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Post by Charity on Nov 30, 2004 11:57:49 GMT -5
Coming in January
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Post by faith on Nov 30, 2004 13:03:49 GMT -5
GREAT! We'll look forward to this! Algebra is not my strong area, so all the help we can get will be most welcome!
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Post by Charity on Jan 24, 2005 15:56:50 GMT -5
To begin with let me talk a little about algebra programs. There are hundreds on the market. Here is the program we use in our own homeschool. www.mathrelief.com/THREE PHASES = ONE FULL YEAR Each phase constitutes about 10-12 weeks of study, or roughly 1/3 of the school year. Each phase comes complete with nearly 50 video lessons, 50 assignments and tests, and 50 answer and solutions keys-approximately 250 pages of instructional material-- everything you need for a stand-alone curriculum. 1) Phase 1 - The Basics of Algebra This covers the major topics needed to understand algebra. Many schools do not cover material beyond this level in an entire year. This phase can be used in a pre-algebra situation and is currently used as early as 6th-grade level. 2) Phase 2 - Continuation of the Basics Additional concepts are presented to supplement the basics, topics which are not as common, but are needed to fully understand the subject of algebra. For students who work slowly, Phases 1 and 2 could constitute a full year of credit in Algebra I. 3) Phase 3 - Advanced Topics This phase provides material which prepares the student for additional work in mathematical subjects. FIVE WAYS TO USE EACH PHASE 1) As a core curriculum The tapes can be used either with or without a teacher; the course is comprehensive, without need for additional instruction. However, we strongly recommend supervision as a source of motivation (most students tend to require encouragement to study mathematics, as well as other academic subjects). 2) As a curriculum supplement There are many good programs of study available from Christian suppliers. But, sometimes students have difficulty reading a textbook and understanding mathematical concepts. Students can then locate corresponding subject matter on the tapes to receive verbal explanation of the topic. 3) As a tutoring tool When a student becomes confused and seems "lost", these tapes are an excellent resource for the comprehension of algebra concepts. 4) As a means of variety This is particularly needed for students who use individualized curriculums. Boredom and lack of self-motivation are probably the greatest enemies which stand in the path of success for these students. 5) As additional practice exercises There are thousands of sample problems, covering every type of situation which arises for any given concept. And every exercise is accompanied by a detailed solution, helping the student to trace the steps that are required to get the answer. "I see this as a more time and money effective solution than A Beka's video course. We keep the videos rather than returning them... Even the most expensive choice is only about the same as A Beka's cost for rental of their course. We do not have to watch all of the classroom interaction that is part of the A Beka course, which saves time . . ." - Cathy Duffy, in Mary Pride's Practical Home Schooling
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Post by Charity on Jan 24, 2005 15:58:00 GMT -5
ALGEBRA I COURSE DESCRIPTION It is assumed that the student has no knowledge whatsoever of algebra concepts; pre-algebra is not required. Also, minimal arithmetic skills are needed. Parents (or other supervisors) do not need to prepare anything. The course is designed so that the student can enjoy individualized instruction. The teaching portion on the video tape averages 15 minutes for each lesson. After watching this instructional presentation, the student has worksheet assignments which average about 30-45 minutes. If the student has difficulty with a particular problem, the supervisor may allow the student to view the solution which is worked out in detail in the Answer Key. There are quizzes or tests about every 7 lessons. The end of Phase 3 contains a 2-part final exam for the entire course. All 3 phases are needed to complete the first course in algebra. (Also, all 3 phases are needed for students who plan to attend college.) The following breakdown shows the importance of each phase. Phase 1. This portion contains the "basic operations" of algebra. After completing the last lesson, the student should be on "talking terms" with anyone who discusses the subject of algebra. It deals primarily with equations and factoring, including the main properties that are necessary to work with equations (commutative, associative, and distributive). Phase 2. Phase 2 also contains "basics," but they apply more heavily toward future studies in