Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Learning Environments Advice on how best to support DS12 re Math

KADmom, I PM'd you.

I've recently fallen in love with Art of Problem Solving, which sounds like it might be of interest to several of you if you haven't seen it. Math, by mathies, for mathies. Very visual, everything derived from first principles, tons of depth and complexity rather than drill.

There's an on-line data base (free) of problems which covers full courses, including pre-algebra and algebra, which could be a good way of finding those holes as well as covering material in a fun way. There's (free) videos that go with a number of courses, textbooks, and actual courses (expensive).

We've just completed pre-algebra on our own using AoPS textbook and online database questions ("Alcumus"); I've loved the book, videos and Alcumus. In a couple of weeks, DS will start Algebra I as formal AoPS on-line course, so can't speak to that experience yet.

AoPS won't replace a human tutor, but could be really useful both to fill gaps and offer challenge. The AoPS on-line community is huge and also a big draw for many. For a kid who is visual and likes the conceptual side of math, a great experience.

Hope this is useful - and good luck!

In addition to (or possibly even instead of) a tutor, take a look at the online aleks.com offerings. Originally developed by UC California researchers aligned with California math standards, they do now offer courses aligned for other state standards, including a couple different "Integrated Math" curriculums.

A (good) tutor would probably be better -- but the aleks price is very reasonable compared to tutoring prices. It allows a kid to move quickly through material the kid is ready to move ahead on, and will map out what areas a kid doesn't yet have. So one approach would be to use aleks for what it can do well (e.g., fill in minor holes in background, let a kid quickly rip through new-but-easy-to-get material, quickly review material on which a kid is rusty) and thereby stretch your tutoring dollars by allowing the tutor to focus on those areas that need more explanation and development.

Thanks, Michelle. We do use the videos and they have helped quite a bit. AOPS is a fantastic program. Unfortunately, DS just doesn't find online learning engaging. Which is interesting to me considering how much he likes minecraft and programming.

KADmom - what kinds of online learning have you tried? Our upcoming AoPS algebra is our first, and no doubt its an odd one to start with - AoPS courses use no audio or video - just words and equations from teacher and students appearing on the screen. We did a test run and DS is quite dubious about the whole thing.... I'm hoping he gets caught up in the "community" aspects, and is attracted by the idea of chatting online with classmates who would actually be crazy math freaks like him.

(I can't believe I'm trying to get him to find something to spend MORE computer time on! Am I insane?)

Like yours, a Minecraft and programming-aholic, so I'd much appreciate hearing about what you've tried on-line, and any guesses as to what made it un-appealing.

Thanks for advice!