Re: [MATHEDCC] Re:

Martha Haehl (haehl@KCMETRO.CC.MO.US)
Mon, 7 Apr 1997 09:12:38 -0500 (CDT)

What a comment!! To pass off group work as "touchy/feely" implied to have
little or no substance or rigor. Substance or rigor can exist or fail to
exist in classes approached by any teaching method. This posting doesn't
have me jumping to check out the commercial message included. By the way,
why is an advertisement on this list?

Martha

>Thanks for showing interest and/or requesting information about Power Algebra.
>
>If you want the kind of Algebra I curriculum that establishes strong work
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>
>The best way to check out Power Algebra is to see the following WEB PAGE:
>
>
>http://www.zapcom.net/~gary/in
>dex.html
>
>Two mathematics teachers from Ukiah High School were growing weary with
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>
>
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>
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>
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>
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>
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>
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>
>
>PHONE:
>Call Marshall Falgout at (707) 468-8535 after 4 PM pacific time. You can
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>
>
>See the information below if interested in the advantages of the book:
> "Power
>Algebra I--Written by Teachers for Students".
>
>You owe it to yourself and your students to take a careful look!
>
>Why POWER ALGEBRA I?
>
>1- The material in this textbook was tested and retested for almost 3 years
>before the first printing! (over 25 classes at 2 different high schools and
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>2- This book starts off with new material and reviews old concepts at the
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>6- Required Practice problems provide for daily cumulative practice! Why
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>7- After each Required Practice problem there is a reference back to the
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>8- Minimal reviewing for finals since all work is cumulative (exams and
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>9- Many problems of the new type. Each assignment can be specifically
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>11- A, B, & C level problems in every exercise! As stated in the
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>12- The teacher is able to come back for additional practice on any lesson,
>and there are enough problems so that more than one day can be spent on any
>one lesson as needed!
>13- Optional Practice Tests every 4 lessons which can be used for review,
>to prepare for a test, or as an assignment for the substitute teacher!
>14- There are some very challenging problems, for the exceptional math
>student! Assignments can vary to meet the wide ranges of ability found
>among students!
>15- Student/Parent FRIENDLY! Clear and concise explanations & examples!
>This book was written for students. The examples are simple and straight
>forward. Simplified definitions are given.
>16- Calculator use is encouraged throughout the book! The use of graphing
>calculators is strongly encouraged.
>17- Lots of Geometry: a) to review basic concepts. b) to master simple
>algebra topics. c) to help prepare students for college entrance
>examinations.
>(The Geometry starts in the first lesson.)
>18- Lots of bar graphs (histograms), pie graphs, and line graphs!
>19- Excellent problem solving techniques!
>20- Coordinate graphing problems throughout the book (early start)!
>21- Great estimation problems!
>22- Topics are pulled close together, but still practiced over a long
>period of time!
>23- At least one sensible word problem everyday!
>24- The answers are not always integers!
>25- Some "multiple solution" and "no solution" problems!
>26- Interesting facts throughout! (geography, etc.)
>27- Predetermined Medium, Tough & Advanced exercise assignments given in
>the Teacher's Materials to aide the teacher and the students!
>28- Some great alternative methods for solving problems (BIN, ratio
>organization, etc.)
>29- Difficult topics are broken down into small manageable bites and
>mastered with long term practice! (ex: y = mx + b)
>30- Problem recognition (Instead of practicing just one type of problem in
>an exercise, the student sees many types of problems on every exercise just
>like what is seen on any standardized math exam)!
>31- Historical Research and Challenge Problem Sections!
>32- Every test has at least one extra credit problem to challenge the
>strong and/or creative math students!
>33- Better mastery, better test scores, and increased enrollment in higher
>level math courses!
>34- Stronger foundational skills which allows for better problem solving!
>35- The mystery of "ALGEBRA" is lessened. Student enjoyment is increased!
>36- All testing materials (including final exams) and enrichment materials
>(trigonometry, exponential growth, graphing calculators, additional
>geometry, probability, patterns, and more) are available upon request!
>37- "This algebra book is not for the student who expects to slide by. Be
>prepared to work hard. The rewards will be well worth the effort." by Ms.
>Chris Thudium, algebra teacher from St. Mary of the Angels School after
>teaching out of the manuscript copy for 2 years.
>
>
>
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Martha Haehl
Maple Woods Community College
2601 N. E. Barry Rd.
Kansas City, Missouri 64156

(816)437-3147

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