Instead of memorizing formulas and equations the first year, taking geometry, and forgetting everything by the second year, Videotext Algebra helps students to understand learning through mastery learning, rather than the traditional spiral-approach. The DVD-based lessons of
Videotext Algebra covers Algebra 1 and Algebra 2 with computer-generated graphics, animation, and Color-sequencing "textbook lesson". 176 lessons are approximately 5-10 minutes long each, and approach concepts in a logical, detailed order. Course notes allow students to review the development of a concept as it follows the lesson, repeating exactly what was shown on the DVD, while the student worktext provides a review, additional examples, and concise exercises to complete. The solution manuals include detailed, step-by-step solutions to every problem; progress tests provide an opportunity for students to demonstrate their understanding of each lesson and unit. Two versions of the test allow for retesting or review to ensure mastery.
Engage your students during each step of this interactive DVD; pause the video to answer the questions asked in the video or dialogue with the instructor, before moving to the detailed steps. Two to three brief sentences introduce the objective before moving into the main substance of the lesson; the lessons are not designed to take the place of instruction, and teachers should discuss the concepts and resolve any questions before watching or pausing the lesson with their student. Independent students should likewise make sure they consider and understand the lesson. Finally, students can begin to do some work independently, either by the teacher's introduction of additional examples from the worktext, or by the student immediately going to the worktext on his or her own. Quizzes, unit tests, cumulative reviews, and final examinations are included; assessments often include open-response questions, which require the learners to state their understanding of the concept.
This course includes:
176 Video Lessons on DVD Course Notes, 360 pages Student Worktext, 590 pages Solutions Manuals Progress Tests with Answer Keys“What would you recommend for high school math?” “Which program comes closest to what Charlotte Mason would call a ‘living math course’?” “I was never very good with math concepts. Is there a course that can make up for the knowledge and enthusiasm I lack?” These are some of the most frequently asked questions Karen and I receive at homeschool conferences. I am now pleased to report that we have found such a course! Tom Clark, the creator of
VideoText Interactive, is perhaps the most gifted and inspiring math teacher in America. Not too many other teachers can bring a large homeschool conference audience to tears and laughter on the topic of math!
In my high school days, I really stumbled in algebra because I was the type of student who always asked the “why” questions. Instead of getting answers, I was told to memorize tricks, shortcuts, rules, and formulas that didn’t seem to make sense. In strong contrast, this course offers a series of short incremental lessons that last about 5 to 10 minutes each. They have been specially designed to encourage the student to dialogue his way to understanding. This is the most natural way to gain knowledge of any given subject.
Using the pause button to answer questions and engage in discussion, the whole lesson will only take 15 to 20 minutes. Course notes are prewritten so the students can give their full attention to the concepts presented. There is a solutions manual that details every step of every problem in the supplied worktext, and this course can be used with multiple students and ages. Using not just a “talking head” or “floating hand,” this full-color, professionally presented course offers live instructors, detailed explanations, and computer-generated graphics and animation to drive a concept home.
Nobel Prize winner Richard Feynman once said that most high school math textbooks were filled with errors and poorly written by people who didn’t always know what they were talking about and, worst of all, did not understand the practical working connection of math as a tool of science. His conclusion was that students who can understand and think through math concepts (instead of merely memorizing tricks and answers for the test) have the potential to give us our great discoveries in science. Dr. Jay Wile, author of Apologia Science Curriculum, has said, “There are many students who cannot handle my chemistry course because they have not had a good algebra course. . . .VideoText Interactive’s algebra is truly the best that I have seen. . . in short this course is a scientist’s dream come true!” Even if your student is not a budding scientist, this course will improve his/her problem-solving skills and SAT scores that will be needed for a productive college career.
The secret to the success of this curriculum is Tom Clark’s love and enthusiasm for his subject and his students! He also offers the clearest teacher and student instructions I have ever seen. To get the most out of this course, your student should already know how to add, subtract, multiply, and divide using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals; know how to change fractions to decimals and vice versa; and know how percents relate to fractions and decimals, although the course gives a new perspective on these basics. Let me close with a word of advice. Don’t skip a module or a lesson, even if you have already learned some algebra. This is a completely different approach to learning these concepts, so please begin at the beginning! Each module includes three DVDs, a student worktext, course notes, a solutions manual, progress tests, and an instructor’s guide.
—Dean
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