How does it work?
Watch this short video to view how the DIVE for Saxon Math course works!
WHAT'S ON THE DIVE CD
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120 LESSON VIDEO LECTURES
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12 INVESTIGATION VIDEO LECTURES
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WEEKLY ASSIGNMENT CHART
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QUESTION AND ANSWER EMAIL SERVICE
- TEACHER'S GUIDE
WHAT YOU NEED
- A SAXON MATH 5/4 3rd EDITION HOME STUDY KIT
- COMPUTER: ALL MAC OS OR WINDOWS XP & HIGHER
- SPEAKERS AND/OR HEADPHONES
VIDEO LECTURES TEACH STEP-BY-STEP
Dr. Shormann teaches every lesson step by step on a digital blackboard that looks and sounds like a real classroom. The only difference is, you can easily pause, rewind and fast-forward the lecture, learning at your own pace. With degrees in aerospace engineering and science, Dr. Shormann has over 15 years experience teaching all levels of Saxon Math. His unique experience enables him to understand how all the lessons in a book fit together as well as how the curriculum builds all the way through Calculus and Physics.
BITE-SIZED LESSONS INCREASE UNDERSTANDING
Teaching three to five practice problems in each lesson, Dr. Shormann reviews previously learned concepts and connects each "bite-sized" concept to the next. This makes complex concepts easier to grasp while showing students the big picture. During the lecture, students work interactively by taking notes and working the practice problems with him. They are encouraged to pause, rewind, and fast-forward until they fully understand the new concept. VIEW SAMPLE VIDEO LESSONS ON THE DEMOS PAGE.
TAUGHT FROM A BIBLICAL FOUNDATION
Connecting Scripture with math and science, he teaches math as the God-given language of science, a tool for understanding God’s creation and the purpose and pattern evident in Creation. The history of mathematics is also discussed which shows the tremendous Christian heritage of mathematics and science, and how all mathematics resulted from a study of His creation. It doesn’t take long to discuss, but it is important to remind all students that God is the Author and Creator of all knowledge, including