I allow students to use the notes that they have created.
I like to spread out the class so they cannot see each others papers. Also I sit in the back of the class, The students cannot see me from here but I can see them.
I use several versions of the exam with questions and answers re shuffled. I also make it clear to the class that none of the questions will be repeated i.e. questions from earlier exams will not show up in a cummulative final examination.
Cheating can be reduced by giving different versions of a quiz or an exam. If a student choose to cheat then the student will realize that the outcome of their action has resulted in a lower grade than the person they cheated from. When they realize what has taken place they will not approach the instructor and tell them what took because this would mean that they would have to confess to copying. After this I'm sure they will keep their eyes on their own paper.
Hi John,
I have witnessed unconfused students cheating as well, however I do see your point. If we do a thorough job instructing, it should minimize cheating.
Patricia
Remove opportunities when possible. Avoid round tables if possible. Using "A" and "B" tests. Coaching the class that it usually take two students to cheat and if you have worked to learn the material why would you want someone else that has not to be on the same level.
Hi Robert,
I really like this. I remember a professor doing this in one of my classes, and it does help with anxiety and the need to want to cheat. The help sheet really put me at ease. Thanks for sharing; you took me back some years.
Patricia
Hi Omar,
Essay exams really minimize cheating.
Patricia
I try to reduce students from cheating by allowing by making sure they fully understand the information for the test. I find students cheat when they are confused.
Hi Allison,
How do you handle students that try to shuffle the exams to have the same color as the person sitting next to them?
Patricia
I have used this method in the past and works very well to deter cheating. Additionally, I color-code the exams (version A on blue paper, version B on yellow paper, etc.) so it is very easily identifiable from a distance that the exams are different. I have had students try to shuffle the exams and take the same color/ version exam as their peer next to them, and the color coding makes this extremely easy to identify before the exam even begins.
I give the option that students may create and use a "help sheet" based on the material in the chapters the exam will cover. It cannot be a photocopy of any material, and is only one standard page of info in their own handwriting or word program. It must be attached on the back of the exam when turned in. Seems to help the "test anxious" group as well.
Avoid making the exam totally an objective test. Another option is to control the seating arrangement so that students are separated thus preempting the chance to cheat.
Whenever there is a big exams, all book bags including cell phones are in the front of the classroom. All the students must have are pencils and eraser. If this is violated, it is an automatic "F" grade in that exam. Everybody must be seated 5 minutes after the class starts, late students will not be allowed to get into the class.
having a good seating assgnment and space
Hi Andrea,
I like the strictness of your honesty policy. You're right, students have forced policies to be real rigid. At my institution, the first offense of cheating at the minimum is an "F" in the course. You have to let students know that dishonesty will not be tolerated.
Patricia
I also implement different versions of the same exam, version A and B. For any make up exams I would use version C.
I let them know that there is to be no talking at all and even innocent talking will be consider cheating and I will have to take there test it just isn't worth them getting their test taken. I also walk around the room.
At our college we use a few different strategies to prevent that "opportunity" to cheat. We use A, B & even C versions of exams. There are less questions on the alternate "C" exam as it is used if a student was absent due to illness when the original exam was written. The consequences of cheating or being caught using cell phone during exam is clearly spelled out in each course syllabus...of course the consequence if a student is seen using cell phone during exam is automatic "zero" on the exam. We also require students to leave all books, bags, phones, etc at the front of classroom prior to writing any exam or test. The methods may seem to be excessive, but unfortunately human nature has made it necessary! We also continuously emphasize that the student must pass their board exam in order to be licensed, and in the end when they cheat they are really only cheating themselves.
...I will also be aware of the potential misuse of water bottle labels in the future!
I also use an A-version and B-version of my tests and let the students know they have different versions. I also make sure ther are evenly distributed to every other student.
In addition to different test versions, I walk around during the test to discourage cheating and to answer any questions a student may have about the exam.
