Invigilators briefing What is Cheating Dr Peter Rejchrt

Invigilators’ briefing – What is Cheating? Dr Peter Rejchrt Amended for training by Rosie Bascombe November 2014

What is cheating? “The getting of reward for ability by dishonest means…It is generally used for the breaking of rules to gain unfair advantage in a competitive situation, giving individuals preference using inappropriate criteria. ” Wikipedia, accessed 7 th April 2014. Available: http: //en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Cheating#Academic

University of Southampton, General Regulations – Conduct of Examinations “Any candidate using or attempting to use unfair means to gain advantage in an examination, or any candidate suspected of cheating, will be required by the invigilator to hand in all their written work and to resume writing in a new examination answer book. ” University of Southampton, General Regulations – Conduct of Examinations

Examples of cheating during an exam • Opening the question paper before the exam has started • Continuing to write after the end of the exam • Copying from other students in the exam venue • Talking to other candidates with the intention of sharing information • Sharing notes with other candidates • Leaving the room to access notes in paper or electronic form. • Bringing notes into the exam • Notes stored on electronic devices

Why cheat? • Compulsory modules must be passed to progress • Supplementaries are often a last chance for the student to progress to the next year of study, or to pass their degree • “Must pass” in some cultures. • No word for “Fail” in some languages

Devices used in cheating • Traditional q Notes in paper form. These may be very small and well concealed q Notes written on body parts • New technologies q Accessing smartphones, e. g. web searches q Notes stored on smartphones q Smart watches q MP 3/4 players q Any portable electronic device with data storage capability q Calculators with additional modes

What does cheating look like? The following 3 slides are examples of material taken from just one student during Semester 1 exams. In fact, we removed 23 pages form his exam desk!

How to spot a cheat – The view from the invigilator • Body language and angle of head • Student frequently looks around the room, appears unfocused • Cluttered desk • Frequent WC breaks • Behaviours different to other students in the venue • e. g. constant turning of pages in the answer books, asking for additional answer books within minutes of the start of the exam.

Phases of the exam • Cheating devices are unlikely to appear before the exam has started, they are more likely to become evident as the exam progresses • Invigilators to remain vigilant whilst doing the attendance register – look up often to observe. • Continue patrolling the venue throughout the exam • Good practice is to vary the direction of walking between rows to get a different view or perspective, as notes may be secreted in laps, palm of the hand, on body parts, in jackets, a loose sheet from an answer book.

How the University deals with cheating • Processes to stop cheating • Assigned seat numbers • Plastic bags for watches and phones • Clothing checks for wireless devices • Reports made of all incidents, no matter how small • Ensure an even playing field for all candidates • Consequences for the student, including termination of candidature.

How to deal with incidents of cheating • Immediate intervention • Confront the student quietly and discreetly • Confiscate the cheating device, i. e. paper notes and/or electronic device(s) • Remove the exam script and attach a note to the front cover noting the time removed. • Fill in incident form, providing detail of the event

If in doubt…about a potential cheat • Confront your doubts • Work with your co-invigilator, alert them that you feel something might be untoward • Two sets of eyes are better than one • Walk slowly along aisles and study • Linger – stand or sit next to the person under suspicion • Observe • Take action, as necessary, e. g. re-seat the individual

Final thoughts and questions • Be alert • Maintain the integrity of the exam by ensuring all candidates have an equal chance • Cheating is not endemic but is persistently present • If in doubt get another invigilator to scan that area • Notify Exams Office