I sometimes get the feeling that we're not helping them, because it's like we're doing their homework for them, and they still won't know how to do it themselves. Does anyone else ever feel that way?
2007-05-26 06:18:07 · 14 answers · asked by Steve 6 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Mathematics
I agree. I think that it is important to demonstrate how the answer was arrived at and also, what other methods might just be used. By just giving the answer, it may get the problem correct but the one asking the question doesn't know how to do the problem, so the situation has not been helped. The student should always have to show his/her work in order to get credit. It is the thinking process that is important, not necessarily the answer.
2007-05-26 06:25:16 · answer #1 · answered by Mary B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I very much agree. If someone posts a single math question, I will typically explain how the problem is done, and sometimes I will work it through to where it relies only on simpler techniques. If someone posts multiple questions of the same type, I will usually work one problem all the way through so they can see how to do the others.
In general, though, if someone chooses to rely on an internet community to do his or her homework, I can't say that I really feel too bad about not really helping them learn anything.
2007-05-26 13:21:48 · answer #2 · answered by DavidK93 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In a way yes, but by leading them through that question, the next time they approach a similar question, they will know how to solve it. FOr example, if you ask on Yahoo! Answer:
What is the sum of 1+4? Someone says 5. Next time when they see 2+3, they will know that equals 5 as well.
2007-05-26 13:42:06 · answer #3 · answered by bob 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not if the answer is well explained, so that the student understands the concepts and will be able to apply them again in the future. I have learnt as much from online forums as from my tutors.
2007-05-26 17:20:59 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with you Steve. We need to teach. And this is a nice forum where we do not spend all our time testing as some schools do--we spend our time teaching. Let's create a motto and maybe some teachers will get it: Teach, don't test!
(At least they may balance it out, how about 90% teaching and 10% testing.)
2007-05-26 13:51:07 · answer #5 · answered by cicero 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. some cases this may be true. but if you tell them all the steps some people can pick up on how to do it, and you can help them do other problems that way.
2007-05-26 13:21:24 · answer #6 · answered by chetzel 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I feel the same way. But, some people have to take math to get through school. They will be hair stylists or letter cariers when they start working, If it helps them get through school, then I like to help them.
2007-05-26 13:23:42 · answer #7 · answered by John S 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
That is why I never post the solution solely. I describe every step to get to a solution. Otherwise I'm not helping.
2007-05-26 13:22:39 · answer #8 · answered by Johan 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you have a very good point, but we can't just ignore it because they will learn to ask for the work as well, I think we should show them the work and make them do the calculations to get the answers.
2007-05-26 13:22:22 · answer #9 · answered by T Hobbes 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, sometimes I do feel that way.
2007-05-26 13:39:01 · answer #10 · answered by tta r 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