[ High School and Self-Education Board ]
Posted by LaJuana on 12:06 Jun 11
In Reply to: Can you all tell me why you like Jacob's Elem. Algebra., or Lial's Algebra, or Teaching Textbook? How about NEM? Foerster's? (sm) posted by karenciavo
Karen,
I would try, if at all possible, to examine the books to see which you think is best for your ds. Math, like most things, is not one-size-fits-all. I use Foerster's Algebra because it is very rigorous and includes many, many problems applying the principles studied in all different ways. It is organized logically and includes a thorough coverage of algebra, more than many other books popular among homeschooling families. As such, it provides the best focus on *using* algebra that I have seen in any textbook. The student who has finished the two books (Algebra I and Algebra and Trigonometry) is unlikely to be surprised or mystified by problems encountered on the SAT or by problems requiring facility in the use of algebra encountered in higher math courses in college.
For a student well-prepared in elementary mathematics, the explanations are clear, with not too much and not too little provided. I also love the fact that there are plenty of extra problems so that if a student has a tough time in a difficult section, more problems can be assigned for another day or two or even three. The Teacher's Edition includes assignments of one or two problems from past sections of the text with many lessons, so review, particularly of the toughest application problems, is built into the lesson plans.
My children are all more oriented toward language and music than mathematics, yet after completing Foerster's they have scored 700 or above on their SAT math tests. I give all the credit to the excellent instruction they have had in Foerster's, not to any innate mathematical interest or ability and certainly not to my teaching, which is usually minimal unless the student encounters difficulty. That's part of why I'm such an advocate of Foerster's. Also, because some of my dc will not study math in college, their high school preparation is really their last encounter with a study of mathematics. I want them to be well-prepared to teach their own children mathematics in the future. I think Foerster's has helped them to be prepared for that task, too.
Foerster's isn't for everyone. It requires a solid foundation in elementary mathematics and the discipline and willingness to tackle tough problems. It requires the student to learn to think mathematically. Some parents could find it difficult to teach if their own mathematical background isn't solid. However, a teacher isn't always necessary since the explanations are clear and straightforward. But, boy, that Solutions Manual can be a lifesaver in the second book, Algebra and Trigonometry!
This is merely the opinion of one very satisfied user of Foerster's. I hope you have the opportunity to actually examine the texts you're considering before you choose.
Under His mercy,
LaJuana