BISMA Plagiarism Policy
Introduction
This plagiarism policy outlines the commitment of BISMA (British International Sports Medicine Academy) to uphold educational integrity and ensure the originality of all work submitted by learners. Our centre, operating in the UK, delivers Ofqual regulated qualifications learners aged 16 years and over. This policy covers both written and electronic multiple-choice portfolios, which form the basis of our assessment methods.
Scope
This policy applies to all learners, staff, and assessors involved in the creation, submission, and evaluation of educational work at BISMA. It encompasses all forms of assessment, including written portfolios and electronic multiple-choice portfolios.
Objectives
To promote and maintain educational integrity within BISMA.
To define and explain plagiarism and its various forms.
To provide guidelines on how to avoid plagiarism.
To outline the procedures and consequences for handling instances of plagiarism.
Definitions
Plagiarism: The practice of taking someone else’s work or ideas and passing them off as one’s own. This includes copying text, ideas, images, or data without proper attribution.
Written Portfolio: A collection of written work submitted by a learner as part of their assessment.
Electronic Multiple-Choice Portfolio: An online assessment consisting of multiple-choice questions completed by learners.
Key Principles
Academic Honesty: All learners are expected to produce original work and provide appropriate citations for any sources used.
Fairness: All allegations of plagiarism will be investigated thoroughly and fairly.
Education: BISMA will educate learners on the importance of academic integrity and how to avoid plagiarism.
Forms of Plagiarism
Direct Plagiarism: Copying text verbatim from a source without quotation marks or citation.
Self-Plagiarism: Reusing one’s own previously submitted work without permission.
Mosaic Plagiarism: Blending copied material with original content without proper citation.
Accidental Plagiarism: Failing to cite sources correctly due to a lack of understanding or knowledge.
Avoiding Plagiarism
Proper Citation: Learners must use appropriate citation styles (e.g., ACSM, NHS, BHF and so on) as required by their course guidelines.
Paraphrasing: When using someone else’s ideas, learners should rewrite the information in their own words and still provide a citation.
Quotations: Use quotation marks and citations when directly quoting another source.
Reference Management: Keeping track of all sources consulted during research and ensuring they are included in the bibliography.
Procedures for Handling Plagiarism
Detection: Plagiarism may be detected through software tools, assessor review, or peer reporting.
Investigation: When plagiarism is suspected, the incident will be investigated by the designated academic integrity officer.
Notification: The learner will be notified of the suspected plagiarism and given an opportunity to respond.
Decision: Based on the investigation, a decision will be made regarding the validity of the plagiarism claim.
Consequences: Consequences for confirmed plagiarism may include:
– A formal warning.
– Requirement to resubmit the work.
– Reduction in grade or failure of the assignment.
– Disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion, for repeated offences.
Supporting Learners
Resources: BISMA will provide resources and training on how to conduct research and cite sources properly.
Advisors: Academic advisors are available to assist learners with questions about plagiarism and proper citation methods.
Workshops: Regular workshops on academic writing and integrity will be offered to all learners.
Review and Monitoring
Policy Review: This plagiarism policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if required, to ensure it remains current and effective.
Monitoring: The implementation of the policy will be monitored through periodic reviews of submitted work and feedback from learners and staff.
Related Policies
- Malpractice and Maladministration Policy
- Conflicts of Interest Policy
- Safeguarding Policy
- Equality and Diversity Policy
- Plagiarism Policy
- Complaints Policy
- Whistleblowing Policy
- Sanctions Policy
- Learner Appeals Policy
- Staff Induction and CPD Policy
- Learner Registration and Certification Policy
- Learner Induction Policy
- Internal Quality Assurance Policy
- Data Protection Policy
- Code of Conduct
- Health and Safety Policy
