Student Reviews
Kiki Mobolaji, Undergraduate Student, University of British Columbia
Chapter 3 of Discipline Based Approaches to Academic Integrity (2024), explores the complex relationship between culture and writing, tracing the evolution of scholarly discourse and contextualizing key theoretical frameworks. Bhowmik critically engages with diverse conceptualizations of culture, acknowledging its complexity and contested nature while integrating insights from sociocultural theory and small culture theory. One notable strength of the chapter is its dedication to bridging theory and practice in writing studies. The author introduces Flowerdew and Miller’s culture framework and discusses its pedagogical implications, demonstrating the practical challenges faced by educators in addressing cultural diversity in the writing classroom. The excerpt also emphasizes the importance of integrating cultural perspectives into writing instruction to foster inclusivity and cultural responsiveness.
Another positive aspect of Bhowmik’s chapter is its emphasis on creating a common reference point for students to understand the concept of ownership of texts. A survey is used to gauge students’ perceptions and experiences with text ownership, allowing instructors to tailor their approach to suit the diverse social and psychological characteristics of the class. This strategy fosters self-reflection among students and provides valuable insights for discussions around academic integrity and cultural diversity. In general, the chapter offers a thorough and insightful examination of teaching methods designed to improve students’ cultural comprehension of written text ownership. Furthermore, it provides useful perspectives for both researchers and educators. The incorporation of many viewpoints, rigorous examination of ideas, and direct application to teaching methods make it a valuable addition to the body of knowledge in the fields of writing studies and cultural theory.
James Ropotar, Undergraduate Student, University of British Columbia
Bhowmik (2024) explores the ways in which culture influences academic integrity. The text describes how culture influences the approach towards academic integrity. A specific academic or cultural environment may lower integrity. The text explores how students approach integrity through the lens of how they approach their own work. By taking ownership of a work, a student should understand that it represents themselves. Thus, they should know exactly what the work contains, and fully agree with what it has to say. A student should also grow to understand what norms are within a field of work, and understand why these norms exist. The activities outlined within the chapter guide students to achieve these outcomes. It provides a strong foundation for students to understand academic writing, and with this understanding, develop principles of integrity when approaching the writing.
