Catholic Mom of 9 Posted August 20, 2011 Share Posted August 20, 2011 I am considering this text: Algebra & Trigonometry Functions and Applications, by Paul Foerster, Prentice Hall, Classics Edition or Abeka Algebra 2, but read that the latter is labeled 'honors'. I am currently looking into whether it can be adapted to be a regular text. Wondering your experience? Advice? PRos and cons? Thank you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiana Posted August 20, 2011 Share Posted August 20, 2011 Foerster's text is also frequently labelled 'honors', so that shouldn't be your reason for choosing between the two. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catholic Mom of 9 Posted August 20, 2011 Author Share Posted August 20, 2011 I saw it listed in a Kolbe hs catalog and the Trig sections are skipped for non-honors- I wonder if the same is true for Abeka- I left a message yesterday asking for someone to call me regarding this. Have you done Algebra 2 yet, Kiana? I'd love to know what you used and if you liked it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiana Posted August 20, 2011 Share Posted August 20, 2011 What I used is far out of print, and it was aimed at mathy students anyway. I agree with skipping the trigonometry sections -- a student who wants to learn trigonometry should do Foerster's precalculus course which covers them far more thoroughly. I haven't looked at Abeka, but I do like Foerster's books a lot, both for exposition and for relevance of word problems. Also, if you need video lessons mathwithoutborders.com has them. I haven't purchased them, but I liked his samples. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EKS Posted August 20, 2011 Share Posted August 20, 2011 I would absolutely *not* use Foerster with a struggling student. I haven't see Abeka, but I highly recommend Lial's Intermediate Algebra for Algebra II. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sunshine State Sue Posted August 20, 2011 Share Posted August 20, 2011 I would absolutely *not* use Foerster with a struggling student. I haven't see Abeka, but I highly recommend Lial's Intermediate Algebra for Algebra II. I agree that Foerster's is better for a strong math student and Lial's would be more manageable for a struggling math student. No ideas about Abeka. It is my understanding that the Trig section of Foerster's can be skipped for any student (honors or not) because it is covered in his Pre-Calculus. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catholic Mom of 9 Posted August 20, 2011 Author Share Posted August 20, 2011 Thank you, Kai- I am looking at the Pearson's Lial Intermediate Algebra page right now. They have a "look inside" feature- The text looks very user-friendly. I like what I see! Thanks, EKS for the heads-up on the Foerester text. That's good to know- I would hate to spend the money and then regret the purchase. Sue, your concurring helps me feel even more confident in EKS's assessment- I am grateful for both your input- thank you! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pam L in Mid Tenn Posted August 20, 2011 Share Posted August 20, 2011 Be aware that Lial's books can sometimes have a hundred problems per set. That was visually overwhelming for my students. I do think that Lial's are some of the best books out there. Problem sets start really easy and gradually increase in difficulty so it is possible to "understand the concept" without being overwhelmed in difficulty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jann in TX Posted August 20, 2011 Share Posted August 20, 2011 There is very very little difference between editions with Lial. The 8th edition is very reasonable in price-- It is a huge paperback (lies flat and holds up well-- I reinforce covers with clear self-laminating sheets). Student text is all that is really needed. You can add the DVTs (video lessons) or student solutions manual later if needed. (text has all of the necessary answers the solutions manual offers worked out odd problems). ISBN 0321279204 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catholic Mom of 9 Posted August 20, 2011 Author Share Posted August 20, 2011 (edited) Thank you, Pam and Jann. From where did you purchase the Lial text and supplemental material? From Pearson itself or another online resource? Thanks! T. Edited August 20, 2011 by Catholic Mom of 9 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jann in TX Posted August 20, 2011 Share Posted August 20, 2011 I usually purchase from amazon.com or half.com Look for 'Like-new' or 'very good' condition so writing is not in the text. Once you have the text the isbns for the other supplements are on the back cover. ALL of the teaching is in the student text (tests, reviews and answers too). The text was written for BLOCK scheduling so allow 2 days for each lesson (assigning just the odds-- skip the 'Relating Concepts' questions). Assign ALL of the chapter review problems and allow at least 2 days. Tests are one day. Cumulative Reviews are optional-- and should be worked open book. Again, the student text is all that is needed to begin this program. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catholic Mom of 9 Posted August 20, 2011 Author Share Posted August 20, 2011 And a link too please if you have one :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jann in TX Posted August 20, 2011 Share Posted August 20, 2011 Search by isbn number not title-- it is MUCH easier that way! Half.com Intermediate Algebra Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catholic Mom of 9 Posted August 20, 2011 Author Share Posted August 20, 2011 Thank you, Jann!! :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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