I use different tests for each exam and keep their exams once we go over them. I also have them spread out if there is extra room in the class.
For exams, students must turn cell phones off, purses and bags must be placed on the floor or in a chair that is placed against the table (or preferably not brought to class), nothing else on the desk besides a pen and test. There are several versions of the test handed out to also deter cheating.
some instructors offer different types of tests for the same subject and are given randomly to let the students know that regardless of their interest on cheating it could be not possible as all the answers change from test to test
Create different versions of the exam, have the students sit opposite end of one another, stand in the back of the room, etc.
I have several different versions of each test so each student has a different test. I also make them remove everything from their countertops other than a pen/pencil and calculator if needed. Lastly, I actively circulate the room and watch for any suspicious activity.
I only ever encountered it once where a student wrote all the answers on his arm, he failed the test anyway. So i bring that example up in class too discourage cheating. I find that if I explain just how much work it takes to cheat and not get caught at it and that because you become so focussed on the not getting caught at it that you usually do worse on the test, most students just give up and study...
Michael
I use several different versions of the test. This is helpful when seating is a problem, and students sit closely to one another.
I use different versions of the test , if the students are sitting close together
Hi Edwin,
I agree! Great strategies. It is real easy now to create different versions of a test with cut and paste.
Patricia Scales
Giving frequent quizzes reduces the pressure on the final grade and gives you an opportunity to see who may be at risk for cheating (either based on previous behavior or who is doing poorly).
Odd and even tests, or A and B tests can easily stop students from looking on or gaining answers from other students if you alternate the tests at their seating positions - as-well-as alternating between tests from clas to class... It wont end the problem, but seems to go a long way to reducing it.
Hi Mark,
I agree! A review normally eases the tension and motivates the student that if they study they can pass the test, therefore it is no need to cheat.
Patricia Scales
Hi Margarita,
An uncluttered desk is a great way to minimize cheating.
Patricia Scales
The key is to reduce the opportunity. Students will always try to cheat but there are ways to set up student to succeed so that they feel there is no need to. Having a review the day prior, pointing out important that "they should know", having several versions of the test, etc.
Give diferent versions of the test.spred the students in the room.Make them put away their belongings and have only test and pen
Thats a great technique to prevent cheating. I might have to give that a try.
I found that building a good rapport with your students to be successful.
I always rotate my students in class before a test
On test day each student picks up a colored paper when entering the room. I have these in a specific order. Then the blues sit at one table, the reds at another, and so on. I also stand at the back of the room, and I have students put all materials on the floor.
I like to use completion tests and fill in the blanks to avoid the ease of copying off of a multiple choice template. I have the students sit very far apart and also when applicable put an essay question on the exam to evaluate their comprehension of the material.
