Similarities and differences between approaches to plagiarism in the U.S and in my country.
Plagiarism is the practice of taking someone else’s work or ideas and passing them off as one’s own. It is known to be a serious problem in most countries and it’s popular in colleges. In contrast, it also differs. For instance in my home country Nigeria, plagiarism differs from that of the U.S.. In Nigeria, plagiarism is not taken as a big deal or a crime because we believe that most students are unaware of plagiarism because they are unclear of what constitutes a quotation or paraphrase and how to cite properly. Even if students intentionally engage in the act of plagiarism they would be sent off with just a warning.
However, plagiarism in the U.S is entirely different from that of Nigeria. It is taken very seriously especially in colleges. They educate their students about rules that clarify what is acceptable and what is not and they also make sure to explain the outcomes if the rules are not followed. Still, some students don’t yield to the warnings and either get suspended for a long time or get expelled.
Both countries see plagiarism as a problem but they both have different ways and methods of handling it. In my opinion, I would say the U.S handles plagiarism much better because the methods used can help prevent students from practicing it because no one wants to get suspended or expelled but this is just my opinion. Which country do you think handles plagiarism best?
Precious: thank you very much for your insights and observations! Keep up the awareness and great work to avoid the issue of plagiarism.
ReplyDeleteWell done Precious! That was great. Just a clarification, Nigerian students are usually warned about plagiarism, especially when they are about to commence their maiden research work in the university. The problem is, some of them still go ahead to plagiarize, and when they are caught the punishment is just mere cancellation of their research work.
ReplyDeleteGreat job! In my opinion, I think we have to see the situation. I think students have to avoid plagiarism when they use their paper in public. But I think it isn't necessary when students only study in class. I know that plagiarism is a crime to do it. But it might discourage of learning.
ReplyDeleteVery good thought Precious, and thank you for sharing the different plagiarism between the United States and Nigeria, and I agree with you here in U.S the plagiarism will be taken very seriously especially in the colleges, so we should be very careful when we work in our papers. Thank you for sharing that.
ReplyDeleteI think that seeing the different countries perspectives on plagiarism is very interest! What would happen in Nigeria if you the author of the information caught someone stealing your work? I know in the US if you got caught it would be potential criminal charges. Learning how to cite information is morally the right thing to do in the end.
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