Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Recommended Resources videotext algebra?

I put this in a different post just because I was sticking to books in the other. Has anyone used this program? I have heard reviews that it is better than Thinkwell and ChalkDust in that the kids really get the "why" they are doing something. The complete algebra and complete geometry are supposed to be complete prealgebra through pre-calc. But it is very expensive.

last try, anyone heard anything about this?

Sorry Melissa, I have not heard anything but I am interested in finding out more also.

I own VT module A but we haven't used it. WE've used Rightstart math A-E. Dr. Cotter hasn't had time to complete the RS series w/ RS algebraic Approach so she highly recommends VT A for a program which is in line w/ her philosophy of understanding the WHYs of math and not just the HOW which is why when I found it for a great price used I bought it. WE'll be starting it in the fall.

Please expand, if you are able. Are there any recommendations regarding the rest of the program? I have looked at this and at Kinetic books because they look fun. My DD has access to EPGY through Intro. to Algebra which is 8th grade algebra so she will probably do that as well. I have an opportunity to Beta Test Vidoetext online and am unsure. It is a great opportunity but it's still money out the window if it isn't the right program for my DD. I have been told that some kids have a hard time taking the information and making it work themselves. If I understand correctly it doesn't go through as high a level of problems as Kinetic does. Any other comments or information?

Well as in all other curricula, what is perfect for one kid is not for another. Many will use different math curricula for different kids in the same family.

What I liked about VT was that he explained WHY invert and multiply works. That's what I liked about RS. THe lesson would lead the student down the road of figuring out the algorithm and then it would be taught explicitly. FOr instance, 4 3/4 to convert to a fraction, 4x4=16 then (16+3)/3. You may forget a standard algorithm, but if you understand the WHY, you can also figure it out and re-derive it.

Dr. cotter does recommend the rest of the program as being in line w/ her philosophy. Hers is a mixture of Asian and Montessori. RS is quite similar to Singapore Math.

We are doing Singapore with all the other chilren...DD didn't have it only because she was in public school for so long. So it might or might not follow for the rest of them either.