PLAGERISM

DATE: 2/13/2014

TO: ALL SLE TEACHERS

FROM: TERRI FREYOU

RE: INFORMATION TO SHARE WITH YOUR STUDENTS

With research as a big focus for a lot of our campus this year, I wanted to share information with you

that you can teach your students about respecting intellectual property and plagiarism. I have created it in

a way that will be meaningful to them and easy for you to present. I am attaching a poster that you can

hang in your room that has the word “Honesty” on it. Each letter will help students remember what is

important when researching and using other writer’s information. Below is information for you to use as

you introduce each letter to them and then information that you, as a teacher, can keep in mind as you

work with your students. I hope this will be helpful as you educate your students on this important topic.

INFORMATION TO PRESENT TO STUDENTS:

Present the following scenario: “A student from last year was researching penguins and found some really

exciting information in several books. This student copied, word for word, what he found in the book

onto his research paper. He just made a big mistake! Does anyone know what it is? He committed

plagiarism.

Describe plagiarism. Plagiarism is when you use someone else’s words or idea and act like they are your

own. It is like cheating. Most schools do not allow any form of plagiarism and if it is discovered, it will

be grounds for disciplinary actions. I have a poster to share with you that can help you to always keep this

in mind when researching. Share poster, “HONESTY”, (see below) with students and go over each point.

1

The “H” will stand for how. Your teacher will have different ways for you to share your sources. This

might mean making a list at the end of your paper showing where you got your facts. For “O”, you can

only use other people’s info if you cite it. Plagiarism is not o.k. For “N”, you don’t have to feel nervous

about using the websites, books or magazines; just make sure you show where you got the information.

For “E”, citing your sources is easy to do if you just take the time to do it. Your teacher will show you

how. For “S”, you should stress to them that even if they use their own words, they still need to list the

source. For “T”, reassure them that teachers are always there to help if they aren’t sure how to give credit.

And “Y” is for you. Remind them that they are responsible for making sure they are being honest when it

comes to using other people’s information.

Here is a short You Tube link for students to watch after you go over the poster.

http://www.youtubepure.com/watch?

v=lCKg1SQEiEQ&playnext=1&list=PL2PG3ROszY2hB7Ontt2a8iHvJtuEpGx8C&feature=results_main

THINGS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER WHILE WORKING WITH STUDENTS:

~Usually, permission has to be received if you are going to use someone else’s material. The following

four factors of fair use can be considered in order to use someone else’s material. 1. What is the purpose

and character of the use? 2. What is the nature of the copyrighted work? 3. The amount of the portion

taken and 4. How will the use affect the potential market? These things should be considered when using

information without permission from the author.

~There is a website, www.turnitin.com that can be used to compare essays that are turned in to

information on the web. This would be a useful tool for upper grades.

~Consider “Creative Commons” alongside copyrights. There is a wealth of information out there that is

available (both free and legally) to use under the terms of the copyright. You could do a search for CC-

licensed to find out what’s available or come and see me.

tdf

~Teachers should keep in mind the nature of assignments to discourage plagiarism. Be sure to encourage

creativity. Also, make sure the assignment is appropriate for their age and they fully understand

assignment.

tdf

~Need to know info for students about Intellectual Property information. ~

HONESTY

tdf

How will you give credit for other people’s words or ideas that you use?

Only use other people’s information if you cite it. Plagiarism in never o.k.!

Never feel nervous about using websites, books or other sources. Just make sure you show where you got it.

Easy to do!

Still list your sources, even if you used your own words.

You are responsible for what you write down.

Teachers can help you if you are not sure how to give credit.

SOURCES:

Image:

http://www.btboe.org

Websites:

eHow.com/list_6775257_school-rules-plagiarism.html#ixzz2IwRAAKd

http://fairuse.stanford.edu/Copoyright_and_Fair_Use_Overview/chapter9/9-b.html

http://webclass.lakeland.cc.il.us/sphillips/effective_assignments/indenx.htm

www.turnitin.com

https://creativecommons.org/about

tdf

SOURCES:

Image:

http://www.btboe.org

Websites:

eHow.com/list_6775257_school-rules-plagiarism.html#ixzz2IwRAAKd

http://fairuse.stanford.edu/Copoyright_and_Fair_Use_Overview/chapter9/9-b.html

http://webclass.lakeland.cc.il.us/sphillips/effective_assignments/indenx.htm

www.turnitin.com

https://creativecommons.org/about

tdf