What is the most useful type of reply? And how can participants encourage learning and not answer grubbing?

Question

geometry_hater · Answer

If you're talking about how to reply to a question i would say answer it so that the asker will slowly get to the answer (don't just give away the answer flatly).


That's the best way to encourage people here to learn instead of answer grubbing.

sasogeek · Answer

the most useful type of reply is the type of reply where you don't answer a question. you make a discussion out of it and engage the asker such that the asker will know HOW to arrive at the answer at the end of the day (even if it takes 5 hours (I've been there before) )

:)

anonymous · Answer

I agree with sasogeek. Answers that encourage discussion and more importantly critical thinking in learners. For example in a multiple choice science question I like to provide an explanation of facts regarding that topic. Something to get the asker to think about and derive the answer from. I think that actually aids in there understanding. Obviously just providing an answer doesn't really do too much.