Use of Exams Are "exams" a component of your students' course grade? What percentage of the overall grade are from exams? What is the format of your main exams? Would you characterize these exams as mostly multiple choice, short answer, longer answer questions, or some mixture?
Are these in-class exams or take-home exams? What time restrictions do you place on the exams? How many students do you expect to finish in the time allotted?

Why do you use exams? Do you feel exams are an important reflection of students' abilities?

Do you take any safeguards to try to minimize student cheating? Please describe the concern and how you respond (e.g., seating arrangements, multiple versions of exams).

Exams are usually 30-40% of the overall course grade. I give in-class exams, the questions are mostly open-ended/short-answer. I let students go about 10 minutes after the class ends but no longer. However, if there is a foreign student who has language problems, I may give them the test in my office and allow more time. I announce this option for all students. I use exams to motivate the students to study and keep up to date. I see them as a way to facilitate student learning. I do get some useful information from them about what difficulties students may be having. Cheating hasn't been a problem. I do walk around the room periodically and keep my eye on students (e.g., don't sit and read while they are being tested.