have them sit far apart and give two different test and sit at the back of the class
Hi Michael,
You are right! I have seen a thorough review really minimizes cheating. With the test software, creating mutiple versions of a test is not complicated due to the increase in technology.
Patricia Scales
I also use multiple copies of an exam - not so hard to do after the first term you teach a subject. I do extensive review before and after a test, though, which also goes a long way toward keeping cheating at a minimum.
Usually my students take two types of exams. One exam may be a spelling terminology exam while the student next to them is taking the skeletal system exam. They are timed so no two students sitting next to one another have the same exam at the same time.
Hi Danielle,
Absolutely! Available cell phones work against the instructors during test time. Students have found clever ways to cheat with the devices.
Patricia Scales
My class room is small, I really can't seperate students. In order to reduce cheating, I do several things. 1. I have all books, papers and belongings off the desk and placed behind the student. 2. No phones are allowed to be seen, if I see one a zero will be issued for that test. 3. I have the students show me their hands and arms to ensure there is no "answers" to be found. 4. Because of the small class room I'm able to monitor students for "wondering eyes". If I suspect a student for wondering eyes, I casually tell the class to remember to keep eyes to themselves. This usually keeps the cheater honest. 5. No student is allowed to leave the classroom while taking the test. If the student does leave the test is collected and graded as is.
This policy is given to the students who signs a copy the first day of class. The policy is kept with the roster; therefore, if I have a problem I can show them that they knew the policy.
Have students put all their packpacks and belongings in the front of the roon while taking a test.
I have found that with all the new technology, students are taking photos of study guides or book pages, and using them to cheat on exams. I have been having everyone place their phones on the front table until everyone is done with the exam.
I always move students around (change seating)in the classroom before the test, walk near a student i suspect as doing something odd (closer observation), and ask for questions about the student guide before the test begins.
I always make sure that there is nothing on the desk except for the exam. Even cell phones are put away. I use to walk around around the class, but now, after taking this course, I see that it can make the students more nervous. I like the idea of placing myself in the back of the class so the students do not know where I am or where I am focusing my attention.
Hi Tatiana,
Wow, I would have never thought that. It seems like this epidemic is bad all over.
Patricia Scales
Some of the actions I took in my classroom was to take the cellphones away prior to taking any Quiz or Test.
I discovered that american students are not so bad. I though in Russia and in Russia I have to prepare at least 6 or 8 versions of the same test. I have to use case study for every student. Objective test are very hard to present for russian students. They are so creative (using the sign language, gestures, grimases and ect). So I can not complain about the proctoring american students. They are angels if you compare them with russian students
Hi Ronda,
I fully understand! It is heartbreaking when students cheat. You have some good rules in place to minimize cheating. It sounds like you are doing everything on your end to put a stop to this type of behavior. Some students will do all they can to beat the system, you just continue to administer your tests/assignments effectively.
Patricia Scales
Hello Patricia, unfortunately I have had to deal with students cheating. I now have an exam policy written in the syllabus explaining procedures in detail. Some of those details include: all personal items are to be lined up against the back wall with the exception of a pen/pencil and 1 sheet of paper. Student seating is varied from their daily preferrences, seating is spread out as much as possible, and two versions of exams are made. The classroom is videotaped and an additional proctor is present if class size is large. It breaks my heart when students choose to steal from others and/or neglect themselves from learning. It is actually refreshing when cheating students admit their actions to be foolish. So many cheating students become cheaters and liers.
I have small class sizes so students are not sitting close enough to each other to cheat. The strongest students tend to gravitate towards each other and I don't worry about these students. I always have a test review the day before an exam so students should be prepared. If they do poorly on the exam I know they didn't prepare, but if they routinely do poorly I approach them to offer tutoring.
Many of my exams are practical exams, and there is no chance of cheating. Either they can perform the tasks or they cannot.
Multiple versions of the tests, seat selection,positioning in the back of room, and colection of cell phone are all excellent ways to curtain cheating, but if a test is not properly proctored none of this means anything.
I like to use the multiple test versions. I also tell the students that I will be walking around the room so that if they need clarification on a test question they can ask me as I walk by. This give them the since that I want to be there to help and it makes them aware that I will be walking around with out telling them I am watching them for cheating.
Hi Reyna,
There are so many ways to cheat online. Online cheating seems to be a lot easier to do than in-seat cheating. I suggest that when students are speculated of cheating talk to them to see if they would admit to it and move the conversation forward from that point.
Patricia Scales
Hi Kathaleen,
Great ways to curtail cheating. I simply let my students know that they will be watched, and I carefully watch them as they test.
Patricia Scales
