Are solution manuals detrimental to student learning?

Abstract

Homework has traditionally been the essential part of student learning, especially in engineering education. However, the availability of solution manuals has affected this, as it now takes just a few minutes to find solutions for specific homework problems on the internet. There are a number of papers reporting the effects of solution manuals on students' learning. Some of these reports argue that the availability of solution manuals has adversely affected student learning. Yet, there are two subjects in this area that have not been emphasized: students' perspectives toward solution manuals and the best options for instructors. Two surveys, one for students and one for faculty, were designed and submitted to the members of the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. A total of 337 responses from students and 37 responses from faculty were received. According to the results of the collected survey, the majority of respondents believe that solution manuals help them to be more motivated, learn at a deeper level, and earn better grades. Faculty survey results also show that solution manuals can be helpful if they are used properly. This paper describes the results of the data collection.