You can create multiple versions to minimize copying. Spacing students out helps but is not always possible. Floating would be an effective tool to help reduce cheating. One important tool that can be used in advance is to encourage students to prepare for test with clear, concise instructions on what assessment will cover. This can assist because students will be prepared on the materials tested on and thus will not have the need to cheat.
Frist, the rules are laid out clearly in the student handbook and the syllabus. If you cheat, not only do we have procedures for adminatratively failing the student, we are also a DOD school. Therefore legal action is taken under the uniformed code of muilitary justice. In over 10 years we have only had 1 case of cheating. That person was failed, and his federal employment terminated. I personnaly use a test bank that randomly generates versions of the test. The test may have the same questions, but in a different order on each copy, or one of three questions for each learning objective. I also uyse spacing in the classroom and observation techniques. I still feel setting the standard oof trust, setting the academic standard and proper enforcement are the key to reducing the opportunity to cheat.
Having the students clear their desk prior to handing out the exam. Having the students sit at least one to two desk apart from each other. Instructors can walk around during the exam so students know that the instructor is observing everyone and therefore minimizing the students’ opportunity to cheat.
I love this idea! It requires a little more time and effort to change questions around in a different order, but it is worth it.
Some ways to reducing student cheating is by having two versions of the test. You could also have the same version but print it on different color paper, so the students think that their were two different versions.
Reducing student cheating is tricky! With the advent of technology, especially cellphones, students are able to access their notes electronically and instantly, so no cellphones are allowed. Using multiple forms of exams is important in crowded classrooms and having some open ended questions helps prevent cheating.
more frequently engage the students.
With modern technology students have more ways to cheat. Some students use texting to cheat. When I give exams I make all students put all their cell phones under their desks. I also walk around the room. This tends to discourage cheating although it is a little different than what has been discussed in this training.
I give 2 versions of the test. Test A and Test B.
In addition, the only thing allowed on the desk is the scantron, the test, and a pencil. Their cell phones, purses, and backbacks are all against one wall away from the desks. As soon as they are done with the test, they will grab their purse and go wait in the student lounge until everyone has completed the test.
With online classes, it adds a bit of a twist. Students could be emailing assignments or test answers to each other without you really knowing. One thing that's set up in a couple of my courses, is that the test answers don't show up until the week after the test is given. So students may know that they missed a question, but they don't know what the correct answer is.
Hi Wanda,
You are right as instructors we must be very creative to prevent cheating. It sounds like you are creative when it comes to minimizing cheating. Electronic devices are real big items amongst students now. I tell my students absolutely no electronic devices on the desk, including cell phones.
Patricia
Hi Tim,
I concur! A cheater will think of clever ways to beat strategies that are utilize to minimize cheating. We will not catch them all, but we must continue to use as many tactics as possible to deter cheating.
Patricia
One of the ways to reduce cheating with my classes is by using the test bank of questions that will provide the same test but different versions so although you may be trying to look at your neighbors test, the questions are not in the same order.
Hi Bridgie,
Great list! Let's not forget to have students clear their desk, including their cell phones.
Patricia
BY BEING PRESENT DURING ENTIRE TEST TIME
That is a great strategy, Janet. This must work well in that type of class.
Melissa
I do the best I can by notifying students of my expectations, utilizing the resources given to me as a faculty member and following the process.
Melissa
Tim, that is an excellent point at the end of your statement. If they are going to cheat in school and get away with it, it will spill into their career. I keep thinking of companies like Enron and WorldCom.
