How do I effectively use the homework help section on PF?

[ShaunG123]

hi I am new need some help with homework

 

[fresh_42]

Hello and

No problem, we have several homework forums for any kind of STEM questions. Just make sure to fill out the automatically inserted template and especially part 3 where you show us your efforts so far. "No clue" isn't acceptable, since we want to teach, not solve. But teaching requires a bit of communication and some hints from your part where the problem actually is. We think that this helps more in the long run than a fast complete answer will do, since people don't learn as easy and as much from answers as they do, when they discover the answer by themselves, but don't be afraid: we will guide and correct you!

In any case, stay curious and have fun!

 

[ShaunG123]

that sounds great! and sorry but what is the automatically inserted template.

 

[fresh_42]

that sounds great! and sorry but what is the automatically inserted template.

It's a form: problem statement - relevant equations - attempt at a solution.
It really helps a lot and makes reading easier, which makes answers more likely.

At its core one part of PF besides discussions about science is a free tutorium. Members can find assistance to solve their exercices. The difficulty in comparison to a real world tutorium is, that we first have to figure out where people stand, what their language is (i.e. how they write and define certain things as e.g. $f\,'(x)$ or $y'$ or $\dfrac{df}{dx}$ or whatever.) Otherwise we would endlessly talk at different levels or use different conventions. So the relatively small effort to fill out the template saves a lot of time afterwards.

People often think they only need to post the question and will get an answer. The reason why we do not answer to such posts is: And tomorrow? In the exam? Who will then solve your problem? The "attempt at a solution" part is especially important for us, since it is a measure whether someone seriously wants to learn something or just wants to get his/her homework done. I'm telling you this, and hope that others will read it, too, because people are often disappointed by this rules; an attitude I cannot understand. What does a qualified lesson at home by a student or a teacher usually cost? And here it is for free!

I hope I haven't scared you. The opportunities to effectively learn something are many on PF! I hope you will find out and as mentioned: have fun while learning!