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Author Topic: Using 2 different exams  (Read 738 times)
scarlet_begonia
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« on: February 18, 2012, 12:16:22 PM »

Has anyone ever given 2 or more different take-home exams that cover the same topics to a class, as an attempt to reduce cheating?  Same difficultly levels and format.

In the age of the "grievance", could there be any "problems" from doing such a thing?  The exams are open book and open class materials, etc. 
For a grad class if that makes a difference.

Thanks.
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anakin
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« Reply #1 on: February 18, 2012, 12:41:47 PM »

I do and have done this many, many times.

Tell students up-front what you're doing. The purpose is not only to reduce cheating, but pedagogically, to get as broad a picture of what your students are learning and not learning. Reassure them that you will scale the score of the lower-averaged group to match the higher average, if that indeed happens.

As long as you explain the expectations - both what you expect from them and they can expect from you - under the two-different-exam model, and you keep the scoring equitable, you have a highly stable and (if necessary) defensible position as an instructor.

Also, me personally, and especially with a grad class, I would not even say the part about reducing potential cheating to them. Focus on the pedagogical benefits.
« Last Edit: February 18, 2012, 12:43:55 PM by anakin » Logged

Dr. Anakin sits high and mightily in her office while she condemns students to lives of misery and drudgery, washing out their husbands' underwear in filthy water. In addition, she is a horrible teacher. She welcomes you to Introduction to Biology!
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