To everyone answering questions here?

Question

This is the "Homework Help" section, not the "Homework Cheat" section. If all you're going to do is just give the answer, you might as well just offer to do it for them. When you answer a question, PLEASE explain the answer as well. Presumably, the questions are asked by people who actually want to learn. Giving them the answer without telling them where it comes from defeats that purpose quite handily.

And yes, I expect to be roundly ignored on this, but I had to try.

Wise Guy: You're absolutely right, and I try to ignore questions that seem to be more "do the work for me" than "teach me to do this". I think, though, that we have to give the benefit of the doubt in the questionable cases.

Answer 1

I agree. The asker has the choice of just writing the answer down, but if they care to learn, hopefully they'll read the answers from someone like you.

People can do whatever they want as long as it's within the guidelines set forth by Yahoo! Answers, but you're not helping anyone if you just give them the answers.

Again, I agree...you haven't been wholly ignored!

Answer 2

As a one time teacher I answer many questions on this section but not just to give answers. I usually explain the reasoning behind the answers or show calculations. Ultimately cheating reflects on the cheater and although the pupil may gain marks in the short term in the long run he/she will be the loser. I use to ask my pupils whether they wanted to grow up smart or dumb, the choice was theirs, and that there were many highly qualified men and women able and willing to impart knowledge to them. I explained that schooldays were unique and the only opportunity most would get to ensure that they could have a secure and happy future and enjoy life by having a deep understanding of everything about them and deriving pleasure from the world's riches.

Answer 3

Well said.
I have always refused to "do the homework" for someone rather than explaining it or providing an example or six.
I hope I have been consistent in this.
If I asked a question, of another sort, I would not be insulted if someone supplied me a website for research; but that person would not get 10 points unless they did more.
Let's keep Yahoo Answers for private experts, who genuinely know or those who want to have fun and make no bones about it.
The lazy-minded, the pretender to knowledge and other
such types do not belong here. Not sorry to say so.
And when you reward your best respondent--please, consider the sincerity, level of answer as well as its truth in picking a winning reply. It's the fun of tackling interesting or challenging questions that our best participants seek--as those who ask the questions want honest answers.
Thanks.

Answer 4

I explain how I get the answers I give. In my experience, test grades were weighted a lot more than homework grades, so if they're just copying down the answers they're not going to do well on the test, and will ultimately fail. If they are just looking for confirmation of an answer they're not sure about, it's perfect. If they're looking to figure something out, my explanation hopefully helps. If they're just looking to get a list of answers and turn it in, all the power to them - but I would like to see their grade at the end of the next test.

Answer 5

I agree with you, I spend a lot of time here and one the Mathematics sections, and I always try to explain how I got the answers, however, I don't think that every kid who asks a homework question wants to read the explanation, some just want the answer and nothing else, but i still try to explain it to them.

Answer 6

i agree, teach them to fish, dont just do it for them