There is a sign in my classroom that reads, "Cheaters risk everything and gain nothing." Position yourself in a spot where you have a clear view of all and let students know they are being watched. Sometimes, peer pressure will also handle the problem. Students that study get irritated with those that don't and will not make cheating easier for those that do.
I try not to give T/F or multiple choice questions. Most of my tests/quizzes are short answer. It is harder for students to cheat on short answer questions. I also give a few open book quizzes throughout the term. I find that students learn from them just as much and are not tempted to cheat as often.
Some ways to reduce the opportunity for cheating would be to pay close attention to where students sit. Usually when students set with other students it's usually someone that they are comfortable with or friends with. Separating theses students before a test will help eliminate cheating in the class room.
Regards,
Anthony Allen
I like to have the students sit in different seats, leaving their materials behind, to avoid any way they may have to set up ways to cheat. I also walk around during the exams.
I make it a point to emphasize the importance of academic day one. I state to the class in a very serious tone that while I am not assuming that they will cheat, academic dishonesty not allowed and will be reported. I also have students turn cell phones off and put them in bags and place their bags to the front of the class. I try to have students sit one seat between each other if possible.
Having diferent versions of the test is good, but it makes it harder for the instructor to grade. I have my students to move to where there is a chair between them and the other student and then I have them take everything off the table so it doesn't allow for them to have a cheat sheet.
Hi Pamela,
Ordering test today is quite simple with the use of the technology we now have. It is painless to quickly have 3 or 4 different versions of the same test, just in different order.
Patricia Scales
Set clear guidelines from the start what will happen if a student is caught cheating. Go over aaspects to include plagiarism, exam cheating etc.
I also agree that more than one test could be used... same questions, just in a different order on the page.
Most common is to remove all books papers and cellphones from the tops of the test tables. Sometimes having students turn off cellphones and place them in front of them helps. alternating test so no one next to a test taker has the same test. walk around the room during test time to answer questions and observe all test takers by watching head turning and eye movement.
More than one version of a test
I spread students out in the room -- if space allows. I also have various versions of the test so that neighbors do not have the questions in the same order.
My preference would be to take some exams on the computer which would automatically randomize the questions as well as the multiple choice answers.
Have different versions of the test.
As much as possible, I plan to move the students so that they are not beside each other. If that isn't possible (or if that doesn't seem to be enough) I will jumble the questions around on the exam. I will also require all items, text books, note books, etc to be closed and on the floor.
I have my students turn their phone off and place the phone in front of them. If scratch paper is needed, I provide the paper! I never return the original scantron, only a copy.
I seat the students every other seat. I walk around the room and I watch them as they are testing. I do have an advantage, because my classes are not that large. It is much easier to observe when you have small classes.
Hi Phillip,
A good review really does help with minmizing cheating. A lot of instructors utilize study guides as well.
Patricia Scales
I circle around my room. The way my classroom is set up there is an island of computers right in the middle and I walk around it like I do when teaching class. I ask students how they are doing on the exam and observe their entire testing period.
I like to go over some of the material the day prior of the test. This helps the students keep the material fresh in their mind and can clarify any questions about the material covered. Sometimes a student may have a doubt about particular question and look around for a hint at the correct answer although they have been doing well up to that point. I have read some very good replies to this post and plan to employ some of these pointers.
Hi Douglas,
Consistency is always the best approach. Students need to realize that they should be familiar with course material so that they do not have to waste a lot time.
Patricia Scales
Hi Kelcena,
How does this help reduce cheating? What do you do to reduce cheating? I make it simple, they know that I am watching them, and I stand the entire time they are testing.
Patricia Scales
