Looking at Foerster for Algebra I

[jnkrim]

I know there are helpful DVDs out there, but if we just wanted to use the textbook, would the teacher's edition be helpful too?  I was thinking of getting the solutions manual and the test book and just teaching from the student text.  Thanks!

[Momling]

I haven't used a teachers guide with Foersters, so I'm not sure what's in it. Generally, the way I teach math with Foersters is to start by having my daughter fix errors from the previous days work. Then while she's doing that I read through the next lesson and then summarize it for her. If there's a new formula or axiom or vocabulary, I'll have her write it down in her notebook. Then we do the sample problems together and check the work. I often have her do the oral problems, then I assign the regular problems for her to work on (usually odds or evens or every third). I let her work on it, but check in after the first ones to make sure she's on the right track. Math takes us 1.5-2 hrs. It's a bit long, but then I figure that an hour lesson plus 30-60 min of homework is pretty common for algebra, so maybe it's all right. The solutions manual makes grading easier, but you could probably do without it if necessary. I don't have a test book. Instead, I just use the chapter reviews as chapter tests.

[Sunshine State Sue]

I bought the TM in addition to the student text and solution manual because I like all the help I can get, but many, many people do without it.  I did not buy any tests.

 

The TM has suggested homework assignments (which we didn't use), pacing information, and the answers to each problem.  Ds did the evens or odds in each section and ALL the word problems.

[Penguin]

We are using the textbook and the solution manual.

 

This is our routine:

 

He reads the text.

We do all of the oral practice.

He works the odds.

I assign ALL of the review problems.

I might assign something to the math notebook (axioms, vocab, etc.)

 

 

There is quite a bit of discussion along the route :)

 

HTH

[Half-Elven]

We use the textbook and solutions manual.  My daughter did Singapore Math 7 last year, it had pre-algebra and algebra concepts in it.  Since we are just in the first semester this year, most of it is still review. 

 

I let her read it on her own, she is 13 and in the 8th grade.  Then she does the lesson.  I correct it, then discuss any issues.

 

Foerster explains it well, I have not needed the Teacher's Manual.

 

[fourartsymonkeys]

Math takes us 1.5-2 hrs. It's a bit long, but then I figure that an hour lesson plus 30-60 min of homework is pretty common for algebra, so maybe it's all right.

Is an hour or two typical for those doing Forester Algebra? My son started it this year and it takes him MUCH longer and he is only doing the odd problems. He understand all of it really well but it still takes him forever. I'm trying to figure out if it is a focus problem or writing problem or what.

 

I'm thinking Algebra I will take at least two years to complete at this rate.

[Sunshine State Sue]

Is an hour or two typical for those doing Forester Algebra?

 

My son used Foerster's in 8th grade after having completed MUS Algebra + LoF Algebra in 7th grade (if I had a second chance, I would have used MUS Algebra + Patty Paper Geometry instead).  He is a strong math student.  He also is quick but not thorough, iykwim.  He rarely spent more than an hour.  Sometimes, we would set the timer and he would be able to stop after an hour. 

 

Especially as a first exposure to Algebra, I would think that it would be fine to spend 1.5 - 2 years with it.

 

[Elisabet1]

I am not using the TM right now. I would like it, but only for the answer key. I love the algebra, I have never needed the videos.

[Sunnybuddy]

I got the videos, but we are in chapter 4 and have only watched one, so far. Foerster does a great job at explaining.

My daughter will read through it on her own and I have her write down all definitions as she goes through. After she does her problems we go over everything she has done together.

[Woodland Mist Academy]

I've been trying to find sample pages of Foerster Algebra 1. I've only been able to find the TOC and 1 other page. Does anyone know of a site that shows a few pages or maybe even a whole lesson?

[texasmama]

We are using Foerster's Algebra this year (with older ds).  I didn't even know videos existed. lol  Link, please? 

 

We are using the student text and the Teacher's Edition text (with the answers and helpful hints on how to teach the concepts in the margins).  I like the text very well, and it is working well for my ds.

 

Woodland Mist, if you want me to take some pictures of the text and send them to you, I am glad to do so.  Just pm me your phone number.

[Gratia271]

It is David Chandler's site here