Another Art of Problem Solving ?

[KarenC]

My oldest dd is in 7th grade and is working thorugh NEM1 now and should finish by the end of our school year. This has been challenging for her, but not painfully so. NEM1 hasn't been too teacher intensive, but I afraid NEM 2 will be more so. I have two younger dds, so I'm afraid I won't have the time to put into NEM2. To cover everything in a typical Algebra I class, we would have to do a portion of NEM 2.

I am considering switching to the Art of Problem Solving Algebra next year. It has a complete solutions manual, which would be a time saver for me. Has anyone used this? Is it a complete curriculum? How does it compare to NEM?

Or maybe we should consider one of the other less teacher intensive Singapore programs.

Does anyone have any suggestions or experience with Art of Problem Solving for Algebra?

Thanks,
Karen

[katilac]

I can't say that I have any experience, b/c my books aren't here yet! But my physicist b-i-l was here over Christmas, and looked at the site for me. He was very impressed with the books, so much so that he ordered a set for my kids and a set for his sister's kids. Yeah, he rocks!

He liked the emphasis on problem-solving, and said that the 'bogus solution' sections were a great idea.

[CynthiaOK]

I haven't used the algebra, but am using geometry this year with my youngest. I don't think it is teacher intensive at all but that may be because he's so good in math. He does the assignments himself and checks with me if he has any problems. We do the "challenging problems" section together. I would say, though, that I usually help him at some point during each assignment. If it appears he just isn't getting it, I'll sit down and do the whole lesson with him. That has only occurred a couple of times.

I used NEM with my oldest and think it's a fantastic program, but, like you said, a bit teacher intensive. If I had known about AoPS when my 2nd ds was ready to begin algebra, I would certainly have used it (instead we went with Lial's). I think it is comparable to Singapore NEM in the way the student learns problem solving. They are not spoon fed and must draw on what they have learned previously to solve problems. It is challenging program, but that's what ds#4 needs.

I believe AoPS says that their programs are complete. Here is the link to the "homeschool" student page with AoPS recommendations: http://www.artofproblemsolving.com/Books/AoPS_B_Rec_Homeschool.php#jumpnoalg

[KarenC]

I think our plan now is to finish out NEM 1 and start Art of Problem Solving next year.

Thanks,
Karen