1. Confirm the Plagiarism:
* Compare the paper to Wikipedia: Don't just rely on gut feeling. Use plagiarism detection software (many schools provide access) or manually compare sections of the paper to relevant Wikipedia articles. This establishes irrefutable evidence.
2. Meet with the Student Privately:
* Maintain a calm and professional demeanor: Accusing someone of cheating can be upsetting. Approach the conversation with empathy but firmness.
* Present the evidence clearly: Show the student the specific instances of plagiarism, highlighting the copied text.
* Avoid accusatory language: Instead of "You cheated," try "I've noticed significant similarities between your paper and Wikipedia articles. Can you explain this?"
* Listen to their explanation: The student might have various reasons, from misunderstanding assignment instructions to panic and poor time management. Listen carefully, but don't excuse the plagiarism.
3. Educational Intervention:
* Explain the consequences of plagiarism: Emphasize the academic dishonesty involved and the potential repercussions (failing grade, suspension, impact on college applications).
* Discuss proper research and citation techniques: This is a crucial teaching moment. Explain how to paraphrase, summarize, and correctly cite sources using a consistent style (MLA, APA, etc.). Provide resources and support.
* Explore the root cause: Was it a lack of understanding, time constraints, poor organizational skills, or something else? Addressing the underlying issue is key to preventing future occurrences.
4. Disciplinary Action:
The severity of the consequence depends on the school's plagiarism policy and the student's history. Options might include:
* Failing grade on the assignment: This is usually the minimum consequence.
* Reduced grade on the assignment: Perhaps allowing a rewrite with proper citation.
* Requirement to complete a plagiarism prevention workshop or assignment: This helps reinforce understanding of academic integrity.
* Referral to the school's administration: More serious cases may require involvement from higher authorities.
* Parent/guardian notification: Keeping parents informed is generally good practice.
5. Documentation:
* Keep detailed records: Document all interactions with the student, including the date, time, and summary of the conversation. Record any agreed-upon consequences. Keep copies of the plagiarized paper and evidence. This is essential for future reference and protection for the teacher.
Important Considerations:
* School Policy: Always follow your school's policies and procedures regarding plagiarism.
* Student's IEP/504 Plan: If the student has an IEP or 504 plan, consider any accommodations that might be relevant to the situation.
* Age and Maturity: A Grade 11 student should understand the gravity of plagiarism, but the approach should still be educational and supportive.
By combining educational intervention with appropriate disciplinary action, the teacher can address the plagiarism while also fostering the student's academic integrity and research skills. The focus should be on teaching the student how to avoid plagiarism in the future, not just punishing them for the current infraction.