Imitation, Copying, and the Use of Models: Report Writing in an Introductory Physics Course

Alan A. Jones*, Terrence E. Freeman

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

    16 Citations (Scopus)
    228 Downloads (Pure)

    Abstract

    The following article focuses on the use and misuse of models - both appropriate and inappropriate - in the report-writing practices of first year physics students, especially those from non-English speaking backgrounds. It analyzes the students' propensity to use any available text on a given topic as a source of model sentences. Examples of "copying" are provided and analyzed. It is argued that many forms of copying are legitimate learning strategies of novice writers, for the production of certain kinds of texts, but that this can become a problem when inappropriate models are used or when appropriate models are used inappropriately. Copying is discussed in relation to imitative learning and modeling as well as plagiarism, and some suggestions to improve teaching practice are made.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)168-184
    Number of pages17
    JournalIEEE Transactions on Professional Communication
    Volume46
    Issue number3
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Sept 2003

    Bibliographical note

    Copyright 2003 IEEE. Reprinted from IEEE transactions on professional communication. This material is posted here with permission of the IEEE. Such permission of the IEEE does not in any way imply IEEE endorsement of any of Macquarie University’s products or services. Internal or personal use of this material is permitted. However, permission to reprint/republish this material for advertising or promotional purposes or for creating new collective works for resale or redistribution must be obtained from the IEEE by writing to [email protected]. By choosing to view this document, you agree to all provisions of the copyright laws protecting it.

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