University students’ understandings, attitudes and experiences on plagiarism

With the speeding spread of the Internet, plagiarism is an emerging issue not only for the academic community but also for all educational and training institutions and organizations. However, this issue has not yet been considered comprehensively and seriously in Vietnam. To raise awareness of plagiarism and improve academic integrity, this study conducted a case study exploring this issue at a private international university in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Questionnaires were sent to 120 students in the Department of English Language. Results show that students lack appropriate understanding of plagiarism as well as skills to avoid it. The study also points out students’ attitudes towards plagiarism which has not been addressed before.