What Is Plagiarism?

Teaching students the definition of plagiarism and explaining the numerous ways that people intentionally or unintentionally plagiarize. Also views specific consequences of those who are caught stealing other people's ideas.

English Department

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• ·         Computer with internet access and ability to project visuals to large audience.

• ·         Four-five scenarios of plagiarism or correct citations.

                     Example scenario: Joseph is on the basketball team and is often busy and tired because

                     of practice and weekly away games.  His friend, Nate, was on the football team and

                     knows how hard it is to find time to do homework during the season.  Both are in a

                     chemistry class, so Nate offers to help Joseph out by letting Joseph use his findings

                     from his lab report in Chemistry for a homework assignment.

• ·         Download video Plagiarism: What Do You Value? from Pioneer’s eMedia

• ·         Have a copy of your school’s plagiarism and copyright policy.  You may want to provide a copy for each of the students.

1.        1. Video: 2 minutes

Let the students know that today you will be talking about plagiarism.  Show the You Tube video “Plagiarism: Don’t Do It,” to the class:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gC2ew6qLa8U

2.        2. Defining Plagiarism: 5 minutes

Ask students to define plagiarism then look at the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary:

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plagiarize

3.        3. Different Forms of Plagiarism: 5-8 minutes

Explain to the class that there are several different ways to use somebody’s ideas incorrectly.  Show them a clip (4:38 to 8:15) from the video, Plagiarism: What Do You Value? from Pioneer’s eMedia.  Let them know beforehand to watch out for the difference between intentional and unintentional plagiarism and to look for different ways that people can plagiarize.

4.        4. Listing: 5-10 minutes

Discuss the difference between intentional and unintentional plagiarism.  Then have the students raise their hands and describe the different ways people steal another person’s ideas.  List each of their answers on the board.

5.        5. Group Work: 15 minutes

Explain that you will be breaking the class into four or five groups.  Each group will need a reader, a scribe, a presenter, and a leader (explain each of the roles as necessary).  The groups will be given different scenarios.  The students must read the scenario, decide whether or not the student plagiarized, and explain their answer.  Break the class into groups, pass out the scenarios, and give them plenty of time to come to their conclusions.

6.        6. Sharing: 5-8 minutes

Reconvene as a class and have each group read their scenario out loud and then have the presenter share their findings.

7.        7. Consequences: 5-8 minutes

Ask the students what happens if they steal a CD from Wal-Mart or a book from Borders, etc. and get caught.  What happens if they steal somebody else’s words or ideas?  Review your school’s plagiarism and copyright policy with the students.

8.        8. Conclusion: 1-2 minutes

Wrap up any loose ends and answer questions. Explain that the next time you meet you will be discussing quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing so that they can avoid plagiarism.