Placement
For older, or upper level students, studying Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1 or 2, Geometry or PreCalculus, Math·U·See can be taught in a cooperative learning situation. The first prerequisite is each student should have a good foundation when entering any of these courses. I would define a solid foundation as having a thorough grasp of the four basic operations, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division as well as fractions, decimals, and percents. I used to teach high school math in a public school system. I taught many students who could learn the basic concepts of algebra but were held back by never having mastered multiplication or fractions.
Regardless of their age, if they have gaps or holes in their foundation, please take placement tests to identify these areas of need and begin at the suitable level. Math is a subject that is sequential and builds upon previously learned concepts. I can't encourage you enough to not put your child in a class simply because their "friends" are taking the same course. Find out what your student knows and begin there, so he will experience success and develop confidence as he studies at the appropriate level.
Placement tests are available online and are free of charge. If there are other placement questions consult your local authorized Math·U·See representative.
Preparation
Teachers should watch the DVD and read the Instruction Manual before presenting a lesson. This may sound obvious but this is based on years of experience. Many schools have used Math·U·See, but not with success. The common thread was that if a teacher watched the video instruction they did well, but if they did not watch the DVD then they did not do well. Math·U·See is a different approach. Good teachers can adapt this approach to a classroom, but all of the elements (answer keys, examples, written and visual instruction) still need to be employed for the best chance of success.
Parents need to be on board with the different approach of Math·U·See. The best way would be to have several demo DVDs circulating among them until they understand how Math·U·See works. This is not a straight forward workbook method. It has video and written instruction, hands-on manipulatives, and is based on mastery learning and proper placement.
Students should also each have the Instruction Manual for the written directions, examples, and answer keys, as well as the DVD. If they do not have all of the components of Math·U·See, then it will be "math you almost saw" instead of "math you understand." They need to be able to watch the DVD and review the examples. They also need to be able to have their homework corrected as they do it to reinforce the correct way to solve the problems and save them from making the same mistake through an entire lesson.
Pace
Math·U·See is designed as a tutorial approach, which means moving at the student's pace. It is incumbent upon the parents of the children to be involved to see that this approach is followed. Since math needs to be taught sequentially and each level needs to be mastered before moving to a succeeding skill level, only a tutor or a parent can determine when to move to the next concept. If the student is not learning at the pace of the coop then adjustments need to be made to help him to move at his own pace for success.
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