Plagiarism
Do any of you have to deal with frequent cases of plagiarism? I teach political science, and don't have time to also teach composition and academic integrity; however, I realize that my younger students (and older who lack post-secondary education experience) are often ignorant of academic honesty codes, and I don't want them to fail because of that. Dealing with this problem adds a tremendous amount of time to my workload, particularly when I have repeat offenders. How do you handle this?
Hi Edward,
I hear you loud and clear, and I do not blame you for letting students slide when it comes to plaigiarising. You do an OUTSTANDING job to ensure your students understand what plagiarism is.
Patricia Scales
My syllabus clearly talks about plagiarism and the perils of "going down that path." I spend a significant amount of time when discussing the syllabus on what plagiarism is and how to avoid it.
I have found some vids to use as part of that discussion and use them in the discussion.
I also tell them of the (true) story of the student who turned in a paper on a particular respiratory disease. As I read it I became suspicious--it was too well written. The student had literally took whole passages from a standard textbook on respiratory diseases editing it expertly. I then spent about an hour adding " " marks throughout his paper, citing also the page of the textbook.
I warn that plagiarism will result in an automatic 'F' on the paper and possibly the course. [There is a little slide room I am willing to entertain.]
I have four hour class periods. The first day of class, I have students read an article titled "Generation Plagiarism". Students read and discuss this using Literature Circles. Then, we come together as a class and discuss the article. Finally, I put them on a plagiarism tutorial that is followed by an exit exam. Students have to score 85 percent or higher or they are required to re-do the module. By the time the first class is completed, they understand plagiarism and its seriousness.
I spend a lot of class time instructing students about how to properly paraphrase and quote outside sources. I teach them the research process. This helps!
In addition, I use a plagiarism checker for all submitted papers. Students understand that I have a zero tolerance policy.
I am probably in a different category than many, however, because I am a General Education / English teacher. Therefore, writing and proper citations is part of my curriculum and course objectives.
Jackie
Hi Jenny,
Fair enough! Students should appreciate your policy.
Patricia
My response varies depending on my perception of the reason for plagiarizing. In general, if asked, I will allow the student to correct their submission on the first offense after a strong lecture about what plagiarism is, why it's wrong, and how to avoid it. I have an "everybody gets one" philosophy of teachable moments. Second offenses get reported to the Dean.
Hi Jenny,
At least you make your students aware of this from the very beginning, and it is really emphasized in writing. What do you do when you catch students plagiarising?
Patricia
I clearly (in bold, red font) state in my course policy announcement that every submission will be run through a plagiarism checker, and I am simply stunned by the amount of plagiarism I still have to deal with in every section that I teach (Political Science).
As an institution, we utilize turnitin.com which deters students from plagiarizing. They are made aware that the percentage they receive on their paper per turnitin.com will reflect on their grade. I teach Sociology and their paper is research. I have yet to fail a student for plagiarism.
