You can reduce student cheating by reducing the opportunities for cheating. For example,
• Having different versions of the test and ensure that students sitting by each other do no have the same version
• Placing belongings in the front of the class
• Placing physical barriers or space between students
• Keep the answer key locked or safely put away in office
Hi Pauline,
These strategies work nicely. I simply let my students know that they are being watched; this is a simple tactic to minimize cheating.
Patricia
Having multiple tests, sitting in back of the class and changing tests frequently really helps to discourage cheating.
I employ a variety of methods to minimize or prevent cheating. Firstly, students are reminded of the consequences of cheating. When class size permits it, I ensure that students are well separated. Students also know that I will often walk and observe the examination from the back of the class.
I think if you rearrange the furntiure the same way you would rearrange to walk around the room and then walk around the room. That would help. I would also not work on other items while students are taking a test. I would monitor the students while they are taking the test.
-Greg
I do the same as Stanley, plus I make my students clear everything off their desks except for their writing utensil. If I suspect a cheater, I will have everyone leave all their belongings in our classroom and I will move the entire room to another room just for the test. The get the hint very quickly that cheating will not be tolerated.
I agree with you Brian. Sometimes I feel like I am banging my head against a wall:) I think some students just get frustrated in trying to learn the process.
I agree that essay questions can help reducing cheating. Using different questions each quarter can also help avoid some cheating.
I find the biggest problem is with research papers. Students don't know how to properly cite or cite over 90% with little to no analysis on their part. I find that teaching about proper citation can help reduce academic dishonesty with papers.
Require the student to put all their books on the floor when taking a test.
I agree Kevin. This helps a great deal.
Great idea Stephen. I usually give essay exams because it makes it a little difficult for them to cheat. I also give my different sections different questions so earlier sessions will not be able to inform later sessions of the questions. I also make students turn off cell phones and put them in their bags so they will not received texted information from outside classmates.
Discuss your tesing expectations. Discuss cheating during an exam and what will happen. Distribute different tests. Move around the room while students are testing. make sure students have placed all items in their bookbags while testing.
we also change out test regurarly
I agree with the multiple forms of a test/quiz. It eleviates problems before they start if the students know that each test is different and won't be able to cheat. I also like to observe during tests and maybe speak one on one with a learner if he is having a wandering eye.
Hi Lisa,
Some students have cheating down to a science, and it is hard to catch them. Constantly watch your students, watching alone will minimize cheating.
Patricia
Having essay questions on the test. Also a different set up for the classroom. Make sure to walk around and observe.
I always observe my students when testing and they know it and I feel this knowledge lessens possible cheaters. All books and papers off the table when testing. I clearly explain my position on cheating at start of every course I teach leaving no doubt as to my action.
I agree with you Mark. It is sometimes really hard to catch cheaters. I sometimes want to really trust my students because they are "mature adults". However, I do what you tend to do and that is let students know that once they start cheating it will catch up with them soon and they will pay the cost for it.
Hi Mark,
You're right! Eventually the cheating will come back to haunt them at some point. They are really only hurting themselves by cheating.
Patricia
