Depending upon which recent study is cited, 55-85% of high school students self disclose that they have cheated in one way or another.
Check out this show that highlights the incidence of plagiarism in our society. (This will take you to Google Docs where my PowerPoint is stored. Press on the arrow in the right hand corner. To return to this page, back up in the browser.)
Quick Write: Reflect on your experience with students. How did you approach your student, parents, administration about the incident? Did you? Why or why not? Why do you think the student did "it"? Does your school site have a policy on how to handle plagiarism? Do you agree, comply?
About Me
- Marsha Mielke
- Mack High School Library Media Teacher, Redwood Writing Project Teacher Consultant and Associate Director, Community Volunteer & Baseball Fan
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Talking about the "P" Word.
My early high school teaching experience was filled with lectures which were heavy on penalty, light on prevention. I shared the typical horror stories of Drop Fs and university expulsions. I realized that this set up an adversarial relationship with my students and gave them a cause for rebellion. Research projects were viewed as challenges to find out how do to the least work possible and work around the system. When it was time to start student researching and explicit teaching, I felt that I had already lost my audience. Again, my students were teaching me how to teach.
Rather than a lecture, I began to facilitate an open discussion.
These were my opening questions:
"What is the definition of plagiarism (in your own words)."
Once we agreed what it was:
"How do you feel about it? Do you think it is wrong or right?"
Students would challenge the notion that plagiarism was wrong. Many times they would say that they would be honored if someone wanted to use their words. Some would say what's the big deal, its only words. Other students would counter with arguments that it was definitely wrong since authors have to rely on an income. Typically, I would wrap up with just the facts. Yes, there is a repercussion for making the decision to blatantly plagiarize. However, I was here to make sure they were equipped to research, synthesize and compose without falling into the "P" pit. That this was a skill that required some practice and that in the research project that we were about to begin there would be helpful instruction and milestones to help them achieve. This seemed to work better, but I am hoping we can learn from each other on how to best approach our students regarding plagiarism.
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