Math Forum Discussions

marjon@ix.netcom.com

Posts: 12
Registered: 12/6/04

Re: posing calculus problems
Posted: Nov 9, 1998 6:38 PM

Plain Text

What is wrong with replying to the student with one or more "have you
tried..." suggestions that might give some guidance.

However, this list was set up for discussions among faculty about
professional concerns. It is thus an inappropriate place for assisting
students with specific problems. If I read the header correctly in the
original message, it came from Matt Kawski, hardly a student. If so, I
believe it was intended to raise an issue not seek an answer to a
problem. My response to that issue is that those who are interested
should set up a listserv where students can come for questions about
homework etc.

Kathy Acks wrote:
>
> If the student asking the question, posed the question and then stated what he had
> tried to do that didn't work, I would be willing to give a hint. But I think it
> is important that student makes a stab before jumping on the computer and getting
> answer. Some calc classes now have chat rooms, where students in the class can
> ask each other for help. I think that makes more sense than professors giving
> answers rather than hints.
>
> Aloha Kate
>
> LnMcmullin@AOL.COM wrote:
>
> > In a message dated 11/5/98 19:03:02 Eastern Standard Time, John.Hagood@nau.edu
> > writes:
> >
> > << I suggest that in light of recent postings of what appear to be homework
> > problems we discourage the posting [and solving!] on the calc-reform
> > network of problems that may be part of a class assignment unless the
> > poster has a point to make with the problem.
> > >>
> >
> > I disagree. Homework help via the Internet is a good thing -- perhaps not the
> > purpose of this list but hey.
> >
> > Several answers to a question will no doubt be different and that in itself is
> > instructive and will help the poster and perhaps his class learn more.
> >
> > IMHO anyway.
> >
> > Lin McMullin
> > Ballston Spa, NY