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Rating: 
Summary: The worst Algebra book ever!
Review: My son's 8th grade algebra class used this book 3 years ago in an independent school near Boston. When many went on to independent high schools they had to repeat algebra one because they were not prepared for algebra 2 because they had used this pc algebra book. Kids are not stupid, they can grasp algebra one as traditionally taught. I feel my son who is a straight A student and now is struggling in algebra 2 has missed out on a very important subject not only for math's sake but to assist in thinking logically about many things. As an algebra teacher at one time myself, I plead with you teachers and principals, do not use your students as "guinea pigs" and fall for this book for your classes.
Rating:
Summary: The worst Algebra book ever!
Review: This, the second volume of the preprint version of Key Curriculum's first Algebra book, looks quite promising. Using the "discovery" approach, this constructivist version of basic Algebra is quite welcome. It forms the second mathematics text by Key Curriculum Press, the first being the excellent "Discovering Geometry", a text I have enjoyed using in high school Geometry courses.The format of the text is well-ordered and thorough. The real breakthrough here is that the material is arranged in a developmental order akin to the pupil's intellect and not merely with reagard to the development of complexity of subject matter. In other words, it is medically sound as well as mathematically sound. This discovery process is, however, a stranger to many high school teachers. Therefore, in order to help the teacher structure the lessons, and the students get a feel for the though processes of mathematics, most exercises are done in the "investigation" style. The student is lead gradually through the problem with questions and commands, much like an expert system. Great stuff.
Rating: 
Summary: Cutting edge curriculum exposed!
Review: This, the second volume of the preprint version of Key Curriculum's first Algebra book, looks quite promising. Using the "discovery" approach, this constructivist version of basic Algebra is quite welcome. It forms the second mathematics text by Key Curriculum Press, the first being the excellent "Discovering Geometry", a text I have enjoyed using in high school Geometry courses. The format of the text is well-ordered and thorough. The real breakthrough here is that the material is arranged in a developmental order akin to the pupil's intellect and not merely with reagard to the development of complexity of subject matter. In other words, it is medically sound as well as mathematically sound. This discovery process is, however, a stranger to many high school teachers. Therefore, in order to help the teacher structure the lessons, and the students get a feel for the though processes of mathematics, most exercises are done in the "investigation" style. The student is lead gradually through the problem with questions and commands, much like an expert system. Great stuff.
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