A problem is that students get reading lists, read the books, macerate the
texts (mentally!) and regurgitate them. If the texts are fully comminuted
we call it a masterful synthesis. If they reappear as lumps, we suspect
plagiarism. It can be a fine line. What would JISC make of the Synoptic
gospels?
Two saints go down the pan for plagiarism?
As a product of a tutorial system that demanded 2 essays a week I know the
problem the diligent student has, and
turn a blind eye to the bigger lumps provided that the significance of the
contents have been grasped. However these aren't formally assessed.
I'm sure we've all done the 'reverse engineering' exercise whereby you take
a photostat of an essay and using coloured highlight pens you map the
original sources of the various phrases. Well worth doing once a year.
Sometimes you even catch someone reading off-list for their own interest!!!
With the more diligent students the blocks of colour are smaller. However I
don't think it has any significant correlation with honours grade and much
more to do with social life.
In fact, thinking as I write, it would be quite a useful exercise to get the
students to do it as an assignment on each others essays. Toughen up those
critical faculties.
After all if you do detect plagiarism, it's too late. Both institution and
student have failed.
regards
john a w lock
----- Original Message -----
From: <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Friday, October 27, 2000 11:40 AM
Subject: plagiarism
> This is a purely modern concern - at least, I don't want to get involved
in
> medieval ideas on plagiarism - but our institution is getting increasingly
> concerned about the problems of detecting and dealing with plagiarism and
> we have been considering using some sort of electronic detection
programme.
> Coincidentally, we have been invited to tender for the trial project which
> JISC are running on the i-Paradigm software from the US. Has anyone got
any
> ideas on electronic detection, deterrence strategies - or even experience
> of using i-Paradigm or similar programmes? Replies off list, I should
> think, as its not really relevant to medieval religion.
>
> Many thanks
>
> Maddy
>
>
> Dr Madeleine Gray, in the foothills of God's golden county of Gwent
> (Department of Humanities and Science
> UWCN Caerleon Campus
> PO Box 179
> Newport NP18 3YG
> http://www.newport.ac.uk)
>
> 'Reading is sometimes an ingenious device for avoiding thought'
>
>
>
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