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CDust Algebra troubles...


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We're having trouble with CD word problems. Is that a common issue? I haven't been watching the DVDs, but it seems that strategies for the word problems are not covered? Ds is in chapter 3, and he wasn't able to do the word problems in the mid chapter quiz. He's always been very good at math, but he's feeling super frustrated with CD.:001_huh: I think there may be a disconnect between the DVDs and the book. Frustrating...

 

I'm having him work through Life of Fred for a while, then we'll start back up with CD. Anyone have other thoughts/advice?

 

Thanks,

Sherry

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I'm really wondering if struggling with the word problems is a common problem with CD. If it is, does Dr Mosely cover word problems more extensively later in the series- 'catching up' with the book?

 

I've contacted Dr Mosely before and he was very helpful, I'm just looking for perspective from users, too.

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Someone on this board (can't recall to whom I should give credit!) suggested talking through the word problems with my ds. Is he writing down everything he "knows?" And what it is he needs to figure out? I have always been "afraid" of word problems to some extent. I think going through it step by step and asking him questions to lead him to an equation might help. So often, I think it is just a matter of "translating" the information from words to an equation. Often, I would see a word problem and just immediately start to panic. All the info. is there, one just has to figure out how to arrange it.

 

Also, and I am NOT saying YOU are doing this, but I certainly have been guilty of it, BUT, are YOU anxious about his struggles with this? So often, it is my OWN anxiety/panic that gets transferred to my ds. If you are relaxed it will help him to relax. And, remaining positive is good, too. I am a negative person by nature so I have to WORK at this.

 

I think word problems can be a stumbling block at any level, for anyone, and in any program. You just have to get beyond the "fear." I would talk through it and make him write stuff down step-by-step.

 

Just my $0.02.

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We have used Chalkdust Basic Math thru Calc now. And I have not found that to be the case. On video, Mosely will usually work thru how to break word problems down ... first extracting needed info then translating English into mathematical equation and finally how to solve the math. But the books also have examples of most kinds of the problems too. I consider the applications problems a big plus in using Chalkdust.

 

What course are you working on this year?

 

Susie

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In fact, he's always been super quick with math. That's why I'm wondering if there is a disconnect between the DVDs to the book.

 

Do your kids read the book, or just watch the DVDs?

 

I'm surprised this isn't working out to be independent work. We are going through a stressful time right now, so maybe it's nothing to do with the curriculum...

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Though we are only in CD Geometry right now. Is your ds doing Algebra I? or II? We have done CD Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, and are working on Geometry now.

 

I did not find any disconnect with the DVDs and the texts at all. One does have to "apply" knowledge to different scenarios sometimes, but we didn't have much trouble.

 

You say your ds has always been "quick" with math. Maybe he has finally hit something that is challenging him for the first time. Or maybe he is too "quick" and trying to skip steps or do to much in his head? I know you meant "it comes easily to him" when you said "quick." :D I am just wondering if he is trying to rush or something? Just throwing some ideas out.

 

My ds pretty much just watched the DVDs and did the problems.

 

I hope you find a solution. (no pun intended)

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Well, it's good to know it's not a problem others have experienced.

 

I think we'll back up a bit, do some LoF, and chill about the schedule. Maybe the DVD format is harder for him. (?) He did comment today about liking LoF because he can just read it and not watch.

 

Hmmm....

 

Thanks everyone~:D

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