Sue G in PA Posted April 2, 2013 Share Posted April 2, 2013 My 9th grader is struggling through Algebra 1. He is only on Chapter 3 of Lial's Introductory Algebra. Dd16 used Lial's with no problem after crashing and burning with Saxon. I had hoped ds would also do well with Lial's. What other choices do I have? He used LOF last year and really didn't like it at all. He wanted something more straightforward (no story "fluff" to read, lol). I am supplementing him with the Keys to Algebra for topics that he needs more help with (pretty much all of them). He's really not ready for AoPS. Is TT thorough enough? Perhaps MUS? He used MUS a while back and just didn't like the DVDs. However, I think he NEEDS a teacher other than me to show him how to do the problems....i.e. DVD. KWIM? Any suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktgrok Posted April 2, 2013 Share Posted April 2, 2013 We love Teaching Textbooks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jen the RD Posted April 2, 2013 Share Posted April 2, 2013 Sue, if you think he NEEDS a teacher, I'd look at using Jann in TX or Derek Owens. We have used Derek for physical science & geometry, so I know how great he is. My dd has really thrived in math this year! Jann was the one that convinced me to do Lial's Algebra I for my dd last year and although we didn't use her as a teacher, I know there are many on this board that rave about her. I'm not sure how her classes run so you might want to check her site or ask others here. With Derek's classes, students can start a course ANYTIME and continue until they are finished. You just pay a monthly fee for access to the lectures, homework assignments, tests & grading. Hope you find what works! Jennifer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
klmama Posted April 2, 2013 Share Posted April 2, 2013 Have you looked at the Khan Academy online videos? We found them helpful as a supplement to Intro. Alg. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sue G in PA Posted April 2, 2013 Author Share Posted April 2, 2013 I completely forgot about Khan Academy! Duh! Thanks for the reminder. And thanks for the info. about Jann and DO. I had heard they were pricey and that is why I haven't checked them out up until now. I'll go have a look, though. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jann in TX Posted April 2, 2013 Share Posted April 2, 2013 Dreaded linear equations... If you are using the 8th edition then your son's bane is linear equations. It is probably not an ability issue but more of a mathematical maturity issue. You CAN skip to chapter 5 and reset the program. Then work chapter 6 and 7 (skipping word problems in chapter 7). Now go back to chapter 3 and for some reason it is 'easier' after more exposures to x and y. Once you do chapters 3 and 4 go back and pick up the word problems from chapter 7 and continue on to chapters 8 and 9. Lial does have affordable video lessons (not anything I would want to watch every day--but they do present the lesson and all examples. Should be about $35 for the whole set. I teach factoring trinomials differently--you can pm me if you want the web address of my example. -- TT's Algebra 1 is a fine course. I do NOT like the computer grading version as students tend to guess more than work out problems. All problems should be worked out in a notebook (procedure is almost as important as the answer) before looking at the multiple choice options. If their answer does not match then they work the problem AGAIN before clicking on the solution (too passive and can become a crutch). TT's Algebra 2 program and Pre-Calc program are the levels I have the most issues with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sue G in PA Posted April 2, 2013 Author Share Posted April 2, 2013 Jann, thanks! I will PM you. Thank you for the advice on the Lial's book..it IS Linear Equations, lol! He bombed the test for Chapter 2 and only with my help (lots of hit) did he even get a B. I'm frustrated. I will try skipping to Chapter 5 as you said. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom22ns Posted April 2, 2013 Share Posted April 2, 2013 Lial does have affordable video lessons (not anything I would want to watch every day--but they do present the lesson and all examples. Should be about $35 for the whole set. Just a note, I actually got these for about $5 including shipping. They were a bit hard to hunt down, but use the ISBN and they are out there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julie in MN Posted April 3, 2013 Share Posted April 3, 2013 Sue, It looks like Jann can help you use what you have. I just wanted to mention Math Relief, if you find yourself looking for a gifted algebra teacher on video, with fully worked out answers. There's a sample video at MathRelief. Com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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