About HomeworkLib
HomeworkLib is a free, open resource for the world that makes learning easier.
What if you had an amazing teacher by your side whenever you were trying to learn something?
We believe every student should feel that way. Great answers are the first step towards that goal. Whenever a student gets stuck, they deserve an answer that teaches them how to move forward. Together, we can build the resource they need.
In the service of that mission, the following principles guide our product and community:
We build for students
We focus on the student and seek to do what’s best for them. As the world changes, what we build will change to adapt; our mission will stay the same.
Everyone should have access
Great teaching & high-quality learning materials should be available to everyone, everywhere, for free. To that end, anyone can use, edit, and distribute HomeworkLib content via the cc by-sa 4.0 license.
Teaching. Not facts
HomeworkLib seeks to empower the world by providing access to content that teaches students how to think about and apply concepts so that they can go on to learn and excel as their pursuits increase in difficulty.
We are all teachers; we are all students
Learning is a lifelong journey we take together. Pedigree and experience don’t matter; a deep desire to learn and help others learn does. Anyone who shares this desire is welcome to contribute to HomeworkLib.
How to ask
• Keep it short and simple
Only include your exact question to get the most straightforward response—no need to add “thanks” or “please help!”
• Be clear and specific
What details can you include that will help someone understand and explain your question?
• Be genuine
Ask questions you’re genuinely trying to understand; don’t ask questions that distract from learning or intentionally start argumentative discussions.
• Write neatly
Correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation make a good first impression and let the answerer know you’re serious about learning.
• Respond to feedback
If someone asks for clarification on your question, make an effort to revise it—help them help you!
How to answer
So you’ve got knowledge to share and a passion for helping others—welcome to the club! Here’s how to spread the love in your answers:
1. Be clear, relevant, and helpful
Address the question that was asked as if you were sitting side-by-side with a student, explaining each step as you go
2. Focus on teaching
Don’t just give an answer; teach problem-solving and explain concepts so that students are empowered to answer similar questions in the future.
3. Start with a summary
Answers that begin with a clear, brief summary help students quickly decide whether your answer will help them.
4. Think about the future
Good answers are helpful to both the original asker and to anyone else who has the same question in the future—write for both!
5. Add formatting
Surround numbers and special characters with #’s to format them correctly—learn how here.
6. Include images and video
Students learn in different ways; set them up for success! Always explain in words as well, though.
The community agrees that the following behaviors distract from learning. Please don’t:
1. Copy-and-paste text from other sites
Your answers should be original (written by you). Borrowing small snippets from others is ok sometimes, but never reuse more than a sentence (even if you cite your source).
2. Use personal stories
Remember, it’s all about helping the student! Personal experiences can be alienating or confusing for students who don’t relate to them.
3. Have a conversation in the answer
That’s what comments are for! Don’t ask for clarification or include content that isn’t exclusively relevant to the question in your answer—this is distracting for readers who are trying to learn.
4. Spam or hawk
HomeworkLib is for learning, not promoting! You’re welcome to link to external sites, but an answer is not the place to advertise your own.
5. Use mature or offensive language
HomeworkLib is a safe learning environment for students of all ages—leave profanity and inappropriate language at the door.
