Nemom Posted November 15, 2016 Share Posted November 15, 2016 I have yet to find a math program that is a good fit for my dd. Last year I thought I found success with Saxon 8/7. It was a pretty painless year with very few tears. This year we have tried using their Algebra and it is just not working at all. She wants to know why she has to do something the way she does and I just can't explain the why's. I found some videos online to go with each lesson hoping that it would help and it has some but not enough. Part of the problem is me. I just really do not want to teach Algebra myself. I loved Algebra in school and college and still do but trying to teach someone else is not working. I need to find something with a much gentler approach that is geared to a strong visual learner. I prefer something with videos at this point but can't afford to pay hundred's of dollars for it. She is likely headed to community college if she even makes it there so she does not need an extremely rigorous program. Basically at this point, I just really wouldn't care if it is something that just allows us to "check the box" on the diploma that she did complete algebra. Anyone familiar with Videotext or Tabletclass? Are they extremely hard or gentle? Any other suggestions for a strong visual learner who prefers to watch videos but does not really like a solid online or computer program? TIA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kbutton Posted November 15, 2016 Share Posted November 15, 2016 Could she get the "why" from Math-U-See and then maybe do some of the work in Saxon if you feel that MUS doesn't cover as many areas or give as much practice as you like? MUS videos are intended for the instructor to learn to teach the student, but many people just watch them. I feel about writing (so far) the way you do about algebra, except that I didn't really like it in school overall. I liked it in my major (technical writing), but I didn't like composition and classes like that, just the tech writing. Sometimes the things you do best and like best are the hardest to teach. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nemom Posted November 17, 2016 Author Share Posted November 17, 2016 Hmmm...MUS was a big fail when we tried it. No one has any thoughts on Videotext or Tablet Class? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geodob Posted November 17, 2016 Share Posted November 17, 2016 Nemom, it is rather unfortunate that Algebra is taught to students after learning Arithmetic? As if it is a purely mathematical process? It should really be introduced as Algebraic thinking, that can use numbers, but is not restricted to numbers. As it gets confused with the Deductive process of Arithmetic, to arrive at an answer. With Algebra being an Inductive process of thinking. Inductive and Algebraic thinking, is rather a thinking process. That starts with answer, and looks back at how it was arrived at? The crucial difference, is that Algebraic Inductive thinking, introduces 'Variables'. As opposed to the Arithmetic Deductive process, where 5+2=7. Are fixed elements. As an introduction to Algebra? Instead of using numbers? Perhaps the problem presented, could be: 'You are the driver, and have to pick up 5 relatives from different locations, and some of them don't like each other? So that the Algebra problem. is work out what order to pick them up? So that the relatives that don't like each other? Wont have to sit next to each other? This is very different from a simple Deductive process, of picking up 5 different people? As it changes each person into a 'Variable', and their seating position? (4 next to 2, next to 5) [back seat] + (1 next to 3) [front seat]. Then another 'Variable', is the location of each of them? As seating 4 next to 2 could be a problem, as 3 lives between them? Though Algebraic thinking, is basically a method of thinking, to organise a collection of Variables? To arrive at an intended outcome. Which might involve some arithmetic, within the process? But is primarily, a thinking process. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heathermomster Posted November 17, 2016 Share Posted November 17, 2016 (edited) http://forums.welltrainedmind.com/topic/509170-dyscalculia-and-algebra/?hl=%2Balgebra+%2Bheathermomster&do=findComment&comment=5559611 DS and I spent 2 years on algebra (1a & 1b). The first year we covered half of Foersters and used Khan Academy with James Tanton's Galley Method. My DS learned to derive the quadratic equation. For the second year, we used Lial's Beginner Algebra 8th Ed, and I loved that program! DS started learning the area model using Ronit Bird's materials in 5th grade, so we built upon that knowledge. He also used Borenson's Hands On Equations during pre-algebra. DS is currently taking MUS Geometry with an 89% or so average. It's hard to discuss algebra. I know the subject backwards and forwards and just taught it using pictures and manipulatives. I used the A+ Notes Beginning Algebra to supplement the problems. Most of my son's math gains were made during his Chem with Algebra course. Edited November 17, 2016 by Heathermomster 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluebonnetgirl Posted November 21, 2016 Share Posted November 21, 2016 I am in similar boat and strongly leaning toward Math Relief. