Other work by teachers can be done during the administration of an exam, but in minimal amounts. By constantly hovering over students for the duration of the class, one creates a tense environment, under which some students fail to perform. With that said, monitoring is very important, and it can be done from the podium or the teacher's desk.
Hi Terry,
Computers have made cheating real easy to do.
Patricia
Just remember that if you are going to change seating every week- you better know what all your student's names are (I sometimes remember by seats).
I agree with not working on something else during a test. I have some teacher friends that tell me they use the test time to get work done- I think this is wrong and allows students a chance to cheat as well as makes it appear that you don't care at all about the students.
This is an excellent approach. If students always sit by friends, then they do not further develop interpersonal skills. Additionally, they will not have that crutch to lean on, if that is the plan during an exam.
I agree; you must make your presence known. Wherever you are in the classroom, front or back, be certain to loook around the room frequently and at random. Another idea would be to change the seating arrangements at the beginning or end of each week. Remind students that they are becoming adaptable, a soft skill respected in the workplace.
One of the ways that have been effective for me is to have a Test A and a Test B. I distribute them to alternating students; test A to the first student, test b to the second student, test A to the third student and follow this sequence until the tests have been distributed. When they find out that they have different tests, they look disgusted but they proceed and complete the exam. Then they are well aware of my methods and they study for future exams.
I also prevent students from cluttering around in a close bunch in a specific area of the class. I ask them to separate to other areas of the classroom. I also ask them to remove all of their backpacks and any other books and material from the desk until the examination is complete.
I also walk around the class also, I also give alot of essay type questions and let the students know that now one should have the same answer since everyone have a different thought process.
As the students come into class I have them each draw a number that will match a number on a chair. They must sit in that chair. That way they will be all mixed up in arrangement and not sit by their best friends.
Interesting, I guess I didn't quite think about the cut/paste aspect of cheating...
I agree with everyone's ideas to reduce cheating. Also, if your classroom is large enough, of course separating sudents helps as well. I am getting ready to try the suggestions from Max 104, and sit at the back of the room instead of the front. Should be interesting!
I agree; if conducting an objective exam, have two test versions that reorder the questions. When students become aware, cheating is futile.
To reduce student cheating, quickly develop a rapport with every class member. I get to know each student's name the first week. Additionally, the first class session, conduct an ice breaker where students meet class members to build a sense of community. When students experience respect first hand, it can be contagious.
An effective way of reducing student cheating is by eliminating the temptation to cheat. This can include various methods: separating students, computerized tests, essay questions, etc. Building a rapport with students strengthens trust, and makes is less likely that cheating will occur.
I have also 'faked out' the multiple forms of tests. Make the tests all the same and just label them as different forms or print them in different colors. Using different versions can be a nightmare to grade, analyze and review.
Hi William,
Students only need the bare essentials during test time, most of the time only something to write with, if it is a math test, perhaps a calculator.
Patricia
Hi Darren,
It is always a good idea to change the tests every so often. The word really gets around as to what's on the tests, and I've even known of some tests to grow legs.
Patricia
Hi Dawn,
Once students get used to these practices that are in place to minimize cheating. The practices become second nature to them. Most students will do these practices without the instructor even telling them.
Patricia
Hello Chuck: I have seen the opposite result. If a student strives to succeed at a test by displaying effective study habits and notices another student who is known among peers to cheat... the honest students believe that it is not fair to them...I agree with the honest students!
create a physical layout that has students facing away from each other( with their backs to each other) or have 2-3 versions of a test handed out at one time
