That is exactly what I do, for my large lecture classes. For small classes where students have more space between them, and its easier for me to keep an eye on them...well I just keep an eye on them.
I also make sure that they've put all papers/notes/books/ipads away, and I have them put their belongings on the floor next to the wall on either side of the classroom.
I pass out 2 versions of tests with different test type questions. I also stand at the back of the room.
Spread them out, watch, and walk around, and of course, change out tests to different versions than the year before
I give lots of short tests in class. I try to set the stage by spreading students out and removing all items off the desk except the test and a pen or pencil. Students usually correct their own tests with a red pen that I provide. Before each test I let the m know that this is an honor system and that I trust them and want to maintain that trust. I've had a few cheaters over the past two years and all were reported by students. Each student reported were subsequently caught in the at during the next test and the situation dealt with.
To reduce cheating in a class, a teacher can do the following:
-Set clear rules for the students to follow and specify the repercussions of cheating and enforce them.
-When offering tests, spread-out the students to discourage the temptation to cheat from their neighbor.
-Monitor the students closely during test taking and move about the room.
I wouldn't say I confronted him but I did ask if he was using his phone. I realized in that situation I had no proof, but felt like I could not ignore the situation.
Hi Ellen,
I do not confront students about cheating based on another student's words. I always have concrete evidence of the cheating student, and I reprimand the student according to the honor code policy.
Patricia Scales
Hi Eugene,
It is harder for students to cheat on these type exams. Go for it!!
Patricia Scales
I feel that if I space out or change the seating arrangements it help to minimize the opportunities. And do my best to give good reviews.
I have made different versions of the same test as well, but it is a lot of work on the instructors behalf to do so. I actually had a student who was accussed by multiple classmates of using his phone to look up answers. So many people came to me I had to address it. The funny thing was the student knew what he was talking about when I would ask him questions. I asked him about the acussations and he denied it of course, but I said to him he was a good student and didn't need to cheat to do well. He was an A student. I didn't see him so it was his word agaist everyone else. I believe he probably was looking them up becasue he didn't come take the final and even with a 0 had enough points to pass. I think he just couldn't stand to be wrong and maybe he was looking the answers up. So now I make them get out thier phones and turn them completely off and clear the top of the desks so I can see everything. Unfortuantaley the way the classes are set up I can't sit in the back of the room. I might tyr rearranging things so I can.
I like to use more comprehensive/fill in the blank or short answer questions for weekly quizzes along with a product identification section. For the Final Exam I use 2 different versions which has proved very effective.
I either make multiple versions of the tests, or I give them hands on assignments that are very difficult to actually cheat.
I liked the suggestion of standing behind the students. If they don't know exactly where you are they are more likely not to take the chance of looking over at someone else's test.
I try walking around and giving several versions of the test to avoid any cheating.
As i hand out a test one by one to each student I announce to the class that "if you cheat in any way your test will be destroyed and you will recieve a zero grade. This includes any use of cell phones, books, papers, or contraband. Clear everything off of your desk so as not to confuse me." I then walk up and down the aisles for the entire duration of the test.
I also have created multiple versions of my exams. I also stand at the back of the classroom, so that my students are not seeing what I am doing. I find this helps to inhibit cheating in my classroom as well.
Having several versions of same test....our test bank allows us to do this, so sometimes I will make four different exams. Same questions, just scrambled so students don't have the opportunity to cheat.
I walk around the classroom, slowly, while my students are taking an exam. Also, standing in the back of the room I think keeps the students aware that I am watching, but they can't see me and who I am watching.
I always let students know before handing out the test that they can ask questions about the test, not content, but wording. So, if they are not sure what a question is asking for, they can ask me about that. I won't give them the answer, of course, but every so often a question does need clarification (and then I often go update that question for the next time around).
Hi Laura,
You may want to try to get another proctor (personnel) so that you have another set of eyes. Also it is harder to cheat on essay questions.
Patricia Scales
Yes, different versions of the test have worked just fine for me.
