Ways to differentiate homework/textbook questions from regular questions

[moonman239]

As stated, here are a couple ways to differentiate homework- and textbook-style questions:

1) Have users put a phrase like (not for homework/textbook) in the thread title.

2) Place a checkmark before the Submit Thread button thart says,"This thread is not a homework or textbook-related question.". Require that users check this mark before their thread is posted.

 

[Redbelly98]

My opinion, not an official forum policy:

Just saying your question is not a homework or other textbook-style exercise may not be enough. I recommend saying why you are asking the question. Letting others in on your motive can help people give a more appropriate answer -- i.e. at the proper level, giving/withholding the right amount of help, or pointing you to a suitable reference.

 

[Moonbear]

Note that the HW forum is for homework and textbook-like questions. Generally, even if it is not meant for a homework assignment, if someone is asking those types of questions, they will get the same benefit of it being treated like a HW question as those who are actually doing it for HW.

 

[Studiot]

Letting others in on your motive can help people give a more appropriate answer -- i.e. at the proper level, giving/withholding the right amount of help, or pointing you to a suitable reference.

Could I suggest this as a nearly perfect model for both questioner information and answer?

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=411865

Look how short and sweet it is.

 

[ZapperZ]

We had already addressed similar issues on this in another thread:

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=373889

I've offered my response there, and it appears to be relevant for this one as well.

Zz.