I use two versions of the same test(Version 1 & Version 2) and that helps cut down the cheating.
I work very hard to over prepare my students and then present them with a realistic assessment. I try to maximize student confidence to convince students that there is no need to cheat.
I do think standing in the back of the classroom (as suggested in this module) is effective.
Hi Luis,
If the class size is not permitting to allow students to spread out. I have students not sit beside who they normally sit beside of. This can throw a monkey wrench in their plans if they intended on cheating.
Patricia
Hi Sue,
Having a policy and sticking to it is key. My policy is at the minimum both parties if guilty with proof will fail the course.
Patricia
Hi Pamela,
I like this idea. I can see how it works so effective.
Patricia
Depending on the subject matter, a written reponse (not just multiple choice) answer would require student expression. This is sometimes difficult due to subject objectivity.
I would put space between students at test time, if possible, generate 2 different test so that every other student would have the same test versus everyone having the same test. I would make them aware of consequences of cheating and also I think its a good idea to stand in the back of the room.
Space permitting, spread the students out a little bit making it more difficult to cheat off one another. Make clear the instructions and expectations for the students answers and how you would like them to be communicated on the test. Additionally simply pay attention to the class and make sure that the students are aware of your presense. But do not prowl the classroom. This is intimidating to students, especially the ones who have test anxiety before they even take a test.
Make it known it is unacceptable. And if it happens, make sure to follow your rules about it.
Seperate the students so they are not sitting right next to each other. If you have the room this is the best way of course. In a smaller room stacks of books between students skipping to every other seat might be a solution to the problem too.
I have the students take a blank sheet of paper, fold lengthwise and cover up the scantron at the top, working their way down as they answer questions so that all times their answers are covered. Works great, since noone can see what they answered on the test.
Have a zero tolerance policy and be consistent with using it. Giving a zero to both parties involved if you have definite proof.
Hi Patsy,
I have found that walking around the room is very effective. Students know that they are being watched.
Patricia
The ways that come to mind immediately is offer three different tests. With technology as good as it is today, we can cut and paste a portion of questions from the beginning at the end of 1 test, or middle at the beggining of another test. So same questions just in a different order.
Another way is if calss size permitting make sure you move students apart far enough that they can not lift their head up and see an answers. The forum also spoke about using various short answer questions as well that make it that much harder to copy.
One other thing is sepearte the clicks if at all possible. They may study together and will be looking to each other if they need help. This is probably why a seating chart is good. Never thought of the two going together.
I use a completely different set of questions covering the exact same information for students who miss the test day and require a makeup test.
Technology has come to the aid of the cheater! I specifically require students to use a calculator instead of their phones to cut down on the photos of tests, texting of answers, and storage of answers prior to testing.
I have to admit, I completely disagree with the statement made in the course material that cheating on exams happens most frequently. In terms of violating academic honestly, plagiarism is much more common and happens 4-5 times a semester, but cheating on tests does not happen often.
I also completely disagree with the course content saying cheating doesn't happen often. I think it does. I think cheating/plagiarizing happening 4-5 times a semester or quarter is a lot and I think its happening more and more often.
I stare at them too and loudly announce to the class that exams will be taken away if eyes wander.
One method would be to explain the consequences of cheating. This could be your policy and/or the college's policy.
You definitely need to illustrate that cheating is unacceptable in your classroom.Otherwise you could have people cheating all the time.
