As students start to use more and more technology, the act of plagiarism becomes even more to the forefont. I have learned just how many students think they can get away with this just this week. My student teacher gave a small research assignment--- 1 page summary on a topic in Asia and share a power point slide in class. The students worked could work with a partner. Well, he started grading papers and let's just say.... things sounded over the top for 9th graders, so we checked sources---- 18 groups had copied and pasted items straight from the internet.
We decided to make this a learning lesson-- students could re-do their own paper for 1/2 credit and a parent letter was sent home. Most students felt we were being fair. We did have a few parents who claimed that their child did not write any of it-- their partner did, and so their child should get to redo it for full credit. Okay, so your kid did nothing and you are defending it! Interesting week to say the least! We did have a whole class on plagiarism, and next week we are working on summary writing and how to not copy.
This lesson got the Media Center Specialist and I thinking about how best to teach students on this and what media tools can help. We plan on practicing Google Docs, but any other ideas on how to be proactive on plagiarism???
About Me
- Shopgirlmall
- I'm a 9th grade World History teacher at Pioneer Ridge Freshmen Center in Chaska, MN. I'm married to Jon, and we live in Maple Grove, MN.
3 comments:
I think the best thing I have learned from metronet revolves around plagiarism proof assignments. I think you are doing good work trying to be proactive for future assignments.
One example of "plagiarism-proofing" would be to have them answer a synthesis question. "If you were the leader of this Asian nation, what would your attitude toward this issue be and what changes would you propose for the next five years?"
Here's the link to Doug Johnson's article about Plagiarism Proofing Assignments: http://www.doug-johnson.com/dougwri/plagiarism-proofing-assignments.html
I think Jeanne's comment is great -- somehow wording the question/assigment so that it requires a more personal response. Also, keep in mind that questions that start with "Why" or "How" often require investment than "Who" or "What" ... Questions regarding "cause and effect" can help, too.
Post a Comment