An Overview of Plagiarism

"The Internet is a virtual tutor and study shortcut...[Students] view the Internet as a way to complete their schoolwork as quickly and painlessly as possible with minimal effort and minimal engagement.  For some, this includes viewing the Internet as a mechanism to plagiarize material or otherwise cheat." (Levin, p. 2)         (See Also The Internet Goes to College)

The problem is rampant, beginning not in the high school, but in the early elementary grades.  

Will our students be held responsible when they go on to college?  

Academic Honesty and Dishonesty UMaine UMaine

Why do our students cheat?  

"If it's on the Internet, it's public information and you don't need to cite it."  (answer to student survey from the Center for Academic Integrity)

Do teachers address the problem of plagiarism? 

  "Many teachers are reluctant to take a proactive stance on this issue.  Teacher groups won't admit it happens, thinking that addressing it identifies the problem and that the problem can potentially mar the reputation of the school."  (Lathrop and Foss, Student Cheating and Plagiarism in the Internet Era)

Is plagiarism a big deal?  

Standard #8 of the Information Literacy Standards for Student Learning indicates that an information-literate student "practices ethical behavior in regard to information and information technology."  (ALA Information Power)

So...yes....it is a big problem!  What can we do?  

As you look through the following links and suggestions, you will discover that we can deal with plagiarism, and more importantly, ethics and integrity, by following the 3 P's:

	Process
	Policy
	Practice

Refer to the Academic Integrity Guide (Kenan Institute for Ethics, Duke University)

What can you use to refresh your memory and help your students understand what constitutes plagiarism?  

	Enter as a guest and go through the Plagiarism Tutorial.  Then take the quiz!  San Jose State University
	Last year during a library orientation, all CHS sophomores used the Avoiding Plagiarism Tutorial  from the St. Joseph's University Library website. (note the other excellent tutorials available)
	Discover Terrible Timmy's Tale by Steve Garwood.
	All research assignments must include a Works Cited (Bibliography) page listing the sources used for the paper. We use NoodleBib at the NoodleTools web site.  If you have never created a personal folder, I will help you today.
	Follow a research process that bans topical research.  Use student tools that focus on the process: organizers, reflection of work, conference forms which include checkpoints along the way.    Use concrete examples Anti-Plagiarism Strategies
	Encourage students to evaluate information - Authority, Accuracy, Objectivity, Currency, Coverage - see Web Evaluation Form in your packet and on-line.
	All teachers in all curriculums need to adhere to one standard of ethics in dealing with this problem.  Scroll down to the bottom of the Research Help page on the CHS Library Site.

Links to pursue:

	Cheating 101: Internet Paper Mills
	Put an end to Plagiarism in the Classroom - Site includes printable Student Guide to avoiding plagiarism.
	Plagiarism-proofing assignments by Doug Johnson.  Sixteen suggestions are given for ways teachers can modify assignments to help stimulate higher level thinking and thereby reduce the likelihood of plagiarism.  A rubric to evaluate the quality of a research question is included.
	All about Plagiarism and Copyrighting - very complete page of links for teachers and students.
	CyberCitizen    Cyberethics - emcompasses copyright, plagiarism, privacy, and hacking.

Examples of policies found on-line:

Cheating; an Insider's Guide to Cheating at Lakeview High School

Springfield Township High School: Research Integrity Policy