Math for Algebra, Geometry, Alg II, etc

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jenntracy
Posts: 428
Joined: Fri May 01, 2009 11:18 am
Location: Florida

Math for Algebra, Geometry, Alg II, etc

Post by jenntracy » Thu Jun 30, 2016 10:13 pm

I know Carrie has suggested MathHelp.com for some of the older guides. What about CTC Math? They seem comparable. I have actually used both. Is there any reasoning why Mathhelp.com would be better? Wondering if it was ever discussed here.
Thanks!
Mom to 4 Blessings
DS 14.5 yrs World Geography
DD 13 yrs MTMM
DD 10 yrs CTC
DS 7 yrs Bigger

LynnH
Posts: 1846
Joined: Sun Jan 25, 2009 12:41 pm
Location: OH
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Re: Math for Algebra, Geometry, Alg II, etc

Post by LynnH » Fri Jul 01, 2016 7:53 am

I have not used either, but I have looked at both quite a bit. My understanding from the CTC website and other reviews of it that for upper math levels above grade 8 they don't recommend it as a full curriculum, only as a supplement. Mathhelp.com is a full curriculum in the upper levels. The other thing I like about mathhelp is that they have things like ACT math prep and even college algebra which is something I have seriously considered having my son do instead of Pre-calculus.
Mom to:
dd 22 college graduate and employed as an Intervention Specialist
ds 18 US2, Loved Preparing, CTC , RTR , Rev to Rev, MTMM ,WG, WH and US1
http://www.graceandfur.blogspot.com/

my3sons
Posts: 10702
Joined: Sun Aug 26, 2007 7:08 pm
Location: South Dakota

Re: Math for Algebra, Geometry, Alg II, etc

Post by my3sons » Mon Jul 04, 2016 8:43 am

Hi jenntracy!

I have not used either of these math programs, but I will say having talked to other homeschool moms who have used mathhelp.com (or its earlier name 'yourteacher.com'), it has an overwhelming positive response. It was in Cathy Duffy’s Top 101 Picks as well. Here are Carrie's notes about mathhelp.com's Geometry program...

Each lesson includes:

Multiple Video Example Problems (similar to how a teacher starts class at the board by explaining the examples from the textbook)
Interactive Practice Problems with Built-in Explanations?(similar to how a teacher assigns practice and walks around the class providing math help)
A Challenge Problem (similar to how a teacher assigns a higher level problem which students must work on their own to prove mastery)
Multiple-Choice Self-Tests (similar to how a teacher assigns problems which you must work on your own to prove mastery of material)
Extra Problem Worksheets (similar to how a teacher assigns additional problems for homework)
Review Notes (similar to how a teacher provides summary handouts or refers you to your textbook for online math help)

This math program works well for students who have struggled with math in the past and who are likely to find Geometry a challenge. It also works well for students who may have begun another Geometry program that was not successful and need to switch to a different program mid-stream to finish the learning out, or for students who may not have a long period of time to complete Geometry and need to get it done in a timely fashion, or for students who must do much of their work on math alone without help from a parent.

This Geometry program does not have nearly the depth of Geometry: A Guided Inquiry, but it does cover needed Geometry concepts in a plain, no-frills fashion. We used it with our own oldest son who needed to get Geometry done in a timely fashion after he took longer than expected to complete Video Text Algebra I and II. At that time, he had begun VideoText Geometry, but we could see it would take him longer than we desired for him to complete it. So, we switched him to YourTeacher.com for Geometry due to time constraints. He really enjoyed the course and did very well with it!


It's also easy to give it a trial run, as it has a monthly fee. They sometimes run one free month promotions as well. It is quite versatile, as it has online instruction, but no specific times the online instruction must be watched, and you can start anywhere in the program. For example, a mom I was just speaking with on the phone for HOD said she was using it to teach decimals, percentages, and fractions, as these were the areas not covered in the math program she'd used with her son, and they were skills needed for the upcoming math program he would be switching to. I personally like that the worksheets can be printed, as it still has that paper/pencil component, and a 'textbook' type portfolio of work can be 'built' in a 3-ring binder, making it easy to look back for help on previously covered math concepts. I like the 'help' that is constantly available. The student can click the 'help' button at virtually any time. I also like the teacher directed whiteboard lessons - they are clear, straight-forward, and easy to understand. You can try a sample lesson on the mathhelp.com website, which I would recommend, as it gives a good introduction and excellent information about the ins and outs of the program. HTH!

In Christ,
Julie
Enjoyed LHTH to USII
Currently using USI
Wife to Rich for 28 years
Mother to 3 sons, ages 23, 20, and 16
Sister to Carrie

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