Teach students about the basic definition of plagiarism. Explain to them that the key point in the definition of plagiarism is that it is dependent upon whether or not they acknowledge the source properly. Using ideas without identifying their origin is like trying to pass the idea off as your own, and even if it wasn't done maliciously, it still counts as plagiarism. Tell the students that this is still true when using Internet sources. The University of Ottawa provides two basic rules for avoiding plagiarism. The first is to use quotation marks and give a complete reference when using someone else's words or data. The second states that a complete reference should be given when you use somebody else's idea.
Explain the basic principles of referencing, citation and composing bibliographies to the students. Teach them about Harvard Referencing, which is among the most common referencing styles. Show them how to cite an idea within the text, by putting the author's surname and the date of the original work in parentheses or by including the name in the text and putting the date in parentheses. For example, "Smith (1984) argues that..." or "Essays not displaying proper referencing style could be thought of as plagiarized (Smith, 1984)" are two examples on in-text citation. You can also teach them about how to correctly format a reference list or bibliography.
Show students some examples of potentially plagiarized content and have them try to identify which were actually plagiarized. Encourage them to discuss their feelings on whether the content had been copied, or whether the author displayed proper referencing. You can use a combination of academic plagiarism and more contemporary accusations, such as the controversy surrounding Coldplay's song, "Viva La Vida," which has been accused of plagiarism by low-level band Creaky Boards. Find out their opinions on this contemporary example, and clear up any uncertainties about the definition of plagiarism that are raised throughout the discussion.
Ensure that students understand the basic definition of plagiarism and how to avoid it. To do this, use the methods listed above or print out copies of "Plagiarism: What it is and How to Avoid it" for them to read through. Create a list with every student's name on it, and at the top of the list, write something like "I understand what plagiarism is after my lesson on it and I know that if I have any further questions on it I should ask my teacher." Pass this sheet around and get students to sign it. This provides you with proof that the students understand plagiarism, and thereby disarms excuses that any students may use if they are found to be plagiarizing content. This should help them retain the lesson they have been taught.