Could I get a comparision between TT and VT?

[Chris in CA]

This would be for my gifted writer, who dislikes math

she gets good grades, but takes a very long time to learn a concept and quickly forgets it

I know about each program and have seen the samples, but I'm curious as to scope and sequence. We are looking for Pre-algebra/algebra and up.

 

thanks

 

btw - could you speak slowly/in layman's language : ) , IOW my dd gets her math genes from me

[Linda in NM]

We used TT for pre-algebra--it was very easy for my math-brained son. We're using VT for algebra--he's thriving. Not sure if the scope and sequence had anything to do with it...TT works on the computer, with detailed solutions (which my son did not need)...VT has varied problems, with short chunks of video instruction.

[ccm]

http://www.videotext.com/VideoText%20Interactive/AlgebraSchematic.pdf

 

HTH!

[Chris in CA]

As stated before I am not a math person, we struggled with CD pre-algebra because of long lectures and a college level text. This dd needs repetition, clear instruction, and short lessons. She can grasp a concept, but it doesn't stay with her very easily. Would VT work with this type of learner in your opinion? I appreciate your post because you have used both TT and VT. I hesitate to use TT because of what I've heard here about it, I want her to get it, but not at the expense of her not learning what she needs to learn, KWIM?

thanks so much

[Chris in CA]

thanks for the link!

[Grace is Sufficient]

This dd needs repetition, clear instruction, and short lessons. She can grasp a concept, but it doesn't stay with her very easily. Would VT work with this type of learner in your opinion?

 

VT has clear instruction and short lessons, but lack of repetition/review is probably a weakness. Of course, since it teaches in a 'one concept builds on the previous' manner, much review is automatic. In addition, there are review lessons in the quiz/test book. However, I would recommend adding in your own review, simply by taking a day every once in a while to assign problems from old lessons with concepts you think might need reviewing.

 

I think VT is excellent, btw. My 9th grade son is finishing his second year with the Algebra program, and my 8th grade daughter is in the first year. I'm looking forward to starting the Geometry program with ds next year.

 

HTH

[Tullia]

The lessons are short; around 15 minutes even with the frequent pauses for discussion suggested in the instructions. The sequence of lessons is comprehensible both for me and my ds, and each lesson's tie-in to previous lessons is either explained in the lesson or can be inferred (even for the non-mathy parent) from looking at the scope and sequence page.

 

The lessons start with a module that reviews basic arithmetic and properties which, btw, are revisited in their geometry program. It teaches general problem-solving techniques which are expanded incrementally in later modules.

 

I don't think that the problems have either the sheer number or the depth that you will find in the "mathy" texts often talked about here, but we are satisfed with the results. Ds took the PSAT last fall. His math scores weren't stellar, but he is "out of sequence" with regard to math and works slowly. Neither of those reasons have anything to do with VT. He did well on the arithmetic/algebra portions of the PSAT.

 

From the hints I've gleaned in watching the Chalkdust SAT prep dvd's the explanations taught in VT seem to line up with those from Chalkdust, for whatever that's worth.

 

I don't know enough about TT to compare the two.

 

HTH,

Martha

 

PS I should add that this year in physics, ds has demonstrated that he's capable of applying what he learned in algebra to the admittedly simple problems found in the physics text. Also, he had no problems with the math parts of introductory chemistry the year before. YMMV, of course!

[Guest Katia]

I can't compare with VT, but we use TT and love it. I do not have a math bone in my body and TT has been wonderful for us. I do use Life of Fred as a fun supplement to go along with TT, and sometimes I wonder if our main math program is TT or LOF :001_smile: My girls say it is LOF.

 

The only thing I would caution you, in regards to TT levels, is to think one level below what the title on the text says. If TT says "Algebra 1" think: Pre-Algebra. It it says "Algebra 2" think" "Algebra 1", etc, right on down the line. So, even though TT says they go through Trig/PreCalc, as far as I'm concerned it is an "Algebra 2" text, mixed, of course, with our favorite Life of Fred Advanced Algebra. Otherwise, I think this is a terrific program. Interesting, well-explained and great author support.

 

Not to mess you up, but to give you another option to look at; I hear that Math Relief is a very good algebra program that explains things well, too. I hadn't heard about it until we had already purchased TT. But, you might want to check that out as well.

 

VT looks and sounds great, but when my dd looked at it, it just didn't "fit". I'm glad there as so many programs from which to choose. Hope you find the one that works for your dd.

