Module: Identifying Plagiarism
Summary
Students will read a number of scenarios addressing plagiarism and answer short questions about each (see attached activity sheet). They will report their responses in a large group discussion that concludes this 45-minute activity.
How it works
- Distribute copies of the attached activity sheet [PDF] to each student. Ask them to read and then answer the set of questions for each of the scenarios provided. Similar questions apply to each scenario, but teachers might want to revise these:
- What is happening?
- Why is it happening?
- Is this a problem? Why or why not?
- Who, if anyone, gets hurt by this action?
- How would you feel if it were your work?
- Discuss the answers with the entire class. There may be ambiguity around some of these scenarios, which should make for lively discussion. N.B. Because we all have different values, there might not be "right answers" for some of these scenarios. From our perspective, however, only the "short story" exercise—item H—is unproblematic for all involved.
Did they get it?
The level of discussion and the questions/debates students have over some of the scenarios should reflect the level of understanding in the class.
Key terms/ideas for understanding
- Time management
- Stress
- Decision-making
- Internet sources
- Low-stakes and high-stakes writing
- Secondary sources, in-class handouts