Making Live Help Better: A 50-Character Minimum
Kathryn S
I propose we implement a 50-character minimum for questions posted in the Live Help section, as this small change could have a transformative effect on the tutoring process. Currently, many students submit vague queries such as “need help with math homework,” or “I need to score higher on my SAT,” and even “I need help with these questions” without any other context. These broad requests often leave tutors guessing about what specific assistance is required, especially since not every tutor is certified in every area of a course. By encouraging students to provide a bit more detail, we can ensure they express their needs more clearly, which in turn allows them to receive timely and relevant help.
I've observed that tutors frequently have to ask follow-up questions to clarify exactly what learners are struggling with, and this back-and-forth can significantly delay assistance. For instance, a question like “I need help with plotting coordinates on the coordinate plane for my math homework” offers important context right from the start, allowing our tutors to prepare and respond more effectively. This clarity not only will improve the tutoring experience for both parties but also may promote more efficient learning.
By introducing this character minimum, we can create more focused interactions that truly address what students need. It allows tutors to provide targeted support and empowers students to get help for their specific challenges quickly. This small change could really enhance the overall learning experience, helping students thrive and making the most of our tutors' expertise.
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Benjy Z
I completely disagree with this. This would dissuade students from submitting questions in the first place. Most people just don't want to bother with something like that, or frankly, don't know what type of help they even need- that's the tutor's job to figure out.
Kathryn S
Benjy Z Hey Benjy, hope you’re doing well! I appreciate the time you took to share your thoughts on this! ☺️
I understand where you're coming from, but the challenge we sometimes face with those really short, vague questions is that they can leave tutors guessing and deciphering intent instead of delivering instruction more quickly. By implementing a 50‑character minimum, we encourage students to include at least one concrete detail—like the general topic they’re working on or the specific problem they’re facing. This isn’t a barrier; it’s more of a filter that would more efficiently connect each request with the tutor’s expertise and thus improve our interactions, even by the slightest bit!
Because the extra characters are only a modest requirement, they probably wouldn’t feel like a hurdle; they simply encourage learners to think briefly about what they need before hitting “send.” Most students already have a question in mind, and adding a few words (e.g., “trigonometric identity for solving sin θ”) takes seconds. The potential of this idea is faster, more relevant answers, which actually could make learners more willing to post because they see quicker, spot‑on support rather than a prolonged back‑and‑forth.
By asking for just a bit more specificity, we could improve the outcomes for our learners and create a win‑win for everyone. Again, thanks so much for sharing your ideas, Benjy! Have a nice day!!!