Case
Changing Answers

I suspect a student is changing her answers on graded assessments after she receives them back with a grade. The first time I believed that I made an error when grading her test, but the second time the answer appeared to be changed. What is the best way to handle the situation? I thought about making a copy of her future tests before returning them so that I would have proof of her original answers.

Solution #1
Top Solution
Having students take the test electronically is a good option. However, you could also simply tell students that when you are going over the test they cannot have a pen/pencil out (so they wouldn't be able to change the answer when you say the correct answers). You could then take the tests back up and keep them on file, which is a good idea to do for parent conferences and data reasons. If you are returning the tests and want the students to keep them, you could consider making students take tests in pen and make not of things that are scratched out when you are grading.

If I were in this situation I would do this. There were many good suggestions in this post.

Solution #2
Making a copy of the student's test would be a good solution to this problem. Also, taking the test electronically would also be a solution. I use a CPS system in classroom that prints out scores and missed answers after the assignment is complete. Students would not be allowed to change answers with a printed copy of their results. If you do not have a CPS system, there are many websites or apps available to teachers for online/electronic assessments.
Solution #3
Obviously, making a copy of the test would be beneficial, but if you use All in Learning it will do this for you. All in Learning allows you to grade the assignments electronically and records every students answer for each question automatically.
Solution #4
I would definitely make a copy of her original answers sheet and then see if they are similar or have been changed. If they have been changed I would have to meet with parents to ensure she does not attempt to create some lie about my grading practices.
Solution #5
I would make a copy or take a picture of the students work after it is graded and I would confront the student on what is wrong and why it is wrong. You need to let the student be aware of the consequences and be prepared to enforce them. If it happened a second time, the student would receive a zero on the assignment. If it happened a third time then administration on parents will be involved.
Solution #6
I like the idea of making a copy. If for some reason you aren't able to make a copy could you highlight her answer? This could make it harder to change it. Maybe have them write in pen or even trace over it with pen?
Solution #7
If you use a red pen/marker to slash through the correct answer it would let you know they did not get the answer correct. I would also only give them two minutes to review their test and keep an eye on the student to make sure she/he is not changing the answers.
Solution #8
If i were in this situation, I would o simply tell students that when you are going over the test they cannot have a pen/pencil out so this way they wouldn't be able to change the answer.
Solution #9
That is the best idea - to make copies so you have proof. Once you have proof and she does it again there needs to be some sort of consequence so id go by my schools policies and discipline her accordingly.
Solution #10
Good idea, I would do exactly that! make a copy of her test and present it when she corrects an answer.
Solution #11
talk!
Solution #12
I think making a copy is a great solution to your problem.
Solution #13
I like the idea of making copies of student tests. I think it is a good way to have proof of their original answers. Or even having the students do the copying when the are finished taking tests they can copy their own test as a way to lock in their answers it makes the students feel more in control about the situation.
Solution #14
I would take the student aside and let them know this is considered cheating and you will not put up with it. You need to be firm with the student, so they know it is not right. You want them to learn now,so when they get out of school, they are true to themselves.
Solution #15
I agree that the copy is a good solution, but also making sure students are not allowed pencils or pens at the time is a good way to monitor as well.
Solution #16
I think that's a great idea, I always think confronting her about it will make her not what to do it anymore because she knows youre catching on to it.
Solution #17
I would definitely make a copy of the original. Great solution idea.
Solution #18
I would like to point out that if if this becomes a recurring thing or that other solutions do not work correctly that as the teacher, you have the final say on the grades and unless you beleive that you are truely wrong do not have to change it.This should be considered a last resort and only if you strongly belive or know your grading is not at fault.

I don't agree with this. If a student presents what looks to be like a correct answer then it should always be taken into consideration.