♥ Nothing Better Than Reading!! ♥ discussion

What do you think?

I think it starts earlier than that. In how we treat other kids. Kids who are dishonest or exploitive of other kids (Bullying) means you can more easily take advantage of them

yes...but isn't that (bullying) also a lack of academic dishonesty...? Unless you're taught that it isn't good, how will a child know...?

I'm a teacher.
I honestly think some students plagiarize because
a) they don't realize it's wrong. For example, one young man was absolutely shocked when I told him to rewrite his essay, which was clearly not his own writing. He said, "No, I didn't copy. I looked at a Japanese book and translated into English". I had to explain to him that this was still copying.

b) Their other teachers haven't caught it, or didn't care. Otherwise, why would they try to get away with things like copying the whole page from Wikipedia?! It takes me, like 30 seconds to Google that. Yes, even old ladies know how to Google! But I guess they have gotten away with it before, or they wouldn't keep doing it.

Anyway, I am obligated to explain to them. It's my job. But I don't get angry or take it as a personal offense...unless they continue doing it after I've talked to them.

Several answers come to mind which would suit as possible glib responses. Below is what I have chosen instead.

I myself am not so much worried about academic dishonesty as I am worried about the rest of us ceasing to worry about it.

Our corruption--as scrupulous, hawk-eyed readers--is the more serious offence. When readers care--these occasional miscreants will always be found out. When we don't care--when we are distracted and ambivalent--when we become slack--corruption will proliferate.

But that's unfortunately what is happening and what will only increase with the shocking and reckless transformation of the publishing industry from print to digital.