Should we answer kids who ask HOMEWORK questions with correct answers but too much information?

Question

Some presumed kid asked "What is the difference between PREHISTORY and HISTORY."

I told them the answer, and suggested that they learn to use a dictionary, thesarus, and encyclopedia. I quoted THE DICTIONARY DIRECTLY to display its effectiveness.

Then, I went on to describe the birth of writing, division of labor, currency, agriculture, and civilization. I continued on a tirade of WHERE the three first civilizations originated and about when and WHY they chose those locations.

What do you think of this approach? If they don't want to read it they do not have to. I think people will LIKE this approach to education, homework, and Yahoo Questions.

Personally, I like the resourcefulness of using the Internet to get homework done, and those kids ARE LEARNING the required information. I don't see a REAL PROBLEM, but it is fun to go on a long tirade which only requires a SHORT ANSWER.

"And, thank you for teaching the rest of my history class in the process."

Answer 1

yes we should can it is very appropriate

Answer 2

It is always good to let kids know information. But when it comes to homework, or chores, or building things, as with teaching kids, you should be more of a guide. You should show them along there path but allow them to do some of the reading, but also do listening. Let them take it in, and if they get lost help direct them back the right way, then let them continue on with a little guidance till they have the path on there own. You not only need to teach kids the knowledge of there homework, but also the knowledge of living, for its never to early to teach a kid self-dependence, but not to much, becuase as they get older you need to be able to keep them in line, haha

Answer 3

Isnt it all a part of the learning process to actually get the kids to research and find out things for themselves? Surely that way they can feel a real achievement when they discover something on their own. It just gets boring if its all there in front of them, and they arent developing other skills they could use outside of the classroom.

Answer 4

I think that is a great approach, and if you can cause copious amounts of confusion as well, I say go for it. I think that using the Internet as a resource is just fine if you use it as you would books, thereby developing research and analytical reasoning skills. Coming on here and just asking for an answer without bothering to first attempt to discover the facts for themselves is just lazy.

Answer 5

In my experience, if kids want a lecture, they will ask for one, and they are usually pretty quick to tell you when you have given them more information that they are interested in. But I'm not sure you should even tell kids the answer to the question in the first place. I think you should help them figure out the answer on their own.

Answer 6

I don't like to do their homework for them. They should go to the dictionary all by themselves. Otherwise they just copy and past your answer onto their paper. Math is the worst to just give them the answer. They just copy it and never even read it. If you give them a link to where they can find it (dictionary.com or something) then that's all good. Or if it is math and you explain how to do the problem then cool....you are helping but not just handing it to them.

Answer 7

If they can use the net well enough to use YA then they can jolly well do a little research.

Some of the adults are just as bad... it's pretty obvious they're mooching help for college classes and projects or presentations
for work.

Answer 8

i see both sides. Depends on the qiuestion. History type of question then yes like math questions just give the answer

Answer 9

i think we shouldn't. we should tell them if their right or wrong, but not the actual answer. we should tell them the books & websites that can help them. maybe we could even explain how to get the anwser, but never give it to them.

Answer 10

short answer, is good, but ur right we really shouldn't give out the answer.

Answer 11

Things that make you go Hmmmm...Goodie!