Why Citations Matter A Lesson in Preventing Alternative Facts

Why Citations Matter A Lesson in Preventing “Alternative Facts” (0) Today, teachers and students alike are inundated with headlines and breaking news stories. We read them in newspapers, on tablets and phones, and consume them live on television. But in a world where “fake news” and “alternative facts” threaten to cloak actual truth, educators everywhere have been presented an incredible teaching opportunity. There has never been a better time than the present to discuss with students of any subject area or grade level the importance of citing reliable sources in research projects. Here are the ways accurate citations can help your students achieve academic success, and how you can answer the dreaded question, why should I cite my sources? They Give Credit to the Right People Citing their sources makes sure that the reader can differentiate the student’s original thoughts from those of other researchers. Not only does this make sure that the sources they use receive proper credit for their work, it ensures that the student receives deserved recognition for their unique contributions to the topic. Whether the student is citing in MLA  format, APA  format, or any other style, citations serve as a natural way to place a student’s work in the broader context of the subject area, and serve as an easy way to gauge their commitment to the project. They Provide Hard Evidence of Ideas Having many citations from a wide variety of sources related to their idea means that the student is working on a well-researched and respected subject. Citing sources that back up their claim creates room for fact-checking and further research. And, if they can cite a few sources that have the converse opinion or idea, and then demonstrate to the reader why they believe that that viewpoint is wrong by again citing credible sources, the student is well on their way to winning over the reader and cementing their point of view. They Promote Originality and Prevent Plagiarism The point of research projects is not to regurgitate information that can already be found elsewhere. We have Google for that! What the student’s project should aim to do is promote an original idea or a spin on an existing idea, and use reliable sources to promote that idea. Copying or directly referencing a source without proper citation can lead to not only a poor grade, but accusations of academic dishonesty. By citing their sources regularly and accurately, students can easily avoid the trap of plagiarism, and promote further research on their topic. They Create Better Researchers By researching sources to back up and promote their ideas, students are becoming better researchers without even knowing it! Each time a new source is read or researched, the student is becoming more engaged with the project and is developing a deeper understanding of the subject area. Proper citations demonstrate a breadth of the student’s reading and dedication to the project itself. By creating citations, students are compelled to make connections between their sources and discern research patterns. Each time they complete this process, they are helping themselves become better researchers and writers overall. For further reading on the topic of  spotting “fake news” and finding reliable sources: /evaluating-fake-news-resources/ /7-fake-websites-to-test-students/ /10-ways-to-spot-a-fake-news-article/ For citation help and style guides: /