Your are correct. That is why we separate the students or give them different test. I like separating.
Hi Delmera,
Spreading students out during a test is a clever way to deter cheating. Students do get wandering eyes, and if they are seated closely together, they may look at each other's paper.
Patricia
I have a very large class size (in a relatively small room) so I always use two forms of every test and quiz. Also, I dont announce that there are two forms for the test. This making grading the first few tests of the mod very fun becuase you can see who cheated off the person beside them, since they have all the right answers for the WRONG version of the test. =)
Help students properly prepare for all tests.
One way is to spread them apart and keep an eye on the class. Also main one is to make sure they understand the course.
In my class the test is jumbled up in 4 different test. No one sitting by another student has the same test.
Hi Michael,
It is good to have open discussions with you students about cheating so that they fully understand the seriousness of cheating.
Patricia
Hi Mike,
That's right! During test time is not the time for instructors to rest. Do not sit, monitor the test by walking around the room.
Patricia
I always have this speech before I give out any exam. I tell my students that if they cheat, thry are not cheating me but themselves. When they go out for job interviews, they are by themselves and do not have their colleagues to cheat from. Also, I tell them that if I even suspect that they are cheating, their grade will be a zero and will not get any warning. I usually prepare three versions of the examination to reduce cheating.
Get out of your seat and walk around the room.
Usually before the test I make sure that students are spread out and during the test I will stand in the back. So far it has been working.
Hi Carol,
I concur! Cheating students are real easy to spot. They watch your every move. Let them know that they are being watched to deter cheating.
Patricia
Hi Dr. Basant,
Great list! I can tell you do an effective job when administering your tests. I am sure your students have realized that you are no pushwover when it comes to trying to cheat.
Patricia
If you are teaching skills based learning, make your tests more skill based, let them demonstrate their actual skills. Also be aware of what students are doing when taking their tests. A cheating student, will usually keep his eye's on you wanting to see if you are keeping your "eyes" on what is going on in the classroom, they are easy to spot!
I have implemented several barriers to cause cheating to be at a zero tolerance level.
1. I will be walking around the class during the test/quiz.
2. I have several exam/quiz versions.
3. Cell phones are prohibited and approved calculator are only allowed.
4. Student must be seated in there assigned seats during the testing period.
5. The testing desk must be cleared of all materials, except the test/quiz and scatch paper.
6. All books and papers that are not part of the test/quiz must be stored away in a locker, or back pack, but must be away from the student to where easy access is not occuring.
I have found that developing a mutual respect with your students reduces the urge to cheat. Furthermore, I constantly stress the importance of preparation. If a student is properly prepared, he/she has no reason to cheat.
One of the ways that I reduce cheating during exams is to make different versions of the same exam. My students know that looking at their neighbors exam will usually give them the wrong answer because the exams are scrambled. If I have a student that I know will look anyway, I will quietly ask them to sit elsewhere, usually by themselves. This reduces their temptation and I find they usually do better than when they try to cheat.
I emphasize the team spirit in the class room. The other students then step in or they will isolate the student. I also discuss the point that cheating can be easily documented because if a group gets all the same wrong answers it is clear what has occurred. Furthermore I state that how do you know person you are cheating from has the correct answer?
Hi Sultana,
Students seem more prepared and relaxed whenever they have a thorough review before the exam. A thorough review can help reduce the desire to cheat.
Patricia
In my class to reduce cheating, I encourage honest behavior and those that work hard deserve the grade that they have worked for, so allowing a student to cheat all they are doing is displaying a non-trusting behavior.
I also, provide multiple formats of my tests but in reality that only makes my job more difficult as in grading so I explain to the students the importance of good moral behaviors and that those who work hard are rewarded!!
