Math Without Borders Home Study Companions

The curriculum emphasizes real-world applications and problem-solving, particularly through Foerster's texts which are noted for their applied approach.

One reviewer notes 'none of them is in the same league with Foerster when it comes to teaching problem solving and real-world applications' and the Geometry course introduces 'all of the content in the context of a problem where it is immediately useful.'

The program extensively uses worked examples through Chandler's video demonstrations. Students can observe step-by-step problem solving before attempting independent work.

Reviews state that Chandler 'works through examples slowly so students can follow along' and provides 'video solutions for about half of the problems (the recommended assignment) worked out on video.'

The curriculum is built around direct instruction with experienced teacher David Chandler providing explicit explanations and demonstrations. The format supports teacher-led learning through video.

The program features 'presentations of an experienced teacher' where Chandler 'talks students through each of the key concepts' and 'teaches math calmly and clearly' with his '35+ years of teaching experience.'

The curriculum follows a mastery-based approach aligned with the Foerster textbook sequence. Each concept is taught thoroughly before moving to the next topic.

Chandler 'talks students through each of the key concepts in each section of the textbook' and 'works through a fair number of examples before he leaves students to work through problems on their own.'

The curriculum incorporates visual tools through technology integration including GeoGebra, graphing calculators, and whiteboard demonstrations. The Geometry course particularly emphasizes visual constructions.

Chandler 'uses a whiteboard to teach the concepts,' 'pulls up an online calculator and other tools such as Geogebra,' and the Geometry course includes 'demonstrations using GeoGebra' with students creating 'their own geometric constructions.'

The curriculum emphasizes both conceptual understanding and procedural skills through Foerster's rigorous texts and Chandler's explanatory videos. The program includes real-world applications while building strong foundational skills.

Reviews note that Foerster brings 'intimate knowledge of mathematics as a real-world problem-solving tool' and the program includes 'real-world applications' while providing 'solid mathematical foundation preparation.'

The curriculum provides detailed teacher guidance through Chandler's notes and explanations but lacks formal teacher training materials for parents.

Reviews mention that 'Chandler's notes for each course' provide 'detailed information about scheduling and course content' and he explains how to use various tools, but no formal teacher training is described.

The curriculum includes some retrieval practice through chapter reviews and self-tests in the textbooks, but limited evidence of systematic spaced review.

Reviews mention 'chapter reviews and/or chapter tests within the textbooks can be used for assessment' and 'self-quiz, a review section and a review self-test' in the Geometry course.

The curriculum includes chapter assessments and self-tests but lacks comprehensive diagnostic tools to identify specific skill gaps.

The program includes 'chapter reviews and/or chapter tests within the textbooks' and 'self-quiz' sections, but reviews don't mention diagnostic assessments for identifying learning gaps.