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Stuck On Algebra
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| tutorial program have seen... in a class by itself." Macworld |
Synopsis: Stuck On Algebra is a classroom-proven
interactive Algebra workstation that keeps students
on task doing traditional Algebra in a classic gaming
model combining an unbending standard of
proficiency with the forgiving and encouraging spirit
of "failure without consequence". The result: steady
improvement and repeated small successes, the
addictive formula of video games without any
dilution of the Algebra experience.
Background: SOA is the second generation of a system
last sold in the early 90s. More than one educator
who used that system in the 90s has sought me out in
recent years to ask if it were still available. SOA is
available now for beta testing here.
Software In Brief: SOA offers: step-by-step guidance
and correction of basic Algebra I problems entered
by the student or generated by the application;
solved solutions with explanations of generated
problems; unassisted exams on a hierarchy of Algebra
topics.
Transformations
SOA transforms learning mathematics in several
important ways:
1. Thanks to step-by-step checking, weak arithmetic
skills do not prevent the learner from succeeding
with Algebra. Those skills improve as mistakes are
caught. The student must work to figure out what
they did wrong and correct it. Progress is slower at
first, but they are working on Algebra instead of yet
another tedious worksheet of arithmetic, so the
learner's motivation to persevere is strong.
2. Assistance available in Training Modes lets
students of any ability experience the pleasure of
solving Algebra puzzles and enjoy math in its own
right. They may make more mistakes getting there,
but that only increases the satisfaction of finally
succeeding and draws them into further study.
3. With SOA correcting all the work, tracking student
progress, and offering first-level assistance when
students get stuck, the teacher has more time to work
with students individually or in small groups.
4. In Mission Mode learners must meet a fixed
standard of mastery by passing unassisted, "no
second chance" challenges. Missions become available
only as prerequisite missions are passed, so the
independent learner has a structure they can follow.
For any student, Missions draw learners into ever
more high-quality practice as they attempt repeatedly
to pass the unassisted challenges, encouraged by
getting closer each time to succeeding.
Summary
The system works for several reasons.
First, Algebra is easy but there is a lot of it and it is
cumulative. Algebra requires fluent application of
many easy rules, which in turn requires a substantial
quantity of high-quality practice to make those rules
second-nature. With SOA students get more practice
with ever-present feedback and assistance.
Second, Algebra is fun for any student as long as they
are given the fighting chance to solve problems on
their own. SOA's instant feedback, detailed hints, and
solved examples give them that chance.
Third, the stigma of failure is lifted without
compromising the standard of proficiency that must
be met. The satisfaction of small successes and
evidence of steady improvement even as they fail at
exams draws learners into further practice and
eventual mastery. This is precisely the addictive
formula of computer gaming.
interactive Algebra workstation that keeps students
on task doing traditional Algebra in a classic gaming
model combining an unbending standard of
proficiency with the forgiving and encouraging spirit
of "failure without consequence". The result: steady
improvement and repeated small successes, the
addictive formula of video games without any
dilution of the Algebra experience.
Background: SOA is the second generation of a system
last sold in the early 90s. More than one educator
who used that system in the 90s has sought me out in
recent years to ask if it were still available. SOA is
available now for beta testing here.
Software In Brief: SOA offers: step-by-step guidance
and correction of basic Algebra I problems entered
by the student or generated by the application;
solved solutions with explanations of generated
problems; unassisted exams on a hierarchy of Algebra
topics.
Transformations
SOA transforms learning mathematics in several
important ways:
1. Thanks to step-by-step checking, weak arithmetic
skills do not prevent the learner from succeeding
with Algebra. Those skills improve as mistakes are
caught. The student must work to figure out what
they did wrong and correct it. Progress is slower at
first, but they are working on Algebra instead of yet
another tedious worksheet of arithmetic, so the
learner's motivation to persevere is strong.
2. Assistance available in Training Modes lets
students of any ability experience the pleasure of
solving Algebra puzzles and enjoy math in its own
right. They may make more mistakes getting there,
but that only increases the satisfaction of finally
succeeding and draws them into further study.
3. With SOA correcting all the work, tracking student
progress, and offering first-level assistance when
students get stuck, the teacher has more time to work
with students individually or in small groups.
4. In Mission Mode learners must meet a fixed
standard of mastery by passing unassisted, "no
second chance" challenges. Missions become available
only as prerequisite missions are passed, so the
independent learner has a structure they can follow.
For any student, Missions draw learners into ever
more high-quality practice as they attempt repeatedly
to pass the unassisted challenges, encouraged by
getting closer each time to succeeding.
Summary
The system works for several reasons.
First, Algebra is easy but there is a lot of it and it is
cumulative. Algebra requires fluent application of
many easy rules, which in turn requires a substantial
quantity of high-quality practice to make those rules
second-nature. With SOA students get more practice
with ever-present feedback and assistance.
Second, Algebra is fun for any student as long as they
are given the fighting chance to solve problems on
their own. SOA's instant feedback, detailed hints, and
solved examples give them that chance.
Third, the stigma of failure is lifted without
compromising the standard of proficiency that must
be met. The satisfaction of small successes and
evidence of steady improvement even as they fail at
exams draws learners into further practice and
eventual mastery. This is precisely the addictive
formula of computer gaming.
| How An Intelligent Software Algebra Workstation Transforms Learning |
| "An unobtrusive monitor, checking over your shoulder as you work, identifying errors" MacGuide |
| "The systematic step-by-step illustration of each solution is an especially nice feature." Math & Computer Education |
| "Other Algebra programs fell your product, which adapted to the students' own method of solving problems" Wes Marburger, Spokane, WA |