Hi Michelle,
I generally roam the room. I change direction. I stand from place to place.
Patricia
Hi Peggy,
I like your methods to curtail cheating. You do an effective job administering tests.
Patricia
Hi Michael,
Very smart and effective tactic to help minimize cheating.
Patricia
Hi Lindsay,
It does. Smaller class sizes allow you to have your students to spread out during test time, and you do not have as many to watch as well.
Patricia
Hi Nicole,
It does work well. I like how you make it known to them that their tests are different.
Patricia
I inform my students that if their hand drop below their desk I will take their test. This is because of the use of cell phones. I also make sure the desk is clear and all materials are placed in their book bags. I tell the class if I see them looking at another student's test I will take their test and they will receive a zero.
I use 2 different versions of the test. Student A gets version 1, student B gets version 2, and so on. I alternated between both versions. I also have the students clear their desk and place everything on the floor.
I also use an A,B, C form. I usually just randomize the question order
I also create several different versions of the same test. I tell the class not to look at their neighbors paper because they have a different test. I have found that this works very well.
I've made different versions of tests as well but my student max ina classroom is 12 so that in itself reduces cheating
Let the students know during the first day of class that you have a "zero tolerance" policy on cheating and if they are caught, there will be no questions asked, they will just automatically get a zero or be dismissed from class, depending on your school's policy.
My first strategy is to insist that students sit apart, or as spread out as possible in the classroom. Secondly, I try to change exams, even if only slightly, from term to term. I like the idea of using different version within a term, but I haven't tried that yet. It seems that grading could get complicated. Finally, I commit to being observant. Even if I have a task to complete while the students are taking an exam, I don't plan to do anything that required complete and uninterupted focus. Rather, I limit myself to accomplishing task from which I may easily turn my focus to the students.
I make up different versions of my so that no one will have the same test as the person sitting next to them.
You have to have specific testing criteria set. I have experienced this exact situation recently. I know now that I have to be very explicit how testing will take place, what devices you can bring in the room while testing, clearing desks, notes, etc., and making sure that I am not lax during testing time. No breaks until you have completed the test, so you had better go the bathroom now.
I used different versions of tests, walk around the room during tests and absolutely make sure there is at least 1 empty seat between students. Water bottles, back packs are put away. Cell phones use is not allowed in our class rooms at any time.
Reducing student from cheating is one of the greatest challenges a teacher has in classroom of uncertain students. When I give a exam to the class I always say to the class "we've all reviewed the information together and everyone knew the information. Take a deep breath and think of your test as a testimony of your knowledge", forget you are taking a test. Always be proud of what you accomplish. Cheating demoralizes the student, the grade is someone elses not theirs. Student need to realize they may not get the best grade, but that does not make them any less than the student who got a 100. When you do it on your own, and gave it your best what more could yoo ask for.
I do this a well..i also try to break up the tables and groups by making sure everyone in the class is facing the same direction and try to stand at the back of the room so that i can keep an eye out for any cheating movements.
I give essay tests, and request that the student answer in his or her own words.
If I receive an answer that is too "textbook-ish" I will deduct some points. I know each student, and can anticipate how they will write.
I learn to recognize their writing styles more with every test. Therefore, I can tell right away if their answers do not "sound like" their writing.
My goal is to have them explain the material back to me, as they would in an interview with an employer. The ultimate goal in a career college is that interview, and the more they practice explaining, the more comfortable and knowledgable they will be in that interview.
I have been using the essay-test method for almost a year now, and it has worked flawlessly to prevent cheating :)
One way to avoid cheating is reduce or eliminate temptations as much as possible. Having students sit in chairs where they are not seated together is one way to reduce. Further reduction or possibly elimination can be like not having those potato chips and ice cream in your home because you are on a diet; further distance the student space between each other where it is virtually impossible to see another student's test paper and ask them to close all materials in their possession and put them under their seat.
I ALWAYS use essay or short answer questions on every assessment. It takes longer to grade, but it's worth it.
I've seen websites where students have published the test banks to many textbooks. You just can't trust that they don't have access to those things, so I always write my own questions.
My tests/quizzes are not long (1-4 questions), but they are a very fair and honest assessment of student knowledge, and it helps improve their writing skills over time.
