Is videotext really high school level?

[rwalizer]

So far we are exactly 50% through and it hasn't been too tough. Is this because the way it is taught makes it easier? Is it going to get much harder as we move along? I seem to remember algebra being much harder.

[LoriM]

You might be smarter now. :)

 

Seriously, the first time you encounter Algebra, you aren't really mature enough to think as abstractly as you need for some algebraic concepts. Yes, Videotext does spell things out nicely, but even so, some less-abstract-thinkers find it challenging. (And would probably roll their eyes and think you rude to say, "Gee, Algebra isn't so hard...why can't you get it?" LOL!)

 

It is certainly a high school level text. No math gets "harder as we move along" if it is taught well. Math is a set of skills, and a way of training your brain to think. If you know how to do the prerequisite skills well, and are taught clearly what to do in the next thing...well, you can go just as far as you like in math.

 

My dd graduates in December with a degree in mathematics at age 20, and was a 13yo who "hated math" and "just didn't get it." So we backed up to the parts she did get, and then pressed forward again. I think we did that forward and back shuffle two or three other times in her study of mathematics. Then she hit college, and all bets were off. :)

 

Enjoy the journey, and don't be afraid to retrace your steps to get clearer footing.

[mcconnellboys]

Yes, I do believe it's simpler because of how it's written. But also, as Lori said, even then it can be difficult for some who find abstract thought difficult. Or, even for some right-brained kids, such as my older son, who can breeze through geometry, but continue to have difficulty with algebra over the years.

 

My son did not have much difficulty with the first three modules, which make up Algebra I. I believe it began to get more difficult for him near the end of the third module. He experienced some periodic difficulty throughout the second year's work - but breezed through the last module which I thought might be most difficult (more geometry related work).

[Linda in NM]

My son (at barely 14) had trouble with Module A, so I got him Skiquations (software on slopes) and he breezed through B and C...I tend to think of Piaget in these situations, and wonder where he is on the continuum of concrete vs. formal operations...