I tend to walk around and make sure that I walk by every student. It makes the students know that you are aware of all surroundings.
I definitely agree with that Patricia. I feel that an instructor must use all tools to influence their students to reach higher goals.
I have a clear policy in writing in the syllabus, which I regularly reinforce in class, especially before tests. However, I also reinforce the idea of the honor system by telling students I know they will do their best on their own, without cheating. I think it's also a good idea to have a class discussion about the idea of how cheating affects performance in their career.
I was surprised by your recommendation that the instructor NOT walk around the class when students are testing. My school REQUIRES that we walk around when they are testing in order to discourage cheating.
However, because it is almost impossible to catch a student red-handed, I have taken a different approach. Like you, I say that they won't get far, because they won't have the basics down. I also tell other students not to worry about the cheaters because they will never be able to compete with them for the available job.
First thing I do before a quiz is a quick review. Second thing I tell them, "I have a no tolerance for cheating".
Moreover, since all the tests are online, I walk the room and spend a great deal of time in the back of the room. I also make a generalized comment, eyes on your own test if I see wandering eyes. Second time, I end their test and the person they were cheating from, at this point they know they have received a zero.
Their behavior is documented and signed by the student and myself. This document details the reason for the termination of the test, and I speak to the students privately regarding the cheating.
Hi Eric,
Sometimes we have to put fear in our students to let them know that we are serious. No one likes receiving a zero, and just be mentioning, you will receive a zero, intimidates most students.
Patricia
I make sure students know what to expect on the exam. I give study guides for each exam which provide the students with a better focus as to what to study. I find this reduces anxiety and allows them to feel more prepared and in control of their performance.
You're right Patricia! And that's why I also give them fair warning prior to the test that if I catch them cheating then they will undoubtedly receive a zero. This usually prevents the heads from raising or turning whenever I'm administering a test.
by Ruth Whitaker
Separating the seats during an exam, Ifeel is an effective way of reducing cheating.
I have found the basics of making sure all desks are cleared and materials are put away in bags is a good place to start. I walk through the class room and observe from the front, back, and sides so the students may not directly know I am watching them. I also have them highlight their final answers on scantron forms, so they can not be altered later.
With small classes, space is the greatest asset. With larger classes, I've found having 2 tests (A & B) works. Turning every other student around to work on the other side of the desk helps too. It's much harder to copy from someone's paper that is upside down. None of their books or papers are allowed in the test area as well. Cell phones are to be placed in their backpacks.
I have a small class (11 students) and 12 double desks. I only let one person sit at a double desk and they sit at opposite ends of 2 desk. I have had no chesting since using this idea.
Hi Eric,
You can tell most of the time when students are trying/wanting to cheat because they watch your every move so that they can do what they need to do whenever you are not paying attention.
Patricia
Hi Ryan,
I like the idea of cheating walls to block one's view. Students do have wandering eyes during test time.
Patricia
You can help to reduce cheating in the classroom by having your students spread out if possible and only have the necessary material on his/her desk when taking tests.
When students take exams in my class I will try and leave one seat in between them. If I am unable to do this I would try to get some kind of cheating walls, like folders, to block students from cheating. The other way to get a students not to cheat would be to create 2 or 3 different versions of the same exam. Each question is the same just numbered differently.
I usually walk around the classroom to show the students that if they are cheating they will mostly be caught. I also look out for the students that are looking up at me from time to time because that indicates that they're monitoring me to make sure I don't discover their suspicious activities.
Hi Delmera,
With all the testing software out today, creating various versions of a test is painless. In a matter of minutes you can create a different version of a test. Scrambling tests questions is also easy to do.
Patricia
I let the student know if they are caught cheating shows lack of character and this is not a way to get to extern sucessfully. I also monitor the class and walk around to ensure no one cheats and make the students put all their books and material against the wall, they are only allowed a pencil on the desk.
I discuss honesty and respect with my sutdents in the first class. I tell them that I trust them until they give me reason not to. I also expect that they respect everyone.
