Teaching Acknowledgement Practice Using the Internet-Based Plagiarism Detection Service

Abstract

Instead of focusing on detecting and punishing plagiarism, this teaching innovation uses the Internet-based plagiarism detection service, turnitin.com, to teach better techniques of conducting research and source documentation. Syllabus content, referrals to the University Writing Center, peer review, lecture, and examples of good and bad acknowledgement practice, as well as the professor's own use of the service, are techniques employed to turn the submission of papers to turnitin.com into a learning event, rather than into apresumption of guilt and possible punishment. Data show that most students seem to appreciate the approach taken.