- Unmatched for College and Test Readiness: Shormann Pre-Algebra delivers a more rigorous and advanced curriculum than TT’s lighter approach, preparing students for Algebra 1 and standardized tests (PSAT, SAT, ACT). With a focus on fluency and auto-recall, mastering foundational skills like converting fractions, decimals, and ratios, provides excellent preparation for Algebra 1 and standardized tests. TT often requires supplements to bridge gaps for test prep or advanced math.
- Bite-Sized Lessons: Short, incremental lessons introduce one or two concepts in small steps and revisit them frequently with increasing complexity which makes rigorous topics easy to understand. TT focuses on only one topic at a time.
- Expert Video Instruction: Concise 10-15 minute videos by Dr. Shormann on a digital blackboard explain concepts with visual aids and examples, and enriched with math history, real-world applications, and a Biblical foundation for relevance and inspiration.
- Active Learning with Guided Practice: Students take notes and solve example problems during video lessons.
- Flexible Options: Shormann's optional printed textbook, printed Practice Set Booklet, and a completely offline textbook version, support varied preferences, with honors and standard tracks.
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eLearning Tools Make Learning Faster and Easier
Shormann’s self-paced eLearning course is packed with cutting-edge tools that surpass TT’s basic video explanations. Every problem includes two help links (a PDF example and a video clip of a similar problem), hints, and video solutions, empowering independent learning. Direct Q&A email support with Dr. Shormann provides personalized guidance TT can’t match. -
Bite-Sized Lessons for Efficient Learning
Shormann’s incremental, bite-sized lessons break down complex concepts into digestible chunks, accelerating learning compared to TT’s longer, topic-focused chapters. Combined with continual review, this approach makes rigorous content accessible and less overwhelming. -
Proven Test-Prep Advantage
Shormann is engineered for success on standardized tests, embedding skills for PSAT, SAT, ACT, and CLEP/AP prep in higher courses. Students using Shormann’s eLearning course have excelled on the SAT. TT’s gentler pace often necessitates extra test-prep resources. -
Christian Worldview with Real-World Relevance
Shormann weaves a Christian worldview into lessons, presenting math as a tool to understand God’s creation. Math history and real-world applications make learning meaningful and inspiring. TT’s secular approach lacks this depth, offering a more generic experience. -
Flexible Learning Options for All Students
Shormann offers online and offline flexibility with its eLearning course and optional printed textbook (~500 pages), ideal for families wanting less screen time. TT’s app-based format, while device-friendly, lacks a comparable textbook option and may face access issues. Shormann’s honors and standard tracks and placement tests ensure a perfect fit. -
Cost-Effective for Families
At $129 for a 24-month eCourse subscription, including videos, textbook, solutions manual, and support, Shormann is a fantastic value. Sibling subscriptions ($39-$43) make it affordable for homeschooling families. TT’s pricing, while offering discounts, doesn’t deliver the same comprehensive resources or rigor. -
Reduced Parental Workload with Expert Support
Shormann’s automated grading, video solutions, and Q&A email support with Dr. Shormann minimize parental involvement while ensuring expert help. TT’s independent setup is convenient but lacks Shormann’s personalized instructor access, which can be a game-changer for struggling learners. -
Seamless Transition to Advanced Math
Shormann’s spiral approach and rigorous content ensure a smooth transition to Shormann Algebra 1, building a strong foundation. TT students may need to strengthen skills like arithmetic fluency to keep up with Shormann’s Algebra 1, requiring extra effort. -
Engaging Daily Drills for Skill Mastery
Shormann’s daily 5-minute facts drills reinforce critical skills like factoring and conversions, boosting fluency and confidence. TT’s review problems don’t offer the same structured, daily reinforcement, potentially leaving gaps in skill retention. -
Success Stories That Speak Volumes
Students using Shormann’s self-paced eLearning course have achieved remarkable results, like excelling on the SAT after self-teaching with its comprehensive tools. Shormann’s proven track record outshines TT’s approach, which may not yield the same academic achievement.
Concept Comparison
Shormann’s integrated spiral approach delivers rigorous, interconnected lessons, while TT’s topic-focused mastery approach offers simpler, isolated topics, requiring more practice for true mastery, as research (e.g., Rohrer 2010) confirms.
| Concept Category | Shormann Pre-Algebra | Teaching Textbooks Pre-Algebra |
|---|---|---|
| Arithmetic Fundamentals |
Scope: Fractions, decimals, percents, ratios, proportions, unit conversions Depth/Integration: High rigor, integrated with algebra and geometry, supported by eLearning tools for fluency |
Scope: Fractions, decimals, percents, ratios, proportions Depth/Integration: Moderate rigor, simpler problems in isolated chapters, less interconnected |
| Pre-Algebra |
Scope: Variables, expressions, equations, inequalities, basic functions Depth/Integration: Rigorous, interconnected with arithmetic and geometry, prepares for Algebra 1 |
Scope: Basic variables, expressions, equations Depth/Integration: Gentler, limited connections, less rigorous |
| Geometry |
Scope: Shapes, area, perimeter, volume, coordinate geometry Depth/Integration: High integration with algebraic applications, real-world scenarios, Christian worldview |
Scope: Basic shapes, area, perimeter Depth/Integration: Minimal integration, simpler problems, isolated focus |
| Data and Probability |
Scope: Graphing, mean, median, mode, introductory probability Depth/Integration: High, tied to real-world applications, integrated with other topics |
Scope: Simple graphing, basic statistics Depth/Integration: Low, less applied, straightforward presentation |
| Math History and Applications |
Scope: Historical context, real-world scenarios (science, finance), Christian worldview Depth/Integration: High, enriches lessons for engagement and relevance |
Scope: Engaging story problems Depth/Integration: Low, lacks historical or worldview depth, secular focus |
Key Differences
Shormann Pre-Algebra’s rigorous, integrated concepts foster genuine mastery, supported by eLearning tools (two help links, hints, video solutions, Q&A with Dr. Shormann), making learning faster and easier. It prepares students for Algebra 1 and tests (PSAT/SAT/ACT). TT’s simpler approach requires more practice due to limited depth, review, and integration, often needing supplements for test prep, as user feedback and research note.
Summary
Shormann Pre-Algebra is a rigorous curriculum that makes learning advanced math faster and easier to learn with state-of-the-art eLearning tools, a spiral approach, and a Christian perspective. Don’t settle for less—give your student the Shormann advantage today! For details, visit https://diveintomath.com/shormann