VI. Best Practices for Proctoring
e. Dealing with Suspicious Activities and Misconduct
The text discusses the importance of recognizing and addressing misconduct in the field of medicine, particularly in exams for physician assistants. It emphasizes the need for teachers to be able to identify signs of misconduct and take appropriate action to ensure assessments are fair and accurate. The text also suggests strategies for addressing suspected misconduct, including prevention through clear communication of exam rules and expectations, as well as the use of advanced monitoring tools to detect suspicious activity.
BASIC Information
In the field of medicine, integrity is paramount. When students train to become physician assistants, the exams they take aren't just a measure of knowledge; they're a measure of competence and trustworthiness. Misconduct in exams, whether it's peeking at a fellow student's answer sheet during an in-person test or using unauthorized resources in an online exam, undermines this trust. Teachers should know how to recognize signs of misconduct and take appropriate steps to address it, ensuring that assessments are a true reflection of a student's abilities.
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Cheating in online courses: Evidence from online proctoringINTERMEDIATE Information
Prevention Over Punishment: Focusing on preventing misconduct can be more effective than dealing with it after the fact. Clearly communicating exam rules, expectations, and the importance of integrity can deter many from attempting to cheat.
Immediate Action: Depending on the evidence, decide whether to interrupt a student during the exam or address the issue afterward. If you're unsure, it might be best to wait and investigate further once the test is done.
Penalties: If misconduct is confirmed, decide on a penalty that's in line with your institution's policies. This might range from a warning to failing the exam or even more severe consequences.
ADVANCED Information
Advanced Monitoring Tools:
Use software that can detect suspicious activity, such as switching screens, unusual mouse patterns, or voice detection (indicating the student might be speaking to someone off-camera).
Sophisticated analysis can compare a student's answers with others to detect patterns that might suggest cheating.
Document Everything:
Keep detailed records of any suspicious activity, including timestamps, nature of the activity, and any other relevant details.
Consider having a neutral third party evaluate evidence of misconduct to ensure impartiality.
Training for Proctors:
Regularly train proctors on the latest cheating techniques and how to detect them. Their observational skills are crucial in maintaining the integrity of exams.
Technical Glitches vs. Misconduct:
With online exams, differentiate between genuine technical issues and misconduct. A student's camera going off might be due to a software glitch rather than an attempt to cheat.
Consider shifting to assessment methods that don't rely on memory alone. Open-book exams, where students can use resources but must apply knowledge in complex scenarios, can reduce the temptation to cheat.
Scenario-Based Assessments:
For PA students, using practical scenarios, such as diagnosing a patient based on presented symptoms, can be an effective way to assess understanding and application of knowledge.
Regular Updates to Exam Content:
Regularly update exam questions and scenarios. This makes it harder for students to share answers or use "exam dumps."
Taking an example: If during a simulated online patient diagnosis exam, a student is suspected of receiving real-time help from a colleague out of frame, the proctor could flag this activity. If the student is found guilty after investigation, they might be asked to redo the exam or face more severe penalties. Such misconduct not only undermines the exam's purpose but also raises concerns about the student's future integrity when treating real patients.