Seriously considering Math-U-See... Pros & Cons?

[lacysmommy]

My DD is only 3 so we have a couple years before we really dive into homeschooling, but my DH wants to go back to school and is very poor in math. I asked a couple weeks ago about math programs for adults and someone suggested doing a HS program, and specifically Math-U-See was mentioned as being a good one. I've watched the demo DVD and am very intrigued. My DH will be working about 4 hours away in a couple of weeks for the next 2 or 3 months, so I thought those evenings away from us would be prime time for him to start learning. I think this is the program for us but I'd like some pros and cons of this program for those who have used it. We plan to use this program for our children, as well.

What I like is the approach to learning and how engaging of a speaker he is. I've been looking at reviews of the program and it seems like a really great program. I've seen very few negative reviews. My DH is a very hands-on learner, and fell through the cracks at public school. He'd like to pursue an engineering degree and needs a good understanding of math, and the community college math courses are not helpful to him at all.

Are the manipulatives helpful for older students who are hands-on learners?

He doesn't really grasp the concept of fractions, though he understands decimals, algebra (to a point), and other math concepts. Is this going to hinder him? Is there any way to "catch up" without going through the whole program from the beginning? We'd like to start in geometry or algebra (we will do the placement exam) but we will start with epsilon if I think it will help him.

How successful are kids who use this math program through the end and then study math in college?

Thanks so much for any info! I'm hoping to order the program sometime next week, depending on the responses I get here!

[tallanvor]

Sorry I can't help with all your questions. We're not very far into this program. We're on our 3rd book and have two kids going through it, but they are still elementary school-aged. However, I have yet to find something about this program I don't care for.

Crystal

[PumpkinSeeds]

Key To has a series of workbooks that address very particular areas that you might find interesting. I think you can view samples of them at their website.

I haven't used them but am considering them for later on when my children are older.

[frogguruami]

Originally Posted by lacysmommy

I think this is the program for us but I'd like some pros and cons of this program for those who have used it.

Pros - It is mastery based so you don't move forward until you grasp the consept. It is easy to skip ahead if you master the concept quicker. If you need more time there are printouts online (This is what I have been told but we have never needed it.).

Cons - Not a lot of math fact memorization involved. We have had to take a break with my youngest so he could memorize the facts. There comes a time when it is beneficial to just have them memorized!

Originally Posted by lacysmommy

Are the manipulatives helpful for older students who are hands-on learners?

Great for visual/spatial and tactile learners.

Originally Posted by lacysmommy

He doesn't really grasp the concept of fractions, though he understands decimals, algebra (to a point), and other math concepts. Is this going to hinder him? Is there any way to "catch up" without going through the whole program from the beginning? We'd like to start in geometry or algebra (we will do the placement exam) but we will start with epsilon if I think it will help him.

MUS does fractions differently than most math programs and they are introduced later than the usual math program. If you need to, you can probably find the teacher's manuals used for the book that does fractions. That may be enough for him to get the concept from.

[ustasmom]

If you are a lesson plan kind of mom, MUS doesn't fit well into that as you work at a variable pace. I like to make my plans out for the year, and that aspect drove me bananas.