose leaf papers must be placed in book bags.
4. Textbooks must be closed and put away (out of site).
5. If a student has to leave the room for any reason, all testing materials must remain in the room.
I tell the students prior to each testing situation what constitutes cheating, and if any of those rules are broken, an automatic zero will be given.
Nichelle Ancrum
Advise the class that any one who is caught cheating on the exam, will lose 20 points from their final grade. Then contrast that option to an extra bonus point option for those who would like an opportunity to boost their final grade.
One way already discussed is to have different versions of the same test. Another would be to separate everyone one seat apart if room allows.
Otherwise, announcing the the tests are not identicle could be a deterent. No phones on desk,
no computer (unless required) and sitting behind students. Other then that....when there is a will, there is a way.
Make sure, if possible, to have one empty seat between students and I personally have them place their cell phones on my desk prior to the start of an exam or quiz.
Hi Rochelle,
At my institution the instructor is responsible for administering their students' test. You have to simply watch them, let them know that they are being watched.
Patricia Scales
