Perhaps the most effective discussion will ask the students to
think
about who is really being cheated when someone plagiarizes.
Copying
papers or even parts of papers short circuits a number of learning
experiences
and opportunities for the development of skills: actually doing the
work
of the research paper rather than counterfeiting it gives the student
not
only knowledge of the subject and insights into the world of
information
and controversy, but improves research skills, thinking and analyzing,
organizing, writing, planning and time management, and even
meticulousness
(those picky citation styles actually help improve one's attention to
detail).
All this is missed when the paper is faked, and it is these missed
skills
which will be of high value in the working world. A degree
will help
students get a first job, but performance--using the skills developed
by
doing just such assignments as research papers--will be required for
promotion.
