mama27 Posted December 26, 2012 Share Posted December 26, 2012 Are there any? I have read the reviews here till my eyes felt like they were bleeding and can't find any but there HAS to be something, right? Also, the kid I'm planning this for will not be able to get help from me, has anyone found that to be a problem, such as lack of explanations? This dd will be at least 14 before she starts this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jane in NC Posted December 26, 2012 Share Posted December 26, 2012 As you are probably aware, Lial's Algebra is a consumable workbook that was written as a remedial text for adults. Whether the text is Lial's or another, many students hit a wall in Algebra after a few chapters and will require assistance. Be prepared to lend a hand or hire a tutor if that is the case. Some students can learn mathematics independently but I fear that they are a minority. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AngieW in Texas Posted December 26, 2012 Share Posted December 26, 2012 I think Kinetic Books would be better for independent use. She'll get immediate feedback after most of the problems and there is stepped help available for most of the immediate feedback problems. There isn't a solution manual, so if she can't figure out how to get the answers to the odd end-of-unit problems, then you'll need somebody to help her. An answer key is provided, but only for the odds. Some folks don't do the end-of-unit problems at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dana Posted December 26, 2012 Share Posted December 26, 2012 The online InterAct software, particularly the "help me solve it" feature may be helpful. This is the free version of MyMathLab and so doesn't save work. But the practice can be good. Don't have link handy, but maybe someone else will post it...or a search should provide it... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom22ns Posted December 27, 2012 Share Posted December 27, 2012 I think there are two negatives about Lials. First, it is written to adults. The word problems can be hard to relate to for teens, although that is probably minimized by your child being 14. The second is the page layout, the pages are large, cluttered, and can have a hundred problems on a spread. I have one child for whom this makes the books a complete impossibility. The instruction in the book and many examples are the strength of the series IMO. There are no guarantees that any 14 yo will make it through algebra without help though, even with great instructions. Sometimes a teacher is still critical. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mouseketeer67 Posted December 27, 2012 Share Posted December 27, 2012 The online InterAct software, particularly the "help me solve it" feature may be helpful. This is the free version of MyMathLab and so doesn't save work. But the practice can be good. Don't have link handy, but maybe someone else will post it...or a search should provide it... http://interactmath.com/home.aspx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lolly Posted December 27, 2012 Share Posted December 27, 2012 I'm in the "there is no math program that is independent" group. There will probably be a point where the student will need someone to consult. Lial's main downfall, imho, is that the word problems are too "old". The lessons are also a bit long for a high school student and cover too much information at one time. To use it for high school, you would be spreading one lesson over two days. I prefer to have the lessons further broken down/one per day. I also prefer a bit of review each lesson/day. Lial's has a review at the end of each chapter. If you do use Lial's, make sure you also purchase the Student Solutions Manual. It has the odd problems worked out step by step and is invaluable when you hit a snag! However, I strongly recommend you working through the text yourself (no matter what publisher you choose) so that you can be there to assist if there are questions...because there probably will be. Or, choose a book that has the option of phoning in for help if the student cannot figure out a topic or problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mama27 Posted December 28, 2012 Author Share Posted December 28, 2012 Thanks for the replies. This has given me some things to think about. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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