Teaching Textbooks

Yes, I was considering getting only the cd-rom’s and have him write out the problems in a math notebook, like children used to do; plus it’d be cheaper that way. Of course, I’ll get whining and groaning; my son doesn’t like to write that much.

Is there antoher one after pre-calculus? What will he do after that one? Do you know?

Rachel

Have yuo come across concerns that it is too easy? That’s the only main criticisms I’ve found. ON another post, I considered Saxon, but upon reading more, it’s too spiral. Plus, I balk at anything originally designed for a public or private school setting. I like the tutorship of this because I know my weaknesses in upper level math.

Rachel

Sara, are you talking about the Videotext materials? After reading alot on both (because I was torn, too), at this juncture, barring any new developments that arise in the years between now and when my son is ready, I am going with the Videotext. My son will do well with a more rigorous math program; videotext is recommended by Jay Wile, whereas he stated that those who had used TT were not prepared for his upper level science courses and I expect my son to use the upper level courses. Now, my dd may or may not go that far, but since I do not like buying two different things, I”ll use it w/her as well, though I expect to move slower. It is incremental so I think she’ll do fine; if not, I’d consider TT for her, but hopefully I won’t have to buy two different things.

It seems to me that it will continue in the manner they are accustomed to from Dev. Math.; being that it is a mastery based method, which is what I was looking for. From what I’ve been able to find out, TT is presented in a very good way for understanding and is incremental. However, it’s not as “complete” in Algebra; doesn’t measure up in coverage, as the videotext, nor prepares you for college as well, from what I’ve read; not from the advertisements, but from users. The biggest complaint I’ve heard from Videotext users is that it would be nice to have more practice problems; so apparently the website has provided them for the student who needs them.

I think it depends upon the ultimate goals for your children that will determine your decision. I come away with the idea that TT is great for many families and thank G-d for it being out there because not every family is going into higher level maths/sciences. However, thankfully videotext is available for those of us who want something a little more rigorous and it’s incremental, mastery-based and someone else does the teaching besides me!

HTH,

Rachel