Presenting your original ideas in any given academic work brings a sense of satisfaction. Moreover, evaluation of the academic progress of any student by the professors and tutors is done based on the ability of the student to think, analyze and present ideas independently without copying the work of other academicians. However, learning is a process of gathering information and synthesizing them in the best way possible (Pike and Acosta 561 – 570). Then, the student will be required to present the information and ideas learned. There is a need for accuracy and giving corroborating evidence of the ideas presented. Hence, in most cases, the student will be forced to borrow ideas from other sources. This leads to one of the challenges that face students: how do we distinguish our ideas from others? One of the best ways to achieve this is by quoting and/or paraphrasing other people’s ideas. Then, in both cases, it is important to acknowledge the sources by making a bibliography for the ideas borrowed. Failure to do so will lead to plagiarism which is a serious academic crime punishable by the law governing the learning institutions and the country. However, the urge to plagiarize other people’s works is always very strong; many students always fall prey to it with very serious consequences. This is the case for the students in this video under study.
When professors and lecturers hand out assignments to students, they expect the individual students to carry out intensive and extensive research on the topic. This includes group discussions and carrying out experiments. However, the final work to be presented by the student to the professor or lecturer for evaluation should be done independently by the student including writing or typing it unless the student is incapacitated physically in which case, the lecturer should be made aware in prior. It is on this basis that Tammy’s writing request is considered unethical. Her argument that the topic is boring does not hold water hence any assistance offered in completing the work as she requested would be considered an academic crime. Just like Tammy’s case, Andy’s case would be considered unethical by all standards. Academic crime will always be considered as such whether it is committed unknowingly or intentionally. Especially when committed maliciously with a view of hurting others, academic crime deprives the professors’ the capability to accurately and fairly evaluate the progress of the students under his tutelage.
Plagiarism is an unethical act and malpractice in the realm of academics characterized by the stealing of academic work. That is, the offender presents ideas, thoughts, methods, and phrases of other people without actually giving credit, through recognition, to the source. The offender claims ownership of the works illegally and in the process steals them. This abhorrent act, when detected, can lead to suspension, expulsion from learning institutions, losing points, and even persecution. It affects professionalism thereby limiting the spirit of intellectualism while at the same time undermining the creativity which is required in academics and professions. This degrading act does not only affect the offenders but it also an unfair act to the honest students. It denies them opportunities to get academic scholarships despite their hard-working if an academic qualification is considered in awarding the scholarships. This is because the academic cheats will score highly in unfair competition. All in all, the students must learn from the word go that there is value in creative thinking. And there is pride in presenting your original work no matter the circumstances. They should be made aware of plagiarism and its consequences.
Works Cited
Pike, David and Acosta, Ana. Literature: A World of Writing Stories, Poems, Plays, and Essays. London: Longman, 2010.