The publisher of VideoText's Algebra has also produced Geometry: A Complete Course. Both products work together to provide solid coverage of algebra 1, algebra 2, geometry, trigonometry, and precalculus since both the Algebra and Geometry courses cover significantly more material than is typically found in traditionally-designed courses.
The approach is a bit different from most other courses, even though the concepts taught are the same as in traditional courses. The goal is to develop conceptual understanding, and this is accomplished by working through concepts in a "building blocks" fashion. Students first learn fundamental terms and definitions along with inductive and deductive reasoning and logic. Then they learn fundamental postulates and theorems, dealing with points, lines, segments, rays, and angles. Formal proofs are introduced at this point. Next, students study triangles, other polygons, and circles.
Only after this do they learn how to do constructions with a compass and straight edge. In the final unit, they study trigonometry.
VideoText's Geometry is designed like their algebra course with six modules. Instruction is presented on DVDs featuring instructor Tom Clark thoroughly explaining each concept, using examples and animations. Students should stop the DVD frequently to answer questions posed (before the instructor does so) or discuss concepts with a parent/teacher. Students should not be writing or taking notes while watching. After they finish watching the DVD lesson, students can go over the lesson in the Course Notes booklet to make sure they grasped the concepts. Then they can begin to work on the exercises in the Student Worktext. Worktext exercises again review key terms and present examples with complete solutions before students begin the actual exercises. A complete Solutions Manual can be used for checking student work and identifying problem areas. A separate book of quizzes and tests has two versions of each in case students need to retest.
Each of the six modules (labeled A through F) includes three DVDs, course notes, a worktext, a solutions manual, and the Instructor's Guide with Detailed Solutions for Progress Tests. A zipper case for the DVDs is included with the first module. Each module comes in a sturdy cardboard case that should be used for storing all the components. (Note: You might want to keep teacher materials and solutions manuals separate
The complete program might take one to two years to complete depending upon the ability of the student, and also whether or not a student chooses to complete study all the way through trigonometry. (If not, they can skip the last unit of Module 6.) Students should take at least two-days per lesson so that they are NOT testing on the same day as they are learning the material. This helps to ensure that they are not just parroting back what they heard but that they have really grasped the concepts.
If a student doesn't understand a concept and a parent is unable to assist, toll-free phone assistance is available at no cost to registered purchasers of VideoText products. This feature makes this product almost foolproof since it combines thorough teaching presentation, plenty of practice, solutions for error analysis, and phone assistance for backup if all of this isn't sufficient.
You can purchase the entire course with all six modules, individual modules, bundles of three modules each, or the first module plus a completer package. Modules include CD-ROM discs and printed books, You can also access the course online at significant savings. You can choose either digital or printed books to use with the online course.
You might want to check out the premade lesson plans from Homeschool Planet that are available for VideoText's Geometry.
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