Algebra 1 (Foerster) & Math Without Borders Question

[Ms Brooks]

Foerster, Algebra 1 question:

 

 Do I really need Math Without Borders or is buying the solutions manual enough? DD struggled through Singapore's Dimensions Math at the beginning of last year, but by the end of the year her troubles were over. We only had the solutions from the text to guide us. I like the idea of Math Without Borders, but do I need the solutions manual too, or is the solutions manual more valuable than Math Without Borders ?? :huh: Thanks for your insight.

[Haiku]

Just as an aside, I almost didn't read/answer your question because the font you chose is so hard to read. You may want to use a more conventional font.

 

Unless you feel confident teaching algebra, I suggest both Math Without Borders and the solution guide. David Chandler teaches actual lessons, and my dd would not have been able to learn algebra just from reading the book. When we used MWB, it did not contain any video solutions. Now it does for the problems he assigns. Since we often used more problems than he assigned (for review and extra practice), I would have wanted the solutions for all the problems. Plus, the solutions guide includes the solutions for the chapter reviews/tests, which, IMO, are necessary.

[MinivanMom]

We have found the solutions manual to be enough, but I enjoy teaching algebra. I think it depends on how comfortable you are teaching algebra concepts and working through those trickier word problems.

 

Personally, I wouldn't be comfortable just handing a student the Foerster's text and expecting them to self-teach. 

[TracyP]

We have found the teaching in the text to be enough on its own. It definitely depends on the student though. My dd does not generally like sitting for a video lesson - she would much rather read it on her own.

 

The back of the book has answers to the odds. That has worked okay for us, but in hindsight I wish I had the solution manual.

[Ms Brooks]

thanks!