Geometry - Chalkdust

[Tina D]

Has anyone used this? If so, what would you consider to be the greatest strength or weakness? Did you use something else first and switch? Any comments on the geometry program will be greatly appreciated.

Tina

[Cynde]

I hate to see your post go unanswered, so I'll do my best. However, please know that I'm not a math expert, and I have not compared this program with any other geometry programs out there. I knew that for our dc, a program with video instruction would work best. A few years ago, there weren't as many options as there are now, so I didn't really have anything to compare. We just went with Chalkdust, and we're very pleased with it. Neither of our dc love math, so I can't say that they loved it, but I did as a mom. Here are what I see as the strengths:

1. video lectures - well done! Great video/audio quality. IMHO, I think Mr. Mosely's instruction is fabulous. He really wants students to learn the concepts and not just a process. Our dc never complained about watching the vidoes and do think that the instruction was great.
2. Mr. Mosely's availability by email to help students and parents. Responses were always thoughtful and helpful. Response time has been quick.
3. Dc and I both like the text book. I like the layout and its instruction and example problems. The inclusion of "real-life" type word problems helps students realize there really is a use for geometry. I think the problems are great, but our dd - probably headed for an English or writing degree - still wonders why she needs all this math. :)
4. IMHO, I think that it's a strong and challenging geometry program that emphasizes proofs, postulates, and theorums. I really wanted that in a geometry program.
5. Our dc were successful with this program. But, just because it worked for us, doesn't mean it will for you.

Personally, we didn't experience any weaknesses with this program. But remember, I'm not a math expert. Maybe there are some and I'm just not savvy enough to recognize them. Oh, maybe just one. The solution manual shows one way to solve a proof. However, more than one way exists. So you might have to do some figuring on your own or ask Mr. Mosely. However, I believe you'd find this with any solution manual.

That's all I can think of right now. I will say that we were happy with Chalkdust Geometry and continued with the Precalculus and Calculus I programs.

Hope that helps!