Peter's message is of interest to all of us in that as much as we hope
that we will not be faced with this issue we structure our assignments to
minimize the possibility of cheating. I would like to offer a thought on
the issue. I am a strong believer in group study. It delights me to think
that students might possibly be discussing my discipline outside of
class. As a rule I have found that students do not engage in group study
of any consequence for in class exams; however, they engage in some
meaningful discussions regarding take home tests. As a safe guard I will
only accept original work, copies are of course unacceptable. Each
student expresses him or her self uniquely. When students are required to
turn in individual responses to take home exams I find a clear
distinction in their forms of expression. The better students present a
better organized answer and believe it or not a more succinct answer,
even though their answers are more exhaustive on the subject. I am
frequently asked, "How long should my answer be?" My answer is always
long enough to be exhaustive on the subject without being redundant.
 
Just a thought.
 
   Bob Lamb   ...deep in the heart of Texas.