Dr Iain MacLabhrainn briefed members on the work of the Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching in NUIG. The remit and activities of the centre were discussed. The development and impact of NUIG Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy 2009-2011 was considered. This provided members with an understanding of how NUIG approaches educational development and the support of learning and teaching in a scholarly manner. Information about CELT is on their website http://www.nuigalway.ie/celt./
Dr Sharon Flynn then led the meeting in a discussion of plagiarism and the wide range of issues from the policy and system issues to the use of Turnitin as a text matching tool. The discourse around plagiarism and in particular its link to disciplinary policies and codes was explored. Key issues seem to be developing a shared understanding of plagiarism between staff in a department, identifying what lecturers want from students and then developing a shared understanding with students. Having a plagiarism policy is important and staff use of the policy is critical. This thorough consideration of plagiarism was very useful for EDIN members.
Thanks to EDIN Committee member Dr Michelle Tooher for organising the meeting and to our presenters Iain and Sharon and finally to EDIN members for attending the meeting.
