Faculty Resources - How to Guard Against Cheating in Your Final Exam

There are some simple ideas you should keep in mind as you plan for finals week.

Preparing your exam:
Have multiple forms of an exam by alternating the order of the exam questions.

Routinely change the questions in your exam from one semester to the next. Old test files may exist for your class.

Provide proper guidance before your exam and during office hours so your students feel comfortable with the material.

Before the exam is given:
Talk to your students about the importance of honesty before you distribute the final exam. It takes just a few moments to remind your students of their responsibilities and your expectations. You may be surprised by the positive reaction your students have when you discuss integrity.

Include an integrity statement on your exam. You may even have your students sign the statement affirming their commitment to academic integrity.

Survey the landscape:
Ask your students to spread out or sit in every other seat if you have room. They will be more comfortable this way and there may be fewer wandering eyes.

Do not allow students to have paper or notes on the floor under their desks.

Do not allow any talking during the exam or when students are turning in their exams.

Pay attention to shifting eyes or body posture. If students make unnatural gestures, they may be signaling to another student in the room. As well, if you see a student watching you periodically, they may be monitoring your proctoring and looking for a chance to cheat.

Be aware of students who leave during an exam. Do not excuse multiple students to the restroom at the same time.

Walk around the exam room to get a better view of students if something looks suspicious.

Pay attention to your proctoring duties. If your students perceive that they are not being watched, they may try more risky behaviors.

* From Academic Integrity Newsletter September/October 2001, conduct.truman.edu