What do you think about a math book with only examples ? (Read below for details)?

Question

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Students in my algebra class have informed me that the textbooks do not have enough examples and lack detail. (I don't want to go into the details of this, but it's mainly to reduce the cost of the book). I am currently working on an example book just for ALGEBRA. The purpose of this book is to provide a variety of examples for students. I do plan on marketing this book for teachers, students as well home-schoolers. There will be detailed examples at different degrees of difficulty. It will also contain practice problems, with the solutions online.

In addition, a few of the examples will require thought process, and will not be found in any other textbooks. It will also contain real life application problems that use algebra, unlike those train problems. This will give students an interesting perspective on algebra.

I realize there are some books out there such as Schaum's outlines, but they usually only contain simple examples that you can find in any math book.

I am not recommending students learn algebra from this book. It should not be mistaken for a textbook, but rather an example book to be used along with the required textbook.

I would like to hear from some of you and what you think. Any suggestions are appreciated.

Thank you,

~LazyEight

PS: Do you prefer an e-book or just the usual type of book ?

Answer 1

Examples are great, if they can be followed easily, intuitively, and interestingly.  Most examples are the opposite, and it is frustrating to follow another person's approach.  But if there were several different approaches simultaneously and easy to follow, etc., then an examples book could most effectively teach the material with reinforcement.  PS  Replace words with pictures/illustrations as much as possible to enable maximum concentration on the math itself.

Answer 2

I think that would be awesome!! I teach 4th grade and we just got a new adoption. I don't like it because it only has one example, maybe two. Providing multiple examples of doing the same thing would be great. I usually have to go searching for different methods/examples to help those students that don't seem to get the "book way" or my way.

Answer 3

GREAT IDEA.  Math instruction in elementary school is my passion. In elementary and middle school there are so many standards and strands to cover that  math is rarely taught with enough depth.  I think that this is one reason that so many students struggle when they reach high school and math instruction is more focused.  What you suggest will give a depth of examples that could be very helpful.  Have you considered contacting one of the publishers, especially those that target the homeschool population, to add your example book as an "extra?" Another idea might be to publish something locally and see if your local school or teachers would buy a copy. Good luck.

Answer 4

I like the idea.  I think it needs to be written out step by step and explained at each step.  I like the idea of an ebook too, I think there needs to be a physical book as well so it is tangible, students can figure problems, etc.  The idea of the solutions on line is a good idea, but I think there needs to be some sort of barrier so students can remain truthful.

I really struggled in algebra as a teen.  Mainly because I did not know why I was putting what were and why I was doing that.  When I asked my teacher I basically got a BS answer of "that's just the way it is".  I think if you explain WHY things work this way you will help many who simply want to know why things are they way they are...rather than blindly figuring a formula.

I love applying it to real world problems.  I suggest you read Kiss My Math by Danica McKellar.  Now this is a book for general Math and is directed towards girls, but it may help you in your writing process make you think of things you had not.

Best of luck.

PS Love your screen name, thats too funny!