More Math questions - VT anyone?

[Karen in CO]

After trying Jacobs, Saxon, Singapore and Alexs with my ds, I planned to use Chalkdusk with my next two to keep it simple. I learned that I am terrible at explaining math so I want something with a video component, good solutions and support.

I have heard that Dr. Cotter from RS recommends VT Algebra. Has anyone tried it? Is it rigorous? Does it have good retention? Would you recommend it?

Thanks.

[Karin]

Haven't tried it. We've looked at the sample videos from Chalk Dust and VT. My kids preferred the former for Algebra and the latter for Geometry based on the samples alone. We're considering using one of them to augment the other Algebra we're doing (Gelfand's) as dd needs something she can do completely on her own some days. My kids found the 3 different VT Algebra teachers boring. I'd recommend getting the sample videos or watching them online.

[mcconnellboys]

VideoText? We used it for Algebra I and II. My son complained, but was able to do the work. He's gone back to private school this year and is making A's in geometry. He'll do trig/pre-calc next year and so I guess we'll see then if it's served him well by way of prep. I think it's sound programming,

Regena

[Martha in NM]

I think that it does an excellent job of teaching the basics. Random thoughts follow:

1. IMO it's best used with younger students, although for us it was a desperation curriculum change after deciding that my son needed to repeat Algebra I. It put him back on track, and saved my sanity. YMMV, of course.:)

2. VT presents ideas and builds incrementally in a way that's clearly visible and for us, memorable. It helped my son be more systematic in his thinking and writing out solutions, and helped me do a better job of diagnosing problems beyond just saying the answer's wrong (again, sigh).

3. If having at least some math from a more traditional approach on the transcript is important to you, I suggest that, if you use VT, start early enough allow some time for something more traditional.

4. The advantage of VT's non-text approach is that the graphics go beyond what you can do with a teacher in front of a blackboard. The quiz/test books and the solutions manuals are clear and easy to use because both have the same form and page numbers. The covers are different colors which makes life easier.

5. At first, I found having all the components separate to be annoying, but if you are using it with more than one student it's a definite plus. I was pretty strict about having everything put back in the binder, because I worked through the algebra problems with ds so we were always using the same set of materials.

6. The one thing that I did differently with algebra was to insist that ds write his own notes. I did not have him take notes during the video part, but his first task for math every day was to write down notes of the previous day's lesson after having seen the video and completed the problem set. The note-taking doubled as review for quizzes. Having his own notes allowed him to write out more detailed explanations and examples than those given in the course notes.

After ds finishes geometry we're considering either Chalkdust pre-Calc or a community college course.

HTH,
Martha