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Does anyone have the syllabus from The Well Trained Mind Academy AOPS class?


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I have looked at the courses offered on the AOPS site as well.  I was really hoping to be able to compare how quickly they are working through the material.

 

I hope WTM Academy hasn't stopped offering it.  I suppose I could email them through the site to find out.

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Hello!  Yes, we are still offering AoPS--I don't know what happened to all our AoPS course listings!  This is a website glitch.  We are on it!

 

Until then, here is the syllabus for AoPS Pre-Algebra

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mNah4RnDAg1p_QjtaYIYg7QXtj4deBd-ol8E_zwpmbI/edit?usp=sharing

and the syllabus for AoPS Algebra 1
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bar66AI7jhbs7paOiFw9fw3KfGTxitaekfYwKYE-clM/edit?usp=sharing
 

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All AoPS classes are full for the 2015-16 school year. However, not only will we be offering AoPS Pre-Algebra and Algebra I for 2016-17, we will also be opening sections of AoPS Geometry and Algebra II!

You just made my whole year!!

 

Ds13 has been taking aops Algebra I this year with WTM and loves it!! Heather Quintero teaches it, and she is terrific. I do use a Foerster's book for additional practice problems because my DS works better this way, but he has learned so much from this class. I highly recommend.

 

I've been working on planning for next year. Because high school:-) I am SO relieved to know you will keep going with the aops sequence. I was worried because it had dropped off the site.

 

So many thanks.

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All AoPS classes are full for the 2015-16 school year.  However, not only will we be offering AoPS Pre-Algebra and Algebra I for 2016-17, we will also be opening sections of AoPS Geometry and Algebra II!

 

Will the "Algebra II" class use AoPS Intermediate Algebra text? 

 

My dd took AoPS Prealgebra with their online class, then went through most of the AoPS Algebra I text with me.  She could have used more practice for retention, though.  It looks like the WTM classes are slower paced than the ones right from AoPS, and have more interaction than a fast-moving chat screen?  She really likes AoPS, but the online classes are really too fast for her to retain (she's good with picking up concepts, but still needs repetition to internalize them long-term).  I'd love to hear more about how the WTM classes are stuctured (pace, student/teacher interaction - is it still all discovery somehow, or is there teaching - problem sets (how many assigned?), and I see there are tests? -  another thing AoPS online doesn't have...) 

 

ETA: Oh, wait, I read the Alg I syllabus more closely, and I see it only covers Chatpers 1 - 10.  Does that mean that the Alg II class is just the second half of the Intro Algebra book?

 

Edited by Matryoshka
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Please post the next year's AOPS math schedule sooner than later. Most other vendors have very early registration, so I think most of us would need WTMA to do the same, especially since we may take more than one class at WTMA and coordinate with other vendors like Lukeion.

 

Our 2016-17 registration will open in February.  We are working on the schedule now.  If you have a specific question about timing, please email us at Info@wtmacademy.com

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Will the "Algebra II" class use AoPS Intermediate Algebra text? 

 

My dd took AoPS Prealgebra with their online class, then went through most of the AoPS Algebra I text with me.  She could have used more practice for retention, though.  It looks like the WTM classes are slower paced than the ones right from AoPS, and have more interaction than a fast-moving chat screen?  She really likes AoPS, but the online classes are really too fast for her to retain (she's good with picking up concepts, but still needs repetition to internalize them long-term).  I'd love to hear more about how the WTM classes are stuctured (pace, student/teacher interaction - is it still all discovery somehow, or is there teaching - problem sets (how many assigned?), and I see there are tests? -  another thing AoPS online doesn't have...) 

 

ETA: Oh, wait, I read the Alg I syllabus more closely, and I see it only covers Chatpers 1 - 10.  Does that mean that the Alg II class is just the second half of the Intro Algebra book?

 

 

I just asked our AoPS math teachers to look over your question and send a response.  More soon!

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Guest HQuintero

Hi there,

 

I'm Heather Quintero and I teach the AoPS Pre-Algebra and Algebra 1 classes and next year I will teach these classes as well as Algebra II.

 

Algebra II will use the second part of the Introduction to Algebra text. This follows the general sequence of the AoPS online classes, though they have recently renamed their courses.

 

The WTMA classes differ quite a bit from the AoPS classes.

 

The AoPS classes move quickly, often at t a pace of 1 chapter a week. Students are expected to learn the basic information on their own and then work in the online class. The online class in Blackboard requires students to read and respond in the online chat environment. There is no sound or video per say. The "homework" is managed through Alcumus and through the use of "Challenge" and "Proof Problems." Students may post on message boards for help, but I am not sure how much individual help they would receive from instructors. It can be a fantastic environment for students who love math. I have taught two students who have done very well in the AoPS classes.

 

In comparison, the WTMA classes which use AoPS move more slowly. Classes meet from September through the end of May. We meet twice weekly for a live class. The majority of the homework assigned is from the text. We work through the example problems in class for each section in the Blackboard classroom and we use Power point, but also discussion and small groups to work through these. Though we do (try to) use primarily a Socratic approach to the instruction, it is guided with frequent checks. I don't like them to go too far off in pursuing a wrong answer because I don't like the students to become too frustrated. We will talk through proposed solutions and decide which steps to take to solve. If the topic presented is entirely new, there is more direct instruction.

