Educate students about plagiarism so that they understand exactly what it is. Emphasize that there are different scenarios in which plagiarism occurs. For instance, it occurs when quotation marks are not placed around exact reproductions of borrowed language, even when the original source is cited. It also occurs when content is summarized or paraphrased without an author credit.
Train students to cite sources properly so that they know how not to plagiarize. Specifically, teach students the methods and practice of in-text, parenthetical citations and external citations, such as footnotes or endnotes. Provide them with practice assignments so that they are proficient with citation methods before writing a paper. Encourage students to seek help when needed to cite sources properly.
Explain the benefits of proper citation. For instance, explain that a student's arguments are supported by authoritative sources. Emphasize that sources enhance, rather than weaken, a student's arguments and ideas by showing that he did research. Further, emphasize that citations show a student is critically engaged in a scholarly conversation and that he has considered the arguments and points of view on the topic.
Challenge students to consider the ethics of plagiarism. Explain that plagiarism cheats both the plagiarizer and the person whose work is wrongfully reproduced. When a student plagiarizes, she misses out on learning opportunities to improve her own research and analytical skills. At the same time, the original author is robbed of credit for her hard work.
Discuss the penalties for plagiarism. Advise students that those caught plagiarizing will receive no credit for the assignment. Also, explain other penalties and punishments, such as suspension, detention or revocation of school privileges. For college students, explain that plagiarism may even be grounds for dismissal from the institution.