Start Them Early and Right: Creating a Culture of Academic Integrity in Elementary Schools

Abstract

Children today live their lives online, which makes information literacy a topic of consideration even in elementary grades. If plagiarism is not addressed in information literacy education, then it may become a problem, even with the youngest children. The purpose of the chapter is to suggest teaching information literacy systematically in elementary schools to help prevent plagiarism later in life. Two major approaches are identified in dealing with plagiarism in elementary schools: legislation and education. While some schools focus on setting up rules that guard and penalize plagiarism, others focus on teaching children why plagiarism is wrong and how to avoid it. Ideas and resources for teachers to use in their classroom are provided. Appropriate instruction in information literacy to prevent plagiarism can be integrated in elementary classes, and more research on plagiarism prevention education in an elementary school context will be beneficial.