ELIZABETH'S MINI-COURSE ON PATCHWRITING

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Welcome to my Mini-Course

TRANSITIONING FROM PATCHWRITING TO EFFECTIVE PARAPHRASING

COURSE OVERVIEW

Welcome to this course on learning how to paraphrase without patchwriting. Chances are, you're here because your teacher has sent you here to learn more about a form of plagiarism called patchwriting. "Patchwriting" is a common error in writing that students make when attempting to paraphrase source material. It's important that you learn what it is, why you should avoid it, and how to paraphrase without patchwriting. This course will walk you through all of that.

Before you begin, take a look at the prerequisites to make sure you're ready to start this course. If you've met the prerequisites, you can next review the course level objectives which briefly state what you can expect to have learned upon finishing this course. Below, you will also find a brief list of materials you will need to complete this course. Then, when you're ready, click on the first module.

PREREQUISITES UPON ENTRY:

Before starting this course, students should be able to demonstrate:

1. College level literacy
2. Understanding of terminology related to source-based writing and exposure to the differences between quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing
3. Experience with standard citation format
4. Experience using discussion forums and submission boxes
5. Experience using word processing to create documents

COURSE LEVEL OBJECTIVES:

Upon exiting this course, students should be able to:

1. Recognize the distinguishing features of patchwriting
2. Explain intrinsic and extrinsic reasons to eliminate patchwriting
3. Use critical reading, drafting, and revision skills to create effective paraphrases free of patchwriting

MATERIALS NEEDED:

1. Access to the Internet
2. Access to Course Discussion Forum
3. Journal (electronic or paper)
4. Word Processer

Module 1: RECOGNIZING THE FEATURES OF PATCHWRITING

Click on the link above to learn more about how to identify the distinguishing features of patchwriting.

Upon Completion, Students Will Be Able To:

1.1 Recognize patchwritten syntax

1.2 Recognize patchwritten phrases

1.3 Recognize patchwritten words

Module 2: WHY EFFECTIVE PARAPHRASING MATTERS

Click on the link above to learn more about why avoiding patchwriting matters.

Upon Completion Students Will Be Able To:

2.1 Explain why academic integrity is important

2.2 Explain the academic consequences of plagiarism

2.3 Explain the professional consequences of plagiarism

Module 3: USING PROCESS-BASED SKILLS TO CREATE EFFECTIVE PARAPHRASES

Click on the link above to learn how to use critical reading, drafting, and revision to avoid patchwriting and create effective paraphrases.

Upon Completion Students Will Be Able To:

3.1 Use critical reading strategies to create effective paraphrases

3.2 Use revision strategies to create effective paraphrases

For Instructors

Please access the link above if you're an instructor and are interested in the rationale for this course and/or how to implement it in your own practice.