Annette Taylor wrote:
>At which point are they no longer ignorant?
>at which point do I assume they should know things by looking them
>up on their own if given the place to look them up?
>
Annette:
Oh such leading questions at this time of the semester. :) The rules are
quite clear that knowledge of plagarism is not required (i.e., they don't
have to wanna!). I wouldn't agonize too much over this. Perhaps look over
your term paper instructions and decide if you are comfortable that you
have warned them (a personal decision as some feel that the
college/university warns and it isn't necessary again). I have reduced the
number of "ignorance" defenses by simply stating that I will grade no paper
that includes quotes of any kind and for any reason. They all moan a bit at
first but become more accepting when I explain that it prevents accidental
abuses, promotes clearer thinking, etc. Some still want to argue so I let
them have at it till someone in the class points out that all they are
saying is it is easier to quote than to paraphrase, easier to paraphrase
than to understand and restate, and easier to restate than to be clear (ok-
so they just mention that it is lazy to quote! A small rant isn't too much
at this point). In case you picked it up I just dealt with my own
ignorance-slips-paper. In this case (intro psych) it is clearly an example
of laziness etc. I handed the paper back and told the student "this is
pretty good. Now you do one!)." They weren't amused but when I pointed out
the alternatives they were grumpy but satisfied to rewrite (should I say
write) the paper. Sigh!!
Tim Shearon
_______________________________________________________
Timothy O. Shearon, PhD
Albertson College of Idaho
Department of Psychology
2112 Cleveland Blvd
Caldwell, Idaho
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
208-459-5840
