Is the homework help section being misused?

Question

I have noticed many questions that appear to be straight from a textbook or assignment.
Is it right to give people help on these questions? Are they cheating by asking us for answers?
Or have they genuinely tried to answer these questions and need more input?
I'm sure there are some of both, but does the difference between freeloaders and second-opinion-wanters influence the way you answer? How do you tell the difference?
Do you personally answer these questions? What is your reasoning?
Would you personally ask these questions?
Please give this some thought. I hate it when people answer stupid things like "I dunno" just to get 2 points.

Answer 1

Yeah I don't answer them... they're obviously just looking for answers to their homework or tests.

Answer 2

Well, it could be that these questions are straight from assignments and textbooks. But whether they are cheating us or whatever is another issue. I think it's ok to give help-- because it is your choice to answer a question or not.
I usually don't try to tell the difference but i do know that questions which are more thoughtfully written and explained--- I may elaborate for in detail. But simpler questions I just do some quick research and find a couple of websites to give them a starting point.
I don't think I would personally ask these questions-- mainly because I first try to see if I can figure out a question by myself first.
So my reasoning is that because it is people's choice to put whatever questions they want, it is the people's choice to answer it, therefore, it shouldn't be much of a problem.

Answer 3

Honestly there is no real way to tell if people are abusing this or not. There was one girl tonight that posted 5 questions that seemed to be straight from a worksheet. I did not answer that. this is a homework help page, and if there is only one post from the person, I tend to try and answer if I can. I am a science teacher, so I honestly look here to see if there is anyone that needs help in science. Pathetic I know, but I have a mild case of insomnia over the summer...

Answer 4

those that go with to be taught -- would be taught. those that go with to cheat -- will cheat. This has been that way when you consider that college began, eons in the past, and could proceed as long as there are colleges. on an identical time as right this moment they use Yahoo solutions, interior the previous they bullied their classmates to do their homework for them, or bribed them, or wrote solutions on their footwear, socks, wrists, besides the fact that or broke into the college and stole the attempt solutions. Shutting down one small section on one website won't substitute human nature.

Answer 5

Personally, I don't care why they ask the question. As long as I can answer it with the steps to solving the problems and perhaps explain a little of how to do it, it's worth them possibly 'cheating' if they can learn something about the subject from what I say.

Answer 6

I answer any questions I can 1) because I'm neglecting my own homework and 2) I'm a teacher by nature, and feel a need to show students how to do problems.

Answer 7

If one was simply asking for an answer, in order to verify their own ... that's one thing ... and there's obviously no way we could know.

But I doubt that's the case with most of the requests.

Answer 8

I thought about the same thing. But since they asked, they've already given up answering by themselves. The only person who really lose are the person who asked. Last time I checked, most schools don't allow PC with an internet access during tests.....

Yes, "I dunno" answers are plain silly. You can report it though.

Answer 9

I totally agree (on the point takers)