AOPS Algebra pace

[wander]

Hello,

 

I would really appreciate feedback regarding next steps for my DD9 with AOPS. She started AOPS pre-algebra last year when she was 8.5. I initially had no intentions of enrolling her in the online class due to worries of pace and maturity, but after speaking to some parents at Epsilon, I decided to give it a trial. She loves the online class, and despite the written problems being challenging/frustrating for her, she has persistently worked diligently each week on them and has improved drastically with her proofs. 

 

The problem is that she wants to continue with the online class for Algebra A. I am really torn about this because whilst she loves AOPS pretty passionately, I can't imagine how she will handle the Algebra online class at the pace they offer. Also, she works to "blue" on Alcumus and because she often gets level 25 problems, she can spend an hour at times with the these. However, she will not put in an incorrect answer to proceed forward, even when she is getting frustrated, so this sometimes causes her math for the day to take 2 hours (on a couple occasions, 3). Note that this is something that she is driven to do, despite my pleading to move on and continue the next day. Her written responses can also take a few hours, due to the solving, detailed writing and LaTex, and has received "blue" for almost all written problems as well. She often works 1 week or 2 ahead of the class. The challenge set tends to be easiest for her and she often breezes through those, unlike her Alcumus questions, which can be can be difficult due to the level. Basically, she is getting blue across the board, and because she is also a fast processor, she gets posted in her class a great majority of the time. 

 

Because I want her to have a very strong foundation in Algebra rather than rush her, I'd rather she work at her own pace and work from the book and Alcumus. However, she doesn't want to give up the class or the graded written responses. For those of you who have kids that completed both, could you kindly share your experiences regarding the ramping up in pace for the Algebra class? I just can't see how a young student can read through an entire chapter and work through the problems in the book in a week, in addition to the Alcumus topic, challenge and written problems. I am not a strong math person and am nervous about next year! Thank you. 

[Kathy in Richmond]

Have you looked at their Stretch Algebra A class? It's run at a slightly slower pace, and they're offering it again starting this coming fall.

 

It sounds like your daughter is handling the prealgebra class well & is enjoying & learning from it. If she went to Epsilon camp, she's most likely capable! I'd be reluctant to stop something that's working for her.

 

The beauty of AoPS is that you can add in the Counting & Prob or Number Theory classes along the way with such a young student. My dd took lots of them (several years ago) and loved them all.

[SoCal_Bear]

ditto on the Stretch class pacing.

[SoCal_Bear]

Although my other thought is whether or not the WTMA AOPS class would be an option. The pacing is also not a quick. It's a different sort of live class. Maybe she can look at the sample videos of Heather Q's classes to see if she might like it?

[wander]

Thank you, both. I have considered the stretch class but was under the impression it may not be available (I didn't see on for spring and perhaps even fall last year?). I worry about the 2 hour class, but if this is offered, it may be a better pace for her. Yes, will most likely do NT and CP when the time comes.

 

I am surprised that she likes the text based AOPS class! I have a feeling that she may find WTM too slow, as she often doodles while waiting for the teacher to post the class answers. I will check out the sample video though - thanks for the suggestion!

 

[Kathy in Richmond]

If you go to the course catalog page on the AoPS site & click on Stretch Intro to Algebra A in the sidebar, you'll find a link that allows you to sign up to be notified as soon as registration opens.

 

It says there that they are definitely planning to offer it in the fall of 2017.  Good luck!

[epi]

...Also, she works to "blue" on Alcumus and because she often gets level 25 problems, she can spend an hour at times with the these. However, she will not put in an incorrect answer to proceed forward, even when she is getting frustrated, so this sometimes causes her math for the day to take 2 hours (on a couple occasions, 3)...

 

What are the settings on Alcumus. I think the green/blue thing is based on the setting:

Advance Only on Mastery

[]No

[]Yes

(I think "Yes" just adds about one question per topic.)

 

But there's another setting:

Problem Difficulty

[]Easy

[]Normal

[]Hard

[]Insanely Hard

 

I'm not sure exactly what it does, but you could check that setting.

 

As to classes, if you have the time and money, I think they're worth doing. If your child is happy with the difficulty level and workload, then the class level and pace is probably okay.