Question

I understand that the 'good question' feature is a work in progress, yet still I must admit that I am a bit disappointed with its current status. Because it equates to a 'good answer' as far as the asker is concerned, it really has no bearing on the quality of the question.

Answer 1

Suggestions:
1) Having the good question marker act as a score multiplier only.
2) Having the good question feature give points to that asker as a 'good student'. In other words separating ones level as a tutor, and that of a student.
i.e. I can be a tutor level 15 and a student level 3, depending on how many questions answered well and asked well respectively.
I know this adaptation would be a major undertaking, but I just wanted to put the idea out for future reference.

Answer 2

I think it sounds good turing. Openstudy could probably tell more to people about each individual that way. So if someone wanted to show how much they helped to a possible college, they could. The college could look at the tutoring level. It doesn't hurt to ask questions either. But having a high tutoring level could mean you are smart. Maybe someone is bad at taking tests like the ACT or something. Maybe they could better prove to a college by this nontraditional way. And I know probably most colleges won't accept this, but it is worth a shot. Maybe if openstudy becomes even more popular with staff and faculty of colleges like MIT or whatever else is consider a popular college, then maybe new ways of showing one is smart or worthy of a scholarship might be accepted like the way that openstudy could offer.
I would like to know what Preetha thinks about this. She is a top educator and really up in the ladder of leadership I believe.

Answer 3

And what I mean by when I say I wonder what Preetha would think of this is:
I wonder if Preetha thinks that colleges could think differently and not so much inside the box. Like is it possible to consider other factors besides ACT or SAT scores?

Answer 4

Turing and Myin, Great discussion. We are looking for ways to reward the good learner and the good teacher. Also looking to see if we can determine the level of hardness of the question to also report on the level of hardness of an answer. IF Myin asks a question on cryptography and you answer it, that should count as a higher level of expertise in math. So yes, thinking about this a lot. And your feedback helps.

Answer 5

As for the value, I think there is value in all this to the individual in their career/education path. There is a tremendous value to a company or university in hiring someone who can tackle hard problems, articulate clear answers and deal with people well. Companies call them soft skills. Universities call them other things, since universities don't like to call them what companies call them.
But anyone knows these are the skills that help you do well in life and everyone wants them in their students or employees. What we have created here is a way to reach out to kids and actually guide them and mentor them towards better skills. We have people like you, Turing and Myin, and many others who are giving little guiding lessons, mini lessons, a small course correction, but it can be effective. So it is very exciting.

Answer 6

Great idea TuringTest and very thoughtful responses from both myininaya and Preetha.