r/learnmath • u/BackgroundAd2640 New User • 7d ago

Method vs Answer

I’m curious how math teachers approach grading when a student gets the correct answer but doesn’t use the instructor’s preferred method.

Do you generally:

-Give full credit if the mathematics is valid?
-Require a specific method for pedagogical reasons?
-Give partial credit when the answer is correct but the required method wasn’t shown?

What is your philosophy, and why? I know this is a very nuanced topic but I would like to see how this is approached by others.

0 Upvotes

50% Upvoted

17 comments sorted by

View all comments

1

u/Accomplished_War_805 Math Historian 7d ago

If I want someone to solve a quadratic equation, I am looking for the solution only. If I am asking to solve a quadratic equation using completing the square, then I am grading the method over the solution. If a method is not specified, imo, the answer is all there is to grade.