To reduce the opportunity for cheating in class, I make sure the students understand what the test will cover in order for them to prepare. Also, I have different versions of the exam, which include short essay questions.
I just recently had this happen in one of my classes actually. I caught the student with my own eyes. I addressed the student after class and also the student that she was cheating off of. The student that I did not catch looking at the other student's paper decided to change her seat with no question. The student that was caught doing the cheating was giving a warning. The next quiz, the student was cheating again. I had to literally assign them different seats in which I hate I had to do, but I did. When I did assigned seating, let's just say, the cheating stopped and the student's grades began to reflect her cheating. She eventually dropped out of the class stating that the curriculum was too overwhelming and declared that she was sick with the flu right before she dropped out. However, for my exams, I have different version so those are quite impossible to cheat on.
I read some of the examples other instructors have gave , and I do similar tasks. I will position myself also at the back of the students , so I can see if a students is looking around trying to find me ; then therefore to me they are looking for the oppourtunity to cheat. I also create several versions of the test as well.
I always ask them to clear their desk and Ialways sit at the back of the room.
For exams, two versions are made up so that students sitting next to each other don't have the same tests. They are also seated apart or divided into two rooms if the space is needed. We usually have two instructors in each room, one at the back and one at the front. Their tables are cleared with only cell phones face-down on the table.
Clinical cheating is more difficult to handle. We have had it happen with students copying instructors' signatures on competencies. This has caused us to keep a daily record of the competencies we do with students and make sure we sign our full name, not just initials. Since one instructor is assigned to tallying grades, she makes sure she knows the signatures of the instructors.
By discussing that cheating will not prepare them for life.
Different versions of the test and I sit in the back of the room.
Thus far my class sizes have been small enough for me to stand in the back of the class and that seems effective. I usually walk up and down the aisle periodically, I didn't realize this action could cause students to become uncomfortable. I am sure as my class grows I will have to adopt some of the techniques that were suggested in this module.
Give different exams and quizzes. Give less objective questions,ie. multiple choices. Put more spaces between students.
Hi Dahlia,
Seating modification is always a good practice to use to deter cheating.
Patricia Scales
Hi Melanie,
Great use of psychology! This makes total sense. I let them know that I am watching them, so if they are thinking about cheating they better not.
Patricia Scales
I create multiple versions within the same test so that no test version in the class are given to students sitting near one another along with walking the class room during my exams to let my students know I am aware of what is going on during my exams.
The way that I reduce cheating in my classroom starts with a space in between each student. Then I give them different versions of the test. Students are not permitted to have anything on their desks including cell phones while taking their tests and all bookbags need to be zippered. Students are not permitted to leave the classroom during their test, this includes not going to the bathroom. I also stand in the back of the classroom.
Before a quiz or an assignment is due, I tell the class possible ways they could cheat. I think letting them know that I am aware of these possibilities makes the cheating student think twice about their actions and more fearful that they could be caught.
To reduce cheating in class, create multiple sets of exams and quizzes. If possible, every semester revise the exams and quizzes.
These days that cell phones are a students best friend, they always have a way of hiding them and attempt to cheat. I like to have my students clear off their desks, turn in their "ticket"(cell phone) and switch to another seat on the opposite side of the room since I don't have a large class. I also like to walk around while they're testing.
The way I eliminate cheaters is I change the ID numbers on all my tests. They are each the same exact test but all I did was change the top ID number so they will think that each test is different from their neighbors. I also stand behind the class so they don't know where I am looking when they take their exam.
Monitor the class as they are testing with enough space between student to make it harder for them to cheat.
All cell phones are to be put away and students are seperated.....
In specific settings there can be seating modifications to reduce cheating and encourage trust. In my class, I typically seperate the studenst between chairs or have each one sit from end to end of the tables therefore, if they use eye motion for thinking there is no one in close range to appear to be cheating.
