Disclaimer~ I received a COMPLEMNTARY copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.
Over the years during our homeschooling journey, we have tried a variety of math curriculums trying to find just the right one. One thing I have learned in my 15 years of homeschooling is that it is essential to find the right curriculum for each student. No two learn alike. We were recently asked to review the 12-Month Subscription from CTCMath. We are thrilled to share with what we have learned about this Online Math Curriculum.
CTCMath is an online math program created by Pat Murray. His interest in math spans more than thirty-one years. As a homeschooling father of 10 children (5 girls and 5 boys), he knew there was a need to create a math program that was different from anything else out there. He wanted to create a math program that was geared to different learning styles and more importantly not boring for the students. One of his biggest complaints about education today is when teachers take too long to explain something. Michael would agree with him on this point. The desire to create a better math curriculum led him to create a program that had short, interactive lessons that appealed to a wide variety of learning styles. CTCMath is geared for students in grades Kindergarten through 12th. They even offer Calculus. The program is currently used by more than 200,00 students!
How Does CTCMath Work?
CTCMath is an online math program. After purchasing a 12-month subscription, parents will set up accounts for each of their students. Students will then be able to log into their individual accounts to complete the daily lessons. Each student will have his or her own username and password. They can log in on their computers, phones, or tablets. The student dashboard allows students to see their assignments, assigned tasks, tests, and speed drills that will help with math memorization! Students will be able to catch up to their grade level, stay on target with their math, or move ahead if they are ready. The program moves at the students own pace allowing them to master the skills they are learning.
The lessons are presented in short 4 to 9 minute video lectures for the students to watch. They can also read the lecture in note form.
They can download them in a pdf form and print them out for future reference.
After watching the video lecture, students will then work through the assigned problems. The problems are interactive and online. Worksheets can be printed out for further practice and reference.
For Algebra 1 and Geometry, the questions have been multiple choice or fill-in-the-blank. Michael preferred the fill-in-the-blank. He would usually gets 10 to 12 questions to answer with each lesson. Michael did need a separate notebook to use as scrap paper to work through the math problems. He would complete the work in the notebook and then type in the answer on the computer.
While the students work through the program, they'll be able to track their progress and see exactly how they are doing.
CTCMath offers a full online math curriculum. Students can work through a wide variety of courses.
Kindergarten
Grade 1
Grade 2
Grade 3
Grade 4
Grade 5
Grade 6
Basic Math and Pre-Algebra
Elementary Measurement
Elementary Geometry
Algebra 1
Geometry
Algebra 2
Trigonometry
Pre-Calculus
Calculus
After the students complete the sections they are working on, they receive certificates of work progress.
~Platinum~
A perfect score of 100%
~Gold~
Average grade of 95% or higher
~Silver~
Average grade of 85-94%
The grade is based on the average of each lesson. Students are able to repeat a lesson if they do poorly on a lesson. The program doesn't just give the student a 100% then. It takes the average of the grades and calculates the students grade. The only way to achieve a 100% is to score it on the first attempt of the lesson. Students must achieve an 85% or higher on a lesson to move on.
These awards can be printed out for school records or if the student wants to display them. This is a great incentive for younger students. I found my high schoolers was not all that interested in me printing it out. I wasn't overly shocked by his choice.
Parents have their own separate log in to track their students. This area is called the Parent's Dashboard. Here parents can see what lessons their students have completed, how they have scored on the lesson, and see detailed reports on how they did on each question. Parents can also schedule lesson for students to complete for the week. I didn't use this section, since I already use a different online planner. I added my children's lessons into that planner.
~My Thoughts~
CTCMath is a great alternative to the standard math textbook programs many homeschoolers use. It's a wonderful program for independent learners. It was easy to log in and see where your student was tracking with this program. The lessons are short and well explained. I love how the students can work from one grade level into the next level without having to purchase another program. I did have a few issues I have with the program. I felt that there wasn't enough online practice problems for the kids that may not understand a particular topic and there wasn't enough feedback on the problems that were incorrectly answered. An in-depth explanation would help a student understand something they may not be grasping. At least, that is how I feel. I also feel the program may not be suitable for a student that struggles in math.
Discover more about CTCMath!
Visit their website or social media accounts.
Want to learn more about the online math curriculums that CTCMath has to offer?
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Till Next Time,
Monique
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