DO you think students are misusing this place to get their assignments done?

Question

I am not saying asking people for help is wrong, please be clear about that.
I am referring to students who simply paste their assignments here and ask for solutions.
I also think the people solving these equations entirely are perhaps more to blame.
The right thing to do is provide productive assistance instead of 'doing the homework'.
Kindly post your take on this.

Answer 1

we should answer the questions incorrectly and hopefully they'll stop. but yeah, i agree. although i would never pursue it b/c its a public forum and everyone should be allowed to ask what they want, even if its offensive.

Answer 2

Personally, I think cheating via the Internet presents a strong case for assessment by exam.

But, to answer your question:
Yes, students do take advantage of YA by posting homework questions.
Yes, those that answer these students do contribute to the problem.
I try to only answer sincere questions and avoid the obvious cut and paste questions.

However, there can sometimes be legitimate reasons why some would cut and paste a question. For example, some students will only cut and paste their most difficult problems. Others, in the case of math/physics questions, just want clear setting out of steps in order to solve similar problems. In the case of English/History questions, some want an initial guide on how best to approach a question. Others, unfortunately, use YA as a substitute for inept teaching.

Answer 3

True, noticed that quite a bit. And my opinion is that constructive assistance beats giving just the answer away. My doubt is should the assistance explain everything and then give the answer away. Thats a debate in its own.
Helping students skip their assignment work just beats the system and doesnt help anyone (except the poster who get 2 points and maybe 10 for best).

Answer 4

I think that asking for help is fine and to be expected. Sometimes, just having others do your assignment is how people want to do it and we can't stop them. But, part of the homework thing is to learn by yourself and to not need others to do your work for you. Maybe people wouldn't do that if there was a little more work ethic instilled in people, and honesty was a virtue, maybe not. All I know is the only way to stop it is to not respond to their questions.

Answer 5

Hey ever hear that song with the lyrics "oh I get by with a little help from my friends" lol

I guess a question here and there is no big deal, but every single time from one person, yeah, that would tend to get somewhat tiring.

I just ignore those question myself. If it bothers you so much, just skip the question.

Answer 6

I definitely agree. I saw one question that had parts a, b, c, d, etc. and SPECIFIC instructions. I help some of the people, but I help them by telling them what to do and maybe work one example. No one did my homework for me so Im not going to do anyone elses.

Answer 7

I agree with you 100% Have you noticed how many question about math problems, history, language and translation are posted in here every day? The thing they don't realize is that they aren't fouling the teachers, they are fouling their own selves.

Answer 8

I don't mind helping students in their Math and English questions.
Maybe their parents is not around to help them with their homework.
At least they are doing their homework. The worst is when they don't do it.

Answer 9

Yes, but if the students are brave enough to take info that will affect their grade from strangers, then they are in trouble- deep trouble.

Answer 10

I totally agree with you. I don't respond to any of those questions unless there is a way for me to lead them to the answer.