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest2 Posted December 11, 2016 Share Posted December 11, 2016 Sorry, I didn't see this until now. We use Video Text and it really does answer the "why" question. Even my daughter who got stuck in Videotext Alg and restarted with Saxon remembers the steps and whys of some of their videos. PreAlg (the first module) takes some of my kids takes a looong time here. You may be more successful since your DD has completed Saxon. My current Dd took 3/4 of Key to Algebra, but learning these concepts is taking a while (to be fair to Video text.. my husband has been traveling and it may be more due to his lack of time). My mathy husband thinks it is the best program and that is why he is teaching again. I find it a bit confusing, but that is just me. ( I don't care about the why, I just want it done). Good luck with whatever you decide. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OneStepAtATime Posted December 11, 2016 Share Posted December 11, 2016 Sorry, I didn't see this until now. We use Video Text and it really does answer the "why" question. Even my daughter who got stuck in Videotext Alg and restarted with Saxon remembers the steps and whys of some of their videos. PreAlg (the first module) takes some of my kids takes a looong time here. You may be more successful since your DD has completed Saxon. My current Dd took 3/4 of Key to Algebra, but learning these concepts is taking a while (to be fair to Video text.. my husband has been traveling and it may be more due to his lack of time). My mathy husband thinks it is the best program and that is why he is teaching again. I find it a bit confusing, but that is just me. ( I don't care about the why, I just want it done). Good luck with whatever you decide. So there is a Pre-Algebra module that is rolled into Video Text Algebra? And that first module took your children a long time to get through? Just trying to clarify. I am considering Video Text Algebra for DS once he has finished pre-algebra since he does better with a video component. I didn't see a pre-algebra option so he is doing CTC with CLE and sometimes AoPS when he feels the urge but he really prefers video components so he prefers CTC. I don't think CTC is enough for an entire High School math program, though, even if they cover all the subjects. I do appreciate that Video Text does a bit of review before starting Algebra. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nemom Posted December 11, 2016 Author Share Posted December 11, 2016 I ended up purchasing Math Relief. So far she loves it. No tears or fighting over math. She is able to watch the lesson and then does the problems on her own without much help from me at all. It is a nice change. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest2 Posted December 12, 2016 Share Posted December 12, 2016 So there is a Pre-Algebra module that is rolled into Video Text Algebra? And that first module took your children a long time to get through? Just trying to clarify. I am considering Video Text Algebra for DS once he has finished pre-algebra since he does better with a video component. I didn't see a pre-algebra option so he is doing CTC with CLE and sometimes AoPS when he feels the urge but he really prefers video components so he prefers CTC. I don't think CTC is enough for an entire High School math program, though, even if they cover all the subjects. I do appreciate that Video Text does a bit of review before starting Algebra. Yes, the first module A, is pre-Algebra. There are five modules and completion of all of them is Pre-Algebra thru Algebra 2. You can often get module A at a great discount. Mr. Clark is great with any questions. http://videotext.com/algebra-a-complete-course/ Hth! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OneStepAtATime Posted December 12, 2016 Share Posted December 12, 2016 Yes, the first module A, is pre-Algebra. There are five modules and completion of all of them is Pre-Algebra thru Algebra 2. You can often get module A at a great discount. Mr. Clark is great with any questions. http://videotext.com/algebra-a-complete-course/ Hth! Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chanley Posted December 12, 2016 Share Posted December 12, 2016 We used Tablet Class Algebra and I made my kid do another Algebra the following year because it just was not a good fit. If your kid needs to ask "why" a video will not always be able to explain the intricacies. I outsourced the math instruction and have never been happier. There are human beings in charge of answering the "why" and explaining specific concepts that are misunderstood. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluebonnetgirl Posted February 19, 2017 Share Posted February 19, 2017 Nemom, Are you still using and still pleased with Math Relief? My DS is almost finished with Tt Prealgebra and I'm looking at Algebra I options. Our kids sound similar. Thanks! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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