To teachers - do you realize how often your students are using yahoo answers....?

Question

To get answers for their homework?

I've seen kids ask questions in all areas of schooling - even some that seem to be in desperation mode - as if they are in the middle of actually taking a test while they ask the question.

Does this go un-noticed? Is this encouraged? Is this factored in when grades are given?

What's the deal from a teacher's perspective on this.

How about PDAs and cell phones? Those things can access the internet as well - not just computers.

Also, after class, you can't really control it can you?

Time to put it to a vote - lots of great answers.

To be honest, all I was really hoping for is to know teachers are aware and take the issue into account.

Looks like they do so thanks!

Answer 1

I am a teacher, and I do not let my students use computers when they are testing if I am not able to observe them directly.

I also like to answer those desperate questions with the wrong answers. Sometimes I give grossly wrong answers, and sometimes I try to make the answers plausible. But I think it must be hysterical when they actually believe the incorrect answer and therefore get it wrong on their test.

Answer 2

I am a teacher and I supply HOW to get the answer rather than the answer. I wish more of my students showed the initiative to use yahoo answers. I am aware that once an assignment leaves my classroom I have no guarantee that it was my student who did the work. For that reason I give very little homework. I evaluate my students in class, give daily quizzes and unit tests. Students are not allowed to have PDA's or cell phones in the classroom.

Answer 3

i am not a teacher but this is a great question. i am a student and i have seen many kids ask questions about homework on yahoo answers.. i dont use it for school work though because i don't know if the information they are giving me correct. but i think that it is sort of nice though because you could ask and compare answers people give and then ask your teacher if any of them are the correct way to do the problem. but sometimes i think that people are just way too lazy to do their work and learn it. again this was a great question.

Answer 4

Hey, Justin. I'm not a teacher, but this is a great question. I've seen many such questions myself, and so many people are actually willing to do their work for them. Some just ask for all the answers, but some ask for advice as if they are asking a tutor. The only problem is, they may be receiving answers from someone who is no more well-informed than they are on the subject.

Answer 5

My opinion - students who look info up on the internet are gamblers. The info might be wrong.
Teachers can't police dishonesty in their classrooms or on the internet. Students are required to turn cellphones are turned off in schools but they don't always comply. Teachers try to give students the motivation to learn because they are interested in what is being studied.

I caught a student cheating during an exam. He was so obvious and callous about cheating that I turned him in to the principal. In another case, I might try talking with the student to work out a discipline plan before reporting him/ her. That student ended up with a failing grade. Nobody wins.

Answer 6

Oh yeah,
I've busted my share of students on PDA's and cellphones. They get the goods confiscated, get sent to the dean, and earn a juicy "F" on the whole assignment.

It's especially sad for them, socially, because I'm old, hard of hearing (a souvenir of my prior military service), and not so quick on my feet. The students seem to get a kick out of the times when I actually catch the kids cheating.

I don't LIKE to do this, I would much rather that my students EARN their grades.

They're warned many times to refrain from such things, but sometimes they just can't resist.

"Ya pays yer money, and ya takes yer chances..."

Answer 7

I do not allow pda's or cell phones to be on in my classroom. I have taught all grades and quite frankly all I care about is that my students learn. I expect them to avoid plagerism. If they can find an answer on Yahoo and learn from it then more power to them. I only care that they learn the material. Everyone learns differently, using the net is good for visual and kinesthetic learners.

Answer 8

You better believe teachers notice. (I do.) Students should be more careful because this sort of thing is dishonest and could get them in trouble academically.