geometry, trigonometry, and calculus. This includes extensive work with fractions in equations and a large number of operations with square roots, which are crucial to future studies in mathematics. There are several lessons dealing with "word problems," an area which can significantly affect aptitude tests. Students who do not plan to attend college may terminate studies at the end of Phase 2. Phase 3. Phase 3 gives introductory study of graphing, mostly straight lines. This topic appears in all future math courses. Our course has extensive coverage of "completing the square" (needed for graphing curves) and the quadratic formula. Most Algebra I courses only touch lightly (if at all) on these 2 important concepts. We have had several reports of students entering calculus and statistics classes in college with only our Algebra I course as their background, and they have received top grades in those courses. www.mathrelief.com/
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Post by Charity on Jan 24, 2005 15:59:17 GMT -5
More from above link:
Keyboard Enterprises
The Instructor
Leonard Firebaugh is a born-again Christian, who has accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour. God has given him the unique ability to reach children at their level. Mr. Firebaugh explains the motivation behind this new video tutoring series:
"It is important that we train our students to serve the Lord and prepare them to be successful in a world that needs the Saviour. We developed this material to help students accomplish these goals."
Mr. Firebaugh received his B.S. in Math at Indiana University, and his M.A. in Educational Research from Wayne State University, completed post graduate math studies at the University of Notre Dame, and is a Ph.D. candidate in Educational Administration at the University of Wyoming.
Purpose: Satisfy High School Requirements & Prepare For College
Special Information: Twice The Content For Half The Price!
Primary Intent: Use As Core Curriculum
Products: Home Schooling Programs In: Algebra I Algebra II (please contact us for more information) Pre - Algebra (included in Algebra I course) Geometry (still being developed) Jr. High - High School Levels
Specialty: Algebra Courses On Video 18 Videos Designed To Develop Math Skills At Your Own Pace
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Post by Charity on Jan 24, 2005 16:00:49 GMT -5
I can't say enough wonderful things about Keyboard Enterprises algebra. It is in my opinion, the best bet for all homeschoolers. If public schools used these videos, their test scores would improve by large numbers.
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Post by Charity on Jan 24, 2005 16:08:55 GMT -5
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Post by faith on Jan 24, 2005 16:39:40 GMT -5
Hey Charity,
Is this Keyboard Enterprises the same one we are using now - the one we got from you at the beginning of the year?
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Post by Charity on Jan 24, 2005 17:01:18 GMT -5
Yes! My son is doing fantastic with them. We just ordered the rest of them today.
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Post by Charity on Jan 24, 2005 17:14:18 GMT -5
The folks at Keyboard are Christian and very nice. I invited her to our site. If you guys have any questions, perhaps she will be able to help.
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Post by momof6 on Jan 24, 2005 21:51:35 GMT -5
Any way you may be loaning/renting these videos out in say the school year 2006-2007 ;D (HINT HINT) Algebra dummies ???like me may gain lots of knowledge from them
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Post by Charity on Jan 25, 2005 9:15:21 GMT -5
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Post by Charity on Feb 3, 2005 16:51:57 GMT -5
I have to tell you that it is such a Blessing to be using the Algebra course from keyboard Enterprises: www.mathrelief.com/My son ran into a small problem today and did not understand the lesson. We emailed to teacher and he called us right away. He was such a nice person. I am happy to report that after watching the lesson a couple of times, my son then understood it much better. It was not an easy lesson, (factoring the polynomial into 2 binomials) but the teacher on the video explained it step by step and after watching it a couple times, my son understood it fine. We really love this algebra program and I think it is the best on the market. I hope others will try it too.
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Post by momof6 on Feb 3, 2005 18:36:43 GMT -5
What is the approx. cost of this program?
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Post by Charity on Feb 3, 2005 18:59:59 GMT -5
It is very affordable. If you click on the link above, you can get the cost list.
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