Geometry-How many proofs ??

[amymeg]

Hi,

 

I am looking at a geometry program for my freshman for the fall.  We will finished Jacobs algebra by the end of May.  The program I am looking at is not as rigorous as Jacobs, but I thought I would then be able to add in some test prep and such and not overwhelm my student.  However, I don't want to skimp or create a deficit for my kid-I am hoping he will test good for the PSAT.  The geometry program I am looking at has 11 lessons that are all proof based, and then after that, review proofs that total 25.  So overall, he will have the opportunity to complete at least 69 proofs, some of the on the challenging level.

 

Does that seem adequate or enough to qualify for a good geometry program?  I am really having a hard time finding a good program that won't break our budget and this one is reasonable in price.  But again, I don't want to short change my kid.  If there was a huge difference in programs and I knew it would make a big difference to buy one of the really expensive programs, I would make that work.  

 

I would really love some input!!!

 

Thanks so much,,

 

amymeg

[Mike in SA]

Quantity shouldn't be the priority over quality / depth. A few dozen may be plenty, but the level of difficulty should become fairly high in practice. Then, tests at moderate difficulty will not cause undue stress.

 

I would also look for a heavy dose of proof by construction.

[regentrude]

What Mike said.

 

If you are worried about PSAT: none of the standardized tests has any proofs.

 

 

 

I am really having a hard time finding a good program that won't break our budget and this one is reasonable in price

 

What price range do you consider reasonable? AoPS is $57 including solution manual

[pjssully]

I have heard that AOPS was very challenging and only for gifted students. My student is not gifted....

[Mike in SA]

I have heard that AOPS was very challenging and only for gifted students. My student is not gifted....

I think that is an unfair characterization, but persistence and support are key to success. A parent who plans to allow a child to self teach better make sure their child is committed to the program.

[Haiku]

I think that is an unfair characterization, but persistence and support are key to success. A parent who plans to allow a child to self teach better make sure their child is committed to the program.

 

From the AOPS website:

 

 

 

The Art of Problem Solving mathematics curriculum is designed for outstanding math students in grades 6-12. Our texts offer broader, deeper, and more challenging instruction than other curricula.

 

I realize there is a difference between "outstanding" and "gifted" if you parse the terms precisely, but AOPS definitely markets their program as one that is for the above-average math student.

[regentrude]

I realize there is a difference between "outstanding" and "gifted" if you parse the terms precisely, but AOPS definitely markets their program as one that is for the above-average math student.

 

That is the original target audience because the program was designed to fill a niche.

I do, however, not see why a program like this could not be adapted to an average math student through Socratic assistance with the problems and a judicious selection of practice problems that omits the most difficult challenges. There is nothing about the method of teaching that would be reserved for a gifted student; even an average student will profit from the way the material is presented, but simply may need more support than just being left alone to work through the text.

It is even possible to adjust the discovery method to a more direct instruction based approach, while still use the excellent pedagogical choices of problems and exercises. It would be a shame if the program were withheld from students because they might not qualify as "gifted" or "outstanding".

Edited May 9, 2016 by regentrude

[wapiti]

I have heard that AOPS was very challenging and only for gifted students. My student is not gifted....

 

If you are asking for additional suggestions, you might look at Jurgensen and Jacobs 2nd ed.

[Mike in SA]

I realize there is a difference between "outstanding" and "gifted" if you parse the terms precisely, but AOPS definitely markets their program as one that is for the above-average math student.

 

Precisely my point.

 

It can be used by anyone with appropriate support, but only the most committed will succeed without it.

 

Gifted has little to do with it. Unmotivated PG kids can struggle with it more than a determined "average" kid.

Edited May 9, 2016 by Mike in SA