Key Concepts Conceptes Clés

Common Language

When we discuss academic integrity issues with students and parents we need to have a common understanding of the terms that we are using.

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is when somebody uses the work of others without clear and explicit acknowledgement of that work. This can be done with or without the knowledge of the original author.

Collusion

Collusion is supporting academic malpractice by a student or allowing somebody to support their academic malpractice. Examples include allowing work to be copied by another student, copying work of another student and providing so much help that the work can no longer be considered the work of the student. Teachers, parents and tutors need to be particularly mindful of the final example.

Malpractice

Malpractice is anything which can be considered to undermine the academic integrity of work submitted. As well as plagiarism and collusion it includes falsification of data and inappropriate conduct in tests and exams

Intellectual Property

Intellectual property is something that somebody creates with their mind eg a story, picture, invention, logo. The use of other people’s intellectual property without their permission can be illegal