In a primary setting, academic integrity issues are often unintentional. Students may unknowingly use others’ work, believing they’ve simply found the information they need. To address this, they require explicit instruction on what academic integrity means and how to properly find and cite information. I’ve incorporated mini-lessons into my unit classes to explicitly teach these skills, which has greatly improved their understanding and performance. Key takeaway: Equip students with the why and how of research before addressing academic integrity concerns.

Address the issue by first gathering facts to understand what happened and ensure all voices are heard. Foster a calm, non-judgmental conversation to clarify expectations around academic integrity. Emphasize learning from the situation by guiding students on ethical practices and fair resolution. Implement restorative actions, such as reflections or education on integrity, while applying consequences if necessary.

Actively listen to both parts of the conflict. Understand the students. Locate the need of the student to breach academic integrity. Look for ways to fulfil this need. If you must, end it by giving a progressive punishment, resulting in transformation.

To resolve conflicts over academic integrity, I: Foster Open Dialogue: I invite all involved students to discuss the issue, ensuring a neutral environment where they can express their perspectives without fear of judgment. Emphasize Accountability: I explain the importance of academic integrity, clearly outline expectations, and collaboratively determine appropriate consequences to reinforce ethical behavior. By addressing the issue transparently and focusing on learning from the experience, I help students understand the value of honesty and trust in their academic journey.

Early in my career I had a group of students I suspected of plagiarism. I pulled them all in together, asked some probing questions, and the conversation didn't go well. My academic instincts were right, but the social dynamics were wrong. A simple, tactical move is to always approach these conversations one-on-one. One-on-one conversations are more conducive to openness, vulnerability, and honest conversation. In group conversations, it's easy for students so try and save face. It's a simple strategy that makes a huge difference. It may seem obvious to some, but it's a lesson I learned the hard way.

Address the issue with transparency—investigate fairly, reinforce the importance of integrity, and implement corrective measures while educating students on ethical behavior.