Working Together to Educate Students

Abstract

This chapter presents a descriptive case study of how a UK University has addressed the problem of plagiarism through collaboration between academic staff, student support professionals, and the students’ union. It outlines the developmental process undergone in devising, piloting, evaluating and implementing the programme designed to educate students about plagiarism. Specific details of the tools and techniques used to achieve the intended pedagogical aims are included. The chapter identifies aspects of the institutional culture operating within our universities, such as discipline specific conceptions of knowledge and the diversity of students’ and staff’s previous educational experiences, which make tackling plagiarism problematic. Findings indicate that the approaches described are valued by students and staff but that barriers to achieving University-wide adoption persist. Suggestions for ways forward for any institution interested in tackling plagiarism are offered. It is anticipated that this chapter will stimulate discussion and inspire learning support professionals, including academics, by the success a collaborative approach can bring – not just a system of detecting and punishing plagiarism, but a method of educating students about what it is, why it is wrong, and how it can be avoided.