Are we creating idiots?

Question

I have noticed how many children put their homework questions on here and are just given the answers without learning a thing. Sure if someone wants help and actually wants to learn something this could be a great tool... Just giving them the answer worries me... I pay enough taxes as it is without creating more people who can't get jobs because they have no education... Ok that's my rant... What do you think?

I see a lot of maths questions that involve no reasearch... just the question... they aren't asking HOW do I do this just what the answer is. Check out xxgemmaxx It seems all her homework is done by other people. If you go to the library or use a search engine that actually requires some thought and deduction.

Answer 1

We are certainly creating impatient people, who want instant answers or they get bored.
The first time my youngest daughter used her sister's computer to download some stuff, she thought she'd been really clever, un til she got to school and they had all done the same thing. The teacher made them all do the work over again. That taught her to be a bit more hardworking, but some teachers actually encourage cheating, which is what it is.

Answer 2

Hello Miss May .hmm there are a few ways to approach this question [your question] the cop out fail safe excuse -kids will be kids.but that does not cut it, down the road when they grow into adults- but they are ,well some of them - just kids and how did you behave let say at the age of 13 you probably wanted to hang with your friends what is needed is good parenting guidance or at least someone to watch them.Now giving just an answer is really without closure even if there is written instruction what is needed is that tutoring by a teacher or one versed in that subject.I always felt for a government welfare reform is that you should work for the check, if it is to clean the streets, wash the vehicles of the municipals and there should be a set time limit to be on this aid given certain days off to look for work it's your tax dollars but some people don't care and they are the lazy non achievers -but then again some people use this as just a tool no more no less -to help them diversify .Take this with how many grains of salt you wish.

Answer 3

For some children and adolescents, gone are the days when parents are home at night and/or weekends. Also, gone are the days when all of our parents spoke the primary language of instruction and did the same or similar work when they were in school. I provide assistance because I suspect that those who turn to this forum for explanations do not have other feasible resources and legitimately need help. I recognize that this may not be true in all cases but I would rather give the benefit of doubt than not. When I do provide assistance, I do my best to provide an explanation as well as an answer so that the person has an appropriate example to refer to for similar questions and problems. And in truth, we all need to be given information from time to time as a means of establishing foundational knowledge. In doing so, we are better prepared for the next time and in a better position to figure out the next question or problem.

Answer 4

You are right some people on here do just dive them the answers. That is the bad part. The somewhat good part is that at least these kids are reading and writing down the answers therefore it goes in them a little bit. If I ever see someone who has a homework problem I'm going to explain how to get the answer but not give them the answer.

Answer 5

I think its no different to doing a web search and copying and pasting - I think its no different to going to a library and copying directly from the book - I think its no different to what was happening when I was a kid!

Its just quicker and easier for them thats all. If a kid *wants* to learn he or she *will* learn. This was always the same before the dawn of the internet and it will always be the same in the future, no matter what technology is available.

If they coast through school on given answers, they will crash and burn when they leave. As long as they know this then as far as I'm concerned just let them do it. If a teacher is good, the information will go in and *stay in*.

Answer 6

I think it's a good thing that they use their own initiative, how would be asking anywhere else be different?
What makes children ignorant is the school system, with nearly all the emphasis on regurgitating stuff instead of being taught how to learn, and how to use their own brains.

I know what I am talking about, I was a teacher for 25 years.

Answer 7

Some people learn by studying the answer along with the question. It's hard for some to learn in traditional ways. Maybe these kids are just learning differently.

Answer 8

To an extent they learn survival intelligence. It is so important to be able to interact with your peers. If they are a bunch of semi-literate, innumerate dullards, being anything but that will only be problematic for an individual. So they will be well suited to a modern society saturated with junk culture, rudeness and thoughtless action.
OK that's my rant, what. Do you think?

Answer 9

Is it really a child that is putting a question here to get HW help or is it a lazy parent doing it..in any case..as long as parents don't participate in children's education...we will be creating more arrogant idiots...

Answer 10

I think using the internet is an important tool. Using your initiative is an important skill.

That said, some answers that lead a kid in the right direction might be more constructive...

...I don't think Yahoo Answers is singlehandedly going to destroy our education system. I'd blame that more on the syllabus, on the comprehensive system, on burgers and fries in every canteen, on poor teachers salaries....shall I go on?