Ask Dr. Callahan vs. Videotext Algebra

[Seraphina71]

Hi,

I've spent hours poring over previous threads, but still haven't quite found the right answer. I would really welcome some advice.

My 8th grade daughter has always been very good at math. She breezed through Lial's Basic College Math with zero help from me. Now she's starting Algebra I.

I purchased Ask. Dr. Callahan's program, which uses Jacobs Elementary Algebra. Since then, I've read some reviews that have made me wonder if I made a mistake. She likes it fine so far, but she's only about ten lessons in, so the material isn't really challenging enough to form a useful assessment. After the money I spent, I wouldn't even be questioning it but for the fact that I recently inherited a brand new set of Videotext module A. I've read some wonderful things about VT, but it seems that every positive review states how good it is for kids who hate math, or people who aren't "math-minded". My daughter is excellent at math, and will likely pursue a math-centric college major.

So I'm looking for opinions on Callahan/Jacobs vs. Videotext for a girl who actually loves and excels at math.

Thanks,
Michelle

[EKS]

I couldn't stand VideoText (we used module A only) and I loved Jacobs. We didn't use Dr. Callahan's materials though, so I don't have an opinion there.

I liked Jacobs because he developed the concepts in the problem sets so skillfully. He went from simple/easy to complex/difficult over the course of the book, over the course of each chapter, and over the course of each problem set. Very impressive.

I used Jacobs with my math minded son when he was 10 and 11 years old. I intend to use it with my younger son as well when he's ready. My older boy really liked Jacobs and he did very well with it.

[HiddenJewel]

Dd14 is on Module E of VideoText and so far it has been very good. I have not used Dr. Callahan's or Jacobs although it is on my short list if VT didn't work.

[rwalizer]

We are happy with VT, though I have no experience with Callahan. We also used Teaching Textbooks for a year before switching to VT. I have just one word of caution. The grass always seems greater on the other side and you can really drive yourself crazy choosing curriculum, then seeing something that looks better and switching. Someone on this board once told me that there is no such thing as the perfect curriculum and she was right. Each time you switch, there is a learning curve to get through, as each program uses a different style to teach, and it can end up wasting time and causing frustration for the kids. Can you tell that I've been through this? Yikes! Anyway, I have learned that it may be best to stick with what you have started. If it really isn't working after giving it an honest try, then switch. It will save you a lot of stress.