Journal #03 - A War on Words

A War on Words by Jim Patterson

There is no denying that plagiarism is wrong. It is deceitful. It is not an acceptable practice in the academic realm. However, it is a reality, just as is drug abuse and speeding. The new software available that enables educators to "catch" student plagiarizers is another attempt to stave off an age old problem that cannot be solved.

The most appropriate method to decease the use of plagiarized ideas and words is proactive education - teaching students how to research, and to formulate their own thoughts about written information. In the age of standardized testing, our children are not receiving adequate instruction in this critical thinking skill. Likewise, teachers who utilize packaged software to do their "work" for them are surrendering to the trend of "let the computer do it..." When I was in college at UCSD, I will never forget the time a fellow student was caught for plagiarizing a cultural anthropology paper. It was discovered, not by software, but because our professor was a talented, educated, and published author in the field and recognized the ideas and language being postulated as similar to a colleague. The teacher caught the student because he was prepared, educated on the subject, and doing his job as a teacher.

For this reason, I would expect that certain circles of educators oppose the use of anti-plagiarism software. I agree that it creates the wrong atmosphere for learning, and for teaching as well. Education is a team sport. Teachers are not there to police students. They are there to facilitate learning. If a student is showing difficulty in distinguishing between plagiarism and creative interpretation, the teacher is responsible for educating the student, and facilitating the skills required to perform research and writing tasks.

How would I prevent the use of plagiarism in my class?
In elementary education, it is my duty to teach learning processes. Therefore, I would begin with teaching children how to take notes, make note cards with references, etc. Another way is that I would utilize class time for research activities and the creative interpretation of the information. Lastly, I would self-educate by reading and researching the assigned subject so that I was knowledgeable. I would also let the class know that I would be randomly checking references..and then I would.

Is this anti-plagiarism technology useful for deterrence purposes?
I do believe that the presence of the technology, when made clear to students, dissuades the practice of plagiarism, especially when coupled with strong consequences such as receiving a 0 on the assignment, parent notification, etc. Not many kids will risk the chance of humiliation and punishment in order to complete an assignment.