What I Look for in a Great Homeschool Algebra Curriculum
By Sara on 28 June 2011 / Curricula, Mathematics / 6 Comments
As an algebra teacher looking forward to the coming school year at our homeschool co-op, I’ve been searching for my “dream curriculum” for Algebra I, one that would be particularly suitable for use in a class which meets two days each week, three hours in all.
What makes up my algebra dream course? Well, to begin with:
- Full coverage of all customary Algebra I fare, of course, using
- Standard symbols such as appear on the SAT. This may rule out older texts.
- Then, Clear instruction using
- Correct terminology and
- Plenty of sample problems worked out step-by-step. Since our class meets only two days each week, seeing the samples being worked out and hearing the successive steps explained is an absolute must! Therefore, my dream curriculum includes
- VIDEO INSTRUCTION.
Next, because I want to avoid whole sections of homework being done incorrectly due to a misunderstanding of the process,
- INTERACTIVE PROBLEMS are essential, to confirm that, yes, this is the right way to do these problems. Of course, we do plenty of work in class together, but it’s amazing how much a student can forget from one day to the next. A refresher is needed before beginning the homework.
An indispensable part of learning algebra is the homework. My dream curriculum would include:
- Numerous homework problems on the current topic, starting out on the easy end and becoming increasingly more challenging.
- Answers to some problems (perhaps odd or even) would be available to the student to inspire confidence (or to direct the student back to the text or video) but would be located separately from the homework assignments (in a separate book or on a different CD) to discourage the lazy student from referring to the answers too quickly or frequently. Additionally, each set of homework problems would include a smattering of
- Review questions to keep previous topics fresh in the students’ minds.
- Thorough tests should also be provided and would include at least
- Two versions of each test, to allow for a re-test, if necessary. Full step-by-step solutions should be provided for both homework and tests.
Finally, my dream course would be priced very moderately. These are homeschooling families, after all, many of whom are on shoestring curriculum budgets and also have to pay for my class!
This Friday, I will review one of the Algebra I curricula I have been considering.
What Algebra curricula have you used with your homeschoolers? Were you pleased with it?
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6 Comments
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Vicki
June 28, 2011 9:50 pmGreat ideas, Sara!
I love the idea of at least two test to allow for a re-take. In all my subjects I want to see learning (preferably mastery) not just evaluation. A second test is a great way to provide that.
I like review and real world applications too. My kids always want to know how, if ever, they will use this in their life beyond school.
Sara
June 29, 2011 2:48 pmOne curriculum I used in my classes offered FOUR test versions. We used one test form as a practice test (I provided the answer key to the practice test so the students could check their own work, rework incorrect answers, and call me if they could not come up with the correct answer), the second test form as the actual test, and the third as the re-test. The fourth version was used for in-class review purposes.
For the student who is willing to do the extra work to improve his grade, I am happy to allow a re-test opportunity.
Sabrina
June 28, 2011 6:11 amAs someone who struggles with Algebra myself, I agree that the video instruction is important....my kids have needed to see problems worked correctly (with explanations of the steps), and I am not confident (competent!) to do that with them in between classes with an Algebra teacher.
Sara Hayes
June 28, 2011 11:44 amSabrina, there are SO MANY online sites now that provide really good video instruction for math at all levels. So, even if the curriculum you choose does not include video instruction, a quick search on the internet will provide your student with the video review he needs between classes.
Marilyn Groop
June 28, 2011 5:53 amI really like the idea of interactive problems so students don't reinforce the incorrect way of doing things.