Muddling Through Math Options

[shukriyya]

I need the Hive's advice on middle school math. Ds will technically be an eighth grader this year. Math is one of his passions and he's working somewhat ahead of grade level. He's currently doing AoPs Algebra online but doesn't like the format. He prefers to be able to interact. Tablet Class worked for a while in 6th and part of 7th but he didn't find it challenging enough. So now I'm looking at Lial's, Derek Owens or ???

 

Short of hiring a tutor does anyone have suggestions for more interactive math offerings. 

[lisabees]

Lial's - is that with Jann?  There is interaction and free tutoring help if needed.

 

Derek - no interaction whatsoever.  

 

Foester's and Math Without Borders?  I think this is the same as DO - self-paced, watching prerecorded videos.

 

How about LiveOnlineMath?  We've used them for tutoring with much success.

 

If your son likes math and has been doing AoPS successfully, I'd be more concerned with the text vs. the format.  My kids can't go back to traditional texts once they've experience AoPS!

 

 

 

[shukriyya]

Lial's - is that with Jann?  There is interaction and free tutoring help if needed.

 

Derek - no interaction whatsoever.  

 

Foester's and Math Without Borders?  I think this is the same as DO - self-paced, watching prerecorded videos.

 

How about LiveOnlineMath?  We've used them for tutoring with much success.

 

If your son likes math and has been doing AoPS successfully, I'd be more concerned with the text vs. the format.  My kids can't go back to traditional texts once they've experience AoPS!

 

Thanks, Lisa! LiveOnlineMath looks like exactly the format ds enjoys. Wondering how rigorous it is though. He's used to AoPS rigor and is good at working through the problems methodically if they are particularly difficult. He likes the material but the format isn't working for him. 

 

Wondering if anyone who has used LiveOnlineMath can speak to the rigor aspect.

[Julie of KY]

I haven't used support for Derek Owens, but I know that others have used him and have access to email questions, get answers and sometimes even get video answers.

 

I've used Derek Owens materials, but do all my own support and grading.

[Penelope]

Is the algebra class at WTM Academy still open? They have an AOPS class for algebra one and two, covering the first and second halves of Intro to Algebra.

[shukriyya]

I haven't used support for Derek Owens, but I know that others have used him and have access to email questions, get answers and sometimes even get video answers.

 

I've used Derek Owens materials, but do all my own support and grading.

 

Derek Owens format wouldn't suit him as it has no interaction. 

 

Is the algebra class at WTM Academy still open? They have an AOPS class for algebra one and two, covering the first and second halves of Intro to Algebra.

 

He'd be doing Algebra 11 or Geometry so that wouldn't work for him.

 

Thank you both for responding. Still haven't found a solution. We're on the waiting list for LiveOnlineMath but quite a ways down the list and the owner implied it's a bit of a longshot at this point. I shall continue to muddle away :D

[lisabees]

Hope everything works out!