[5sweeties]

My daughter is also a gifted writer and a a math hater! She has always done very well in math, but it is not something that she enjoys at all. We tried TT Algebra 1 for the majority of the year, and she was completely frustrated with the program. She didn't feel like things were explained well enough for her liking (she feels that a better understanding of the "why's" of algebra help her remember and understand everything better). She also wasn't held as accountable for mastery, before moving on.

 

With VT, which she is now on Module B, things are very different. She doesn't move on unless she scores an 85% or above. (My rules.) Every day she takes the test from the material from the day before (usually scoring 100%...which is nice, because I know her understanding is better than with TT) and then does the lesson for that day. Some days, when she is working with material that she has previously covered in other math programs, she will do 2 lessons for that day.

 

Anyway, she is doing very, very well. Better yet, she is happy about math and feels like she has a handle on it. Her frustration level is way down, and I'm seeing my child feel a sense of pride in her understanding and a job well done. It is a great feeling!

 

As a side note...I have always been a math phobic, and have been amazed at what I have learned as I have watched the program over her shoulder!

[Chris in CA]

Thanks so much, I think we have alot in common on the math side of things : )

Do you make up the test from the material the day before, or does VT provide that?

Also, if you don't mind did your dd start the Algebra program in 8th or 9th? I'm trying to decide whether we should have one more year of Rod & Staff (in 8th) or go to VT. After a failed attempt with Chalkdust this year, I'm hesitant to switch too early.

thanks

[Chris in CA]

Thank you!

Do you use the aditional problems on the website, if so are they helpful?

[Chris in CA]

You know anything that could teach me algebra, would be wonderful for her, we are very similar in styles of learning. So far, I was completely lost with CD, hopefully VT would be a different story, glad you added that you have been able to learn as well : )

[Chris in CA]

Oh, no! Don't give me another alternative.....

: )

[Grace is Sufficient]

Thank you!

Do you use the aditional problems on the website, if so are they helpful?

 

I do use them, though not all of them. Every few months, I go through and pick out a day or two's worth of problems and have him solve them. The one problem with the extra practice problems is that the answers are given but *not* worked out. This isn't as much of a problem for me as it used to be. VT has taught me algebra well enough that I can often figure it out, but not always. (I've been struggling since we started Unit IX -- I missed several lessons at the beginning of the unit, and have gotten completely lost. I just need to sit down and watch them all, I guess!)

 

HTH

[Chris in CA]

Thanks for the info. I didn't realize that hte extra practice problems were not completely worked out. The regular assignment problems from the text are worked out completely, right?

I thought I saw that on their website, but I just want to make sure, because for us that would be very important.

thanks

[Grace is Sufficient]

Thanks for the info. I didn't realize that hte extra practice problems were not completely worked out. The regular assignment problems from the text are worked out completely, right?

I thought I saw that on their website, but I just want to make sure, because for us that would be very important.

thanks

 

That's also very important for me. I've used other curricula with solutions included, but haven't always been able to follow them. These show every tiny step it takes to solve the problem, and I've never had a problem understanding it.

[Chris in CA]

Great news, thanks so much for your time

[Sandy in KY]

My 9th grade son is finishing VT, and it has worked very well for him. He is planning on pursuing engineering and his Chemical engineer father has been satisfied with the curriculum as well. I am planning on continuing VT Geometry with him.

 

My non-mathy daughter is finishing TT Pre-Algebra. She is doing much better with TT and has asked to stay with it. (We were using Saxon previously, and all the kids hated it.) I am pretty sure she would hate VT, as it is very traditional in its approach. TT feels very "friendly" to kids who have learned to be afraid of math.

 

My "mathy" 5th grader is currently in TT 6 and enjoys the independence it gives him. I will let him do TT7 next year, but because he will probably go into a science field, I will move him to VT for Pre-algebra.

 

My personal opinion is that TT is wonderful for kids who have struggled with more traditional math programs. It moves slower than traditional programs, which is why my son is in TT6 rather than TT5. So what if it isn't as "rigorous"? I'd rather have my daughter (who is not at all interested in a science career) understand and enjoy math at a slower pace than struggle to keep up in a curriculum that moves too fast for her. On the other hand, I think VT is great for kids who catch math concepts quickly, and I am confident that my son is well prepared for his standardized tests this spring.