Module 5: Catholic Perspective

Ryleigh Richard

Catholic Approach Non-Religious Approach

- A meeting with student is set
- Teacher and student discuss the ethical and
moral issues behind plagiarizing (Natural
Law)
- Teacher and student would discuss the
Divine Law, and how plagiarism is stealing
(against 10 Commandments)
- Teacher knows this is not usual behaviour of
student, will ask if everything is OK, check in
on stress, emotions, etc.
- Teacher will call home and talk to parents,
check to make sure everything is ok
- Student will not receive a zero mark, but
will bet a % taken away
Strengths
- Talks to student about the ethical and moral
issues with plagiarism
- Does not completely penalize the student
with a zero mark, but does give a
consequence
- Checks on mental health of student
- Allows students to feel and have a deeper
relationship with their teacher; feeling more
comfortable talking to them and asking for
help
Weaknesses
- Students may become habitual plagiarizers
after teacher shows leniency
- Does not accurately prepare students for
post-secondary education, where leniency is
rarely given
- A meeting is set with student
- Teacher informs student they will receive a
zero-mark (following plagiarism rules)
- Teacher assumes at this age they know
difference between right and wrong
- Teacher will call home and inform parents
of plagiarism, and student will receive and
zero mark
Strengths
- Prepares students for post-secondary
education, where leniency is not usually
given with plagiarism
- Consequence given for breaking rules
- Students are not likely to repeat, as a serious
consequence was given
-
Weaknesses
- Students are not given the chance to right
their wrong
- Zero-marks can significantly affect their
mark/average
- Students may feel as though the
consequence was overly tough
- Teacher does not consider the mental health
of a senior student

After comparing the two approaches, I much prefer the Catholic approach, as I feel as though it helps
students recognize the ethical and moral issues with plagiarism, rather than just telling them it is wrong.
It also gives the students a chance to right their wrong, with a consequence (receiving a % off of their
mark), so they are not let off completely without a consequence for their actions. Although some may see
this as not preparing them for post-secondary education, it can allow them to understand why it is
wrong, and as they are given a deeper reasoning for not doing it, it will be further engrained in their
heads not do plagiarize in the future.