Reading through the comments it appears to me that most experienced teacher have the same discipline about cheating before it begins. I know that students have a different perception about what is cheating and what is not. For example, copying someone’s homework or asking for answers on a worksheet does not constitute cheating in the eyes of the student. On the other hand, looking at someone’s answer on a test or asking the student next to you "what is the answer to #3" is cheating. In this case, I always made sure that the perception of the students is the same as mine.
Next, I would find out why students cheated. Two common reasons come to mind. If the opportunity to cheat is there, they will cheat. And not being prepared escalates the first reason. The remedy I found to be very advantageous was my review covered everything on the test with the students facilitating the review. I used a student centered learning approach whenever possible. I too used the system of providing two or three different test so that the student knew that their neighbor had a different version. The other was the simplest fix and that was never sit at my desk when proctoring a test. I was always up and around providing assistance if needed. This worked for me so I have stuck with it for years.
While this may be an approach that can be utilizes, I would think it may not chive the goal for student’s learning perspective. The focus should be what they should be doing, not what they should not be doing so not cheating could be part of their learning process. Any restriction would create reaction and they would be more encouraged to find a way around that. Ultimate solution could simply be removing the source/cause of the cheating by individualizing the assignments.
Hi Kleber,
A copy is no doubt cheat. I like that. Variation of tests really does minimize cheating. I simply make it obvious to my students you are being watched like a hawk during test time.
Patricia
Hi Cheryl,
I like your creative ways of thinking to check students knowledge. These are ways that will certainly not allow much room at all for cheating.
Patricia
I have used A/B Forms, sit students in every other seat (which I tell them in their syllabus) during exams ( if possible). Have them bring nothing to class but 2 pencils. OR if the exam is during normal class time I have them removed everything off their desk and put items in a certain area. These items tend to reduce
student(s) from cheating. No cell phones!
I ask students to close or turn off there laptops,put phones away and put any class text books away.
Develop assignments in a way that avoid cheating, you can individualize assignments to there is no opportunity.
Cheryl I agree with you. Sometimes if instructors continue to give the same assignments every semester for all classes, it makes it easy for students to teach.
yes, when the student is aware there is a different version, the answeres would absolutly be wrong any way if cheating was to occure.
Letting the class know thatit willot be tolerated
I think this is a very good idea. I think we should have different versions of the test i.e a,b,c version. I am kind of torn between letting them know of the different versions, but I can see how this would be an effective tool if the students know up front.
Instructors can reduce the opportunity for students to cheat by creating assessments that are authentic and that allow students to apply their knowledge. Having students give a presentation, create a PowerPoint, design an instructional module, or work in a team environment to construct a project are all ways of reducing the opportunity for cheating. While objective, multiple choice tests are sometimes warranted, trying to find other assessment vehicles can showcase student learning in positive ways and lower the reasons for cheating.
I make 2 o 3 version of the test
Move them around
Talk about honesty being the best policy
I tell them to be original because a copy only cost 10 cents.
Most work is subjectively graded papers. Using an instrument such as Turnitin.com has been helpful.
I always make sure there is ample room between each student, try to have different forms of the same test, and make sure they have no materials in front of them. Another good way is to give essay tests.
Hi Shannon,
It is very important that the work area is free of ALL items, even cell phones.
Patricia
Hi Kevin,
It is a good thing to change tests on a regular basis because they do grow legs.
Patricia
Hi Creighton,
The speil you give your students is the truth. They really are only cheating and hurting themselves.
Patricia
The very first thing I talk to the students about is the policy for cheating, and how it will be handled. Upfront and in their face!
Secondly- I encourage them to realize that yes they may have passed this test, but when faced with a real-life scenario, that they may not be aptly prepared to face that scenario. So all in all, who are they cheating?
That paired with the secure exam environment, multiple test versions, placing myself behind them as they test, etc. all help to diminish the need to cheat.
Hi Kamarah,
Sometimes as instructors we can make it too tempting for students to cheat, i.e. leaving the room for a quick second while students are testing.
Patricia
