Plagarism vs. Original Thinking

By this time of the year, you might expect more language-proficient students to be able to compile, analyze, and compose their own thoughts and reflections on their research. Students have been reading, taking notes, and writing essay responses, constructed responses, and answering open-ended questions. Ideally, this time of year should be perfect for getting reasonably good writing. Unfortunately, this is not usually the case.
Over the last two months, 7th and 8th grade have had research assignments. They had similarly typed directions, suggestions, and objectives. They knew what they would be graded on. I have a total of 12 students in these 2 groups. Only one-third followed any directions, one was exceptionally well-done. Two out-right copied information--they could not explain the vocabulary. Two kept "forgetting" the "finished" work at home. The others were such poor quality, I have not figured out how to grade them.

I am uncertain of why so many students appear so dependent on being spoon-fed and coddled. They were able to select their topics. I know their parents care a lot about their childrens' education, even though they are themselves unable to help, due to their own lack of English. The students have ample opportunities to type and print the work at school or at the public library. I supply many research materials, and take the students to the school library at least once during the process.

I know I was not the most diligent student, but I remember staying up until after 1:00 a.m. typing a paper, pre-computer. Having to rip the paper out near the last paragraph because I made a mistake that white-out couldn't correct is not something you forget. These kids have it so easy. Push-button editing.

Teachers show so many ways to organize information: diagrams, graphic organizers, columns, webs, outlines, and complete sentences and paragrpahs. The process builds upon itself, until ultimately, a series of informative paragraphs has been assembled. Adding pictures (yes, those can be photocopied!) is the icing on the cake.

Yet, the papers I get do not reflect anything except perhaps 30-60 minutes of time copying from a book or website. We all lose, not being able to learn from the experience. The productive students still have to endure the rants of a frustrated teacher, and the others merely wait till the voice stops.

Parents--please don't accept anything but quality from your child. Neatness, following teacher directions, and honest effort mean so much. Meeting a deadline--well, we all know the importance of being on time. Let's teach our kids the benefits.