Why Plagiarism Needs to Be Seriously Discussed Early On
“There’s nothing new under the sun” is a common phrase shared around academia. Searching for dissertation topics, thesis ideas, or just general research, learners are challenged with initiating new analysis into common ideas. Consider this: even if there is nothing new, that doesn’t mean a writer can’t take an authentic stance or a fresh perspective.
Essentially research is just using someone else’s ideas to support something you are trying to prove. There is a sharp difference between using information and stealing information. Early on students need to understand stealing information at a base level. Two of the best ways to help them see the difference between stealing and support is asking them where they gave credit and monitoring how much they are using.
If students “borrow” information and try to pass it off as their original idea, academic dishonesty can carry hefty consequences ranging from failing to expulsion. If students use too much of someone else’s information, they also risk indicating that they don’t know the material and are not properly learning the material, which is why it is such an important topic to teach your students about. The biggest part of research is proving that the individual has expertise and is knowledgeable about their presentation. Using too much of what some else said, although valuable, is just a regurgitation of information that the world has already seen.
Students need to learn the value of trusting their instinct and valuing their own intellect. If they have a fresh new idea, the world needs to hear it. Especially with our current state of existence. The effects of the pandemic are long-lasting, and the world is desperate for new information and perspectives. Students and educators alike are still trying to adjust to everything that has happened, and our logical brains want to make sense of what will happen next.
A quick Google search will identify plagiarism as “the practice of taking someone else’s work or ideas and passing them off as one’s own.” Intellectual property is a real thing. Artists, creators, and author’s take their talents very seriously, as they should.
Ways to Inspire Your Students to Avoid Plagiarism
Share Stories of Plagiarism and Its Impact
I recently watched a movie called Big Eyes where an artist took credit for his wife’s work. He could not give artistic insight and clarity behind his choices accurately, and often mistook one painting style for another. When his (ex) wife finally took credit for her work, he challenged her in court, and when he couldn’t paint in front of the judge, the world was astounded. Plagiarism also affects the audience. The false painter became known worldwide and people invested in his ideas and charisma. They were devastated to learn that they had been betrayed and misguided. His credibility as an artist and as a person was completely obliterated. Subsequently, the work was looked at different upon learning the actual artist.
It is similar with literature; readers want to hear from a specific writer. Learning that ideas from other writers fully supplemented someone’s ideas can be so damaging.
Have Students Use Websites to Authenticate Their Work
Grammarly is a neat tool that can help avoid plagiarism and offers a plagiarism check. Several other free online websites assist a writer in authenticating their work. Turnitin is another popular source that many educational institutions use to check for plagiarism. They scan your work through thousands of resources to see how much of it is borrowed and how much of it is new creative work.
Practice using these sources independently can not only strengthen a writers creative force, but also help them to build the confidence that what they are attempting to present is truly authentic. For instance, back to open statement, writing about plagiarism is not new as there have been thousands of article composed about it, however this is the first one I have done from my perspective, so it is valuable.
Ultimately writers and students should hold themselves, their own intellectual property, and the intellectual property of others to highest esteem. To plagiarize is to steal. Although an individual may not go to jail for it, it can completely ruin their reputation, livelihood, and future.
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