Do you think that you help those kids whose homework you do just to get 10 lousy points?

Question

I am a teacher and I can "smell", from a distance, homework that is taken from the Internet or done by other people. If you do somebody's homework, trust me, you don't help at all, you just cause more problems.

Now, now, Dako, how do you think that I discover the homework that is NOT done by the students? I check it carefully, that's how. And, many times, some strangers who want to help (yeah, right...) give them the wrong answer.

Now, now, Dako, how do you think that I discover the homework that is NOT done by the students? I check it carefully, that's how. And, many times, some strangers who want to help (yeah, right...) give them the wrong answer.

Thank you all for taking your time to answer this question. Many answers made me see that there still are a lot of responsible people out there, on both sides (teachers and students). I had to choose the one who actually admitted that he was guilty as charged.

Answer 1

Ya got me! It's not about the points; it makes me feel good when I know the answer, just like back in school. Only no one asks me for the root causes of the Spanish-American War at work, more's the pity. I know in my heart I'm not helping them. I just like the exercise. Guess you'll just have to keep failing kids that plagiarize, even from middle age history geeks like me!

Answer 2

Maybe some people don't do it just for the points. When I answer questions, I try to help them by showing how or trying to leave parts blank, but in the end, everyone knows how school is and it really sucks when you have one math problem left or one that you just can't get and 6 other assignments to do, one a 3 page report or something to that effect and you are sitting there staring at the problem waiting for the answer to jump out at you, straining your brain and you eventually give up, which doesn't exactly help the student either. In the end, sometimes everyone needs a freebie or two.

Answer 3

I think what matters is that the kids learn (emphasis on "learn" and not blind copying) something from here, and not whether people earn any points. It's not like we can spend these virtual points or something!

I try to help those who need some understanding (e.g. math), but like most people here I detest those who simply ask for answers which could have been obtained from the books or the internet had they done some research of their own.

However, it is quite a pity that some kids have to come here to get answers to elementary problems. I wonder if the classroom/teaching have been able to provide them adequate education. I mean, aren't the teachers approachable enough to go for help? Why do they need to come here in the first place?

Answer 4

There are some of us who enjoy helping students with their homework - it connects me with my former life as an educator. I share your concerns. That is why I, and I'm sure many others, never respond to questions whose only response can be an answer. There are students looking for "help" - as in suggestions on how to approach a problem, where to look for sources, etc. which I am happy to provide. There will always be students who look for others to do their work, and unfortunately in this place there are plenty of people willing to do it for them. That said, this problem is a lot older than the Internet. People should remember that this is "homework help" and not "homework answers".

Answer 5

It depends on what type of question you're responding to and the type of answer you're giving. Some answers have absolutely no learning value, such as giving the answer to a multiple choice question or "filling in the blanks" type questions.

But answers to certain types of questions can amount to a form of tutoring if the answer is given with a CONCISE explanation.

Also, some questions require extensive answers. Giving just enough of an answer might give the questioner a starting place for reasoning to the more complete answer.

But I agree with your premise: ultimately the student has to want to learn and actively engage in the learning process.

Answer 6

But really, do you actually check the homework or just check off that they turned in something.

I teach full time (special ed) and tutor and when I try to point out the incorrect problems, especially math, the students reply that it doesn't matter, because all the teacher does is check off that it was completed, not that it was correct......

At least here, there is an opportunity to explain it to them too.

For example, when helping with an algebra problem, explaining the why things are done, giving notations for each step.....

When helping with others, explaining where they can search for information......

It sure is better than having their parents pay 50 dollars to send them to a tutoring agency....

As for those that are doing it merely to escape the homework comepletely....thats what the wrong answers are for....they have no idea that they are wrong and then you can smell them and catch them which leaves us all happy.

Answer 7

I am a student and have asked many questions dealing with homework. Usually I ask because my teacher hasn't explained it well and I need another explanation, someone else's point of view. I don't ask questions just to get answers, I ask questions to understand.

Answer 8

As a teacher it is your responsibility to tell kids to do their own work and not rely on the internet for homework advice. I have noticed that maybe because they are too lazy. Also the grammar puncuation and spelling is very poor. American schools need to upgrade English classes. Yes I make mistakes too but that is due to the fact that I am new at the computer. You also need to advise students where to go for information if they are stuck.

Answer 9

If teachers could teach IN THE CLASSROOM, like they did when I was in school, you wouldn't find students trying to get answers from people online. When you shirk your responsibility to TEACH IN THE CLASSROOM, you are putting students in a position where they don't know what to do but cheat. Sorry, but it upsets me to see kids forced to put more hours into getting less education, and learning to cheat because they can't consult the teacher because they are expected to teach themselves at home.
I know that you personally didn't institute this policy. And maybe the kids really do need hours of daily make-work to keep them out of trouble nowadays.

Answer 10

he he, I try to help with homework, but without giving the answer. Check out my answers to homework help. Or if I feel they're really lost then I'll help them out but I'll explain throughly, not just do it for them and that's it.
I know if I was in their position I'd like somebody to do the same for me, because stuff can get confusing and sometimes you need other prespectives to get it, not just the same one over and over. And I really do feel they get something out of it. (but no, not those that just copy the anser)