It seems many students,especially many middle school students use this web site to finish their homework, but not do it by themselves.

Question

shrutipande9 · Answer

i agree...but the rule of openstudy is that the helper never gives direct answers to their questions....the helper always should try to explain and clear their concepts..:D

blues · Answer

The rules are that tutors can provide assistance but not direct answers. They are supposed to respond by figuring out what the person does not understand about the problem, and then providing the asker with enough information or assistance to solve the problem themselves.

Honestly, there is always going to be a grey area associated with this. Just as there is always going to be a grey area with four kids in the same class doing their homework together. Or four scientists comparing notes and talking about what their results mean in real life. It is a very thin line between 'cheating' and 'collaboration.'

And as realists we don't just immediately suspend or run off everyone who comes to this site for answers or everyone who gives them because people improve. The askers improve their study skills and the tutors figure out how to teach. It is a learning site, after all.

theviper · Answer

http://openstudy.com/code-of-conduct

e.mccormick · Answer

One of the things we regularly do is try to nudge people into a more proper use of the site.  No system of helping people is ever going to be perfect.  If you don't let people ask about the things they don't understand, how will they learn?  At the same time, many helpers need to learn what is really helping and what is doing work for someone else.