Plagiarism
Teachers always have to be on the
lookout for cheating, plagiarism, copying…whatever you would like to call
it. The fact is it is unacceptable and
with the availability of the Internet, it has become even easier for students
to plagiarize. But, teachers don’t
despair. There is hope. Just as it is easier for students to
plagiarize, it is also easier for teachers to research the plagiarism using the
internet search engines and computer programs.
Often, just using a general search engine and typing in the suspect
parts of the project, one is able to find the quote and where it came
from. In addition, the following is a
list of websites available to teachers, some for a fee, that provide them with
the ability to match parts of papers, provide the original source, and given
detailed information about plagiarism:
In addition to the
resources available on the computer, there are some ways in which we can combat
plagiarism by adjusting the assignments and the requirements. Here are several things we can do to prevent
plagiarism:
·
Explain to students what plagiarism is and clearly define the
consequences for it.
·
Instead of assigning one long-term project, assign several
shorter projects that are due throughout the term.
·
Have students submit their steps of the research project
throughout the term and make a lot of the research public, in class.
·
Require students to submit their notes, photocopies and
research, as well as a detailed or annotated bibliography.
·
Assign an oral presentation in which students need to discuss
their project as well as answer questions.
By updating
the assignments, projects, and what is required as well as using the resources
such as the search engines and programs available on-line, we are helping to
combat plagiarism. Also, stay informed
and continue to research plagiarism, find new sites, and learn how prevent
plagiarism in your classroom!