 

Homework in my classes consists of two parts: regular homework and proof problems. These generally both come from the problems in the textbook. The regular problems correspond to the sections covered in the book that week and generally consist of 10 - 16 problems. These review the sections covered and often ask students to take the topic a step further by applying logic to a problem. The proof problems are similar except students are required to show and explain their steps to arrive at a solution. There are usually 2-4 proof problems. These are not usually *harder* than the regular problems, but do take more time because of having to show and explain work. Every homework assignment allows three attempts to submit. This is so that I can respond to student's work and offer guidance if they are struggling. I think that the opportunity to work through a difficult set of problems is one of the greatest strengths of the AoPS program and I want to give students every opportunity to do that. Tests are given at the end of each chapter and also offer three attempts.

 

As far as interaction: Students do use the chat (unless they stray off topic) and also use the microphones to ask questions and respond in class. When working on problems in groups, they use the microphones to discuss possible solutions. Further, I am available via email for student help and I have office hours each week when I am available to meet with students who are struggling with a concept.

 

I hope that covers everything you asked! We have a great time in the class and we'd love to have more students join us!

 

Will the "Algebra II" class use AoPS Intermediate Algebra text? 

 

My dd took AoPS Prealgebra with their online class, then went through most of the AoPS Algebra I text with me.  She could have used more practice for retention, though.  It looks like the WTM classes are slower paced than the ones right from AoPS, and have more interaction than a fast-moving chat screen?  She really likes AoPS, but the online classes are really too fast for her to retain (she's good with picking up concepts, but still needs repetition to internalize them long-term).  I'd love to hear more about how the WTM classes are stuctured (pace, student/teacher interaction - is it still all discovery somehow, or is there teaching - problem sets (how many assigned?), and I see there are tests? -  another thing AoPS online doesn't have...) 

 

ETA: Oh, wait, I read the Alg I syllabus more closely, and I see it only covers Chatpers 1 - 10.  Does that mean that the Alg II class is just the second half of the Intro Algebra book?
 

 

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Great thread timing. I was considering the AOPS online class but was very hesitant regarding the text format of the class, considering DD's dyslexia. Their answer to my question was that the class transcripts are available if she doesn't catch everything... but that really doesn't help when reading the discussion would be the primary problem. 

 

This sounds like a nice alternative.

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Hi there,

 

I'm Heather Quintero and I teach the AoPS Pre-Algebra and Algebra 1 classes and next year I will teach these classes as well as Algebra II.

 

Algebra II will use the second part of the Introduction to Algebra text. This follows the general sequence of the AoPS online classes, though they have recently renamed their courses.

 

 

Hmm - A solid Algebra II or 2 course has higher content expectations then just the second half of the Introduction to Algebra text. I used this text as a supplement for my son (his charter used Saxon) and we used some of the "second half" chapters during Algebra 1. 

 

The text is very good and challenging!

 

AoPS calls it:

Introduction to Algebra B

Edited by MarkT
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Hmm - A solid Algebra II or 2 course has higher content expectations then just the second half of the Introduction to Algebra text. I used this text as a supplement for my son (his charter used Saxon) and we used some of the "second half" chapters during Algebra 1. 

 

The text is very good and challenging!

 

AoPS calls it:

Introduction to Algebra B

 

I was wondering the same thing.  Any chance WTM Academy is going to give a class using the AoPS Intermediate Algebra text?  :bigear:  My dd would be ready for that next year - I think this format would be so, so much better for her than the AoPS classes (and I'm past teaching her myself).

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Guest HQuintero

I was wondering the same thing.  Any chance WTM Academy is going to give a class using the AoPS Intermediate Algebra text?  :bigear:  My dd would be ready for that next year - I think this format would be so, so much better for her than the AoPS classes (and I'm past teaching her myself).

 

 

Hmm - A solid Algebra II or 2 course has higher content expectations then just the second half of the Introduction to Algebra text. I used this text as a supplement for my son (his charter used Saxon) and we used some of the "second half" chapters during Algebra 1. 

 

The text is very good and challenging!

 

AoPS calls it:

Introduction to Algebra B

All of the WTMA classes which use AoPS texts are supplemented with other materials. The syllabus for Algebra II is not yet finalized but will be available when registration opens. 
 
A class utilizing the Intermediate Algebra AoPS text is not planned for the 2016/2017 year but may be offered in the future. 
 
If you have any questions about the class materials, please email me and I'll do my best to answer your questions.
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Hmm - A solid Algebra II or 2 course has higher content expectations then just the second half of the Introduction to Algebra text. I used this text as a supplement for my son (his charter used Saxon) and we used some of the "second half" chapters during Algebra 1. 

 

The text is very good and challenging!

 

AoPS calls it:

Introduction to Algebra B

 

What would you add to the second half of AoPS Introduction to Algebra to make it a "sold" algebra 2 course?

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All of the WTMA classes which use AoPS texts are supplemented with other materials. The syllabus for Algebra II is not yet finalized but will be available when registration opens. 
 
A class utilizing the Intermediate Algebra AoPS text is not planned for the 2016/2017 year but may be offered in the future. 
 
If you have any questions about the class materials, please email me and I'll do my best to answer your questions.

 

 

Would it be possible for the questions to be asked and answered here? I think many of us have similar questions and the answers would be beneficial to many.

Edited by Woodland Mist Academy
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Guest HQuintero

Would it be possible for the questions to be asked and answered here? I think many of us have similar questions and the answers would be beneficial to many.

Since I am not a regular member (or visitor) to the message boards, this is probably not the best place to get an answer to your questions. I am always happy to answer emailed questions though. My email is hquintero@wtmacademy.net and I try to respond to email within 24 hours except on weekends and vacations.

 

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