On the first day of class we have an open discussion about cheating. I stress there is zero tolerance for cheating. I also explain to the students that during the testing time they will spread themselves out and the desk must be cleared. It is always explained to them why this is done. The students always need to know the "Why".We discuss it is not because I don't trust them, but because during test time they should be able to relax and not have to worry about someone else looking off their paper. One of the biggest complaints that I have gotten from students is that they are tired of other students looking off their paper during test time. This is an easy way to resolve this issue and the students do not have to be stressed out about someone looking over their shoulder during test time. I also have several different versions of the exam. And if you have that one student who always misses test day, I give a make-up exam which is always harder. Usually after they take one make-up test they make sure they do not miss another test day. This also keeps the students from telling each other what is on the exam. I feel it is very important to move around the room during testing procedure. This tells the students that you are aware of what they are doing even during test time.
