for example creating a "master thread" of all the various questions tagged "Dolciani"?

whelp i'm back, after 3 years, anyone interested in chatting about dolciani? perhaps, we can catalogue the various dolciani threads on this site?

For example, the FOIL method of multiplying binomials mentally is usually presented, as such, and rote memorized. If instead, it is introduced in the context of finding the area of rectangles of side lengths (ax+b) and (cx+d), and then generalized to finding the area of any rectangle; this will undoubtedly provide a more meaningful experience than just memorizing patterns for writing squares of binomials as trinomials.

Sure they'll learn/memorize the methods of algebra from the AoPS/Singapore based class, but presenting the motivation for those methods within the structure of algebra is one of the strong points of Dolciani's Algebra Structure and Method textbooks.

I was disappointed to find out that The Well Trained Mind Academy is using Saxon as their only textbook.

Enriched mathematics is taught in the United States using Dolciani's Algebra: Structure and Method. I have two questions concerning this self-proclaimed classic textbook: #1) I found an article on the web called "How do the best and brightest boys do it?" which states that at the Roxbury Latin School "Class V (ie 8th grade) mathematics is a full first-year course in algebra using Dolciani's Algebra: Structure and Method. We feel that this is our most important course. It introduces the basic skills that students will use throughout their study of mathematics." Comparing this to the latest RL_Catalog_09-10 which reads " Algebra 1 presents a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of algebra." The Catalogue description obviously lacks the feeling "that this is our most important course," could you please give me your opinion about the current importance of using Dolciani's Algebra: Structure and Method in the overall development of mathematical thinking. Also any speculation about future trends would be appreciated as well, thank you. #2) While using this "Very strong, though quite traditional, textbook" how much emphasise should I put on rehearsing/reciting the glossary definitions and memorizing the objectives of each section? Could you please give me your advice concerning these two questions with reference to an adult student who is trying to give himself a classical education by using this self-proclaimed classic textbook for independent self-study. Yours respectfully.