<p>I spent my academic career aiming for original thought, and never got dinged for it. I realize that’s a data point of one, but it actually encompasses scores of profs. And I am pretty sure that my nearest and dearest would say the same. </p>
<p>When I teach first year writing, if I had to sum up what I’m trying to teach in three words, it would be “thinking on paper.” </p>
<p>I do wonder if some of the profs referenced here are not coherently communicating what they are looking for and why these assignments were questioned. I will readily agree that quite a few professors do not communicate their expectations and reactions well. (and of course there are some who are simply bad teachers, but I don’t think the rules of plagiarism cause this.)</p>