What I ususally do before test or quizzes, I have them put everything away off the desk and allow one empty chair between them and their neighbor.
If this cannot be done I walk around periodically from front to back from back to front until the exam is over.
I also give out different versions of the test. Depending on the size of the class room, I provide three to four different exams. This is stated on Day 1.
Some of the strategies I've used includes:
Provision of study guides for Mid term and Final test and provide adequate schedule reminders concerning Quiz, Test, project etc. in an effort to reduce the tension and fear of the unknown (re: test content and format).
Minimize student movement during test e.g. bathroom opportunity provided before commencement of test, thereby reducing the need to leave the room.
Room spacing (skip a seat)
Building student/teacher rapport which provides an opportunity to build an atmosphere of trust and connection.
Change up the location and proximity that they seat at as they will cluster up to take test.
I like that idea I might ask my program director if I can make the same test but just rearrange the order of the questions. I do practice the every other seat policy and I randomly get up during the test and act like I have something to do on the other side of the room. The whole time I am eyeballing the students.
Hi Steven,
I like it! These type tests are very difficult to cheat on. The grading is very time consuming, but you are putting your students first and yourself last. You are not making this easy for you (grading), you are doing what's best for the student. KUDOs to you!!
Patricia
Hi Shane,
I agree with the prevention statement. How do you go about preventing cheating?
Patricia
Si students farther apart & make multiple versions of the exam
Pay attention during the exam and not start working on some other project - remain engaged
We ususally have test A,B,and C so nobody has the same test.Also during test times all cell phones are put away so they can not take advantage of the numerous apps in these phones
I think that preventing it from happening is more important than handling it. We should constantly remind our students that honesty is the only way to gain their true degree. Therefore, providing an environment in which students can feel respect from others when they are honest is also a very important thing to do.
I have written test no true false or multiple guess test. This while difficult and time consuming to grade lessens the opportunity to "borrow" some other students knowledge. I set the class for easy access and walk the floor during test time.
I will always make them change seats. Sit apart from each other, and not near someone they always sit with.
i have 4 versions of the exact same test with just the order of the questions being different. Each class I give a different version. ALSO I go with the old fashioned separate the students by at least one seat and of course do the walk around while the test is taken.
I use two strategies provided from the lesson, "Develop a rapport" and "Exam room set-up". Developing relationships with students builds trust and makes them feel respected. I also seat the students far apart so it is difficult to cheat. I will also tell them to remove all types of cheating devices or they will receive a zero before I hand out the exam.
Have a location in the classroom where all students can be viewed during the examination. Also give out information ahead of time of the ways you know students cheat so they will be less likely to attempt those methods. And while stating that give them a no tolerance statement.
Hi John,
I understand excatly what you are saying, and some students do it because of the outside pressure, but really and truly, it is totally out of character for them to cheat.
Patricia
Getting to know my students through their actions, words, meetings, other instructors and grades makes it possable to see who may be at risk of cheating. Some times a very demanding life outside of school can encourage students to cheat when they feel pressured and have no time to study.
When giving tests I will seperate students. I am very mobil during this time. All cell phones must be kept out of sight and all hands are up on tables where they can be seen at all times. When handing in projects I make sure that no two students have the same topic. All work has to be sighted and hand written when logical to do so.
Two ways depending on the class. I will give distance between the students and then walk around during the test. If the class is too large and I cannot get enough room I will then test in shifts. I believe that by address the problem and moving students around they know that you are watching and will be less likley to cheat.
