I have reduced the opportunity for cheating by using tests with 2 or 3 different versions. I also space students out when testing. I inform my students that copying on assignments only does themselves a disservice and will hurt them on the tests because they will not know the information.
Hi Karne,
Wow, students will certainly go to great lengths to cheat. You do a fine job of trying to reduce cheating. Students really need to put the effort into studying instead of trying to come up with creative ways to cheat.
Patricia
Hi Robert,
When you have evidence that a student has cheated, the student does not have a leg to stand on, but some will try to debate, and yes I have seen some students turn into monsters when they have been caught cheating. At my institution, it is bottom line, here is the evidence, and you have violated the honor code. You will be reprimanded by getting at least an "F" in the course.
Patricia
As mentioned in this course, I believe that creating the best possible anti-cheating environment is the best method. Informing students that no whispering, or other communication is permissible. Separating students, when possible,is also a good idea. Another method is for the teacher to occasionally walk around the room, without disturbing the class to monitor, or even sit in the back of the room. If you are teaching a class with computers, and you are fortunate enough to have monitoring software, use it, and inform the students that you are using it, but don't be too abrasive when explaining it. After all, most of the students are probably not thinking of cheating.
I've noticed that some students turn into the "angry" type when they get caught cheating and will do their utmost to deny the charges. Typically, the evidence is there to show that, yes they did cheat, but you always have to make sure that you are able to back up your claims.
Patricia
I really like to get to know my students and their names from the first day they attend class. I want them to know that I respect each and every one of them and try to build an atmosphere of trust. However, there always seems to be that one student who wants to test the waters and see what they can get by with. I try to have a number of assignments and tests built into each course so the pressure to try to cheat will not be as great. On test days, I always have students put their backpacks, laptops, purses, books and any other distracting items on the floor. If there is enough room in the classroom, I will ask them to move so that there is a vacant place in between them and them and the next student. Just last term I found a student who had taken the label off of her water bottle, written some notes on it, resealed it, and then used it during the test. I spotted it because she was the only student who had anything out on her table besides a pen or pencil.
In my first class I make it clear I dont allow students to cheat because it is unprofessional and unethical, and in the future cheating will not help them to get good results on their work.I prepare different tests with the same objectives, and changing place students in the classroom.
Get to know the students, have frequent "pop" quizs and spread the students out during tests.
Hi Larry,
It is amazing the lengths that some students will go to in order to come up with a way to cheat. The new trend is texting and utilizing the cell phones in other ways to cheat, such as having notes typed in notepad, accessing the internet to find answers, etc.
Patricia
Be aware. Students now have a NEW way of deception. It’s called the cell phone and involves texting. I had a student, while taking a test, was playing with his cell phone. After becoming suspicious, I asked him what was he doing. He responded, “texting his mother.”
During the first day of class I make it very clear that cheating will not be tolerated and could result in a failing grade. Also I administer short answer tests which makes it a little harder to copy from other students.Inaddition I make sure that there is separation between the students and I sit or stand in an area where I can observe all the students during test taking.
I try to make sure that I know what students are doing. However, in a computer classroom students think that they can get away with more. However, as a computer application teacher I know that with a little extra work I can tell exactly who created a document.
Give out test A, B, C
Give essay tests
Give pop tests
First of all, I reiterate, that they will recieve a zero on that test for cheating, and that cheating and plagerism is grounds for dismissal from the program per college policy. I also discourage cheating by having the desks cleared of all material except 2 pencils and a highlighter. I pass out a numbered exam and a scantron form to each student. After they mark their answer, the student is expected to highlight the answer on the scantron so it can not be changed later. 2 answers marked means a wrong answer. No additional marks are allowed on the scantron. I have my usual script I state before each test. No answers or writing on the test, all answers need to be written on the scantron, only answers on the scantron count, nothing on the test counts.
Mike
So far I eliminated cheating in my class because I do not use paper exams anymore. I use computerized exams and I also stand behind the class. I use ExamView software and it comes with our text books. It has "scramble questions" feature. It means, no students will get the same questions. I hope this helps. Thanks.
Some ways I would use to reduce the opportunity for cheating is to:
Emphasize their desks are to be clear of anything than their pen/ pencil and paper, standing in the back of the room or moving around in front of the class.
If a student cheat, a zero would be the grade, send them out of class, and have a talk with them later on.
Some ways to reduce students cheating in exams are:
* Warn the students before the exam of the consequences of cheating during the exam.
* Sit the students as separated as possible in the classroom.
* Walk along the classroom several times during the exam.
* Stand behind the class several times during the exam.
Hi Diane,
These are effective ways to reduce cheating. During test time I am very attentive. I stand during test time, and I give my test takers my undivided attention. I do not grade papers, read or anything while students are testing.
Patricia
By having not only students spread apart if space allows but also by clearing off desk and remaining attentive in the class.
You are right about that. I could not prove what she actually was talking to her peer about the Test. By the time I started walking toward her she had turned around and was walking toward me. So, I could not catch her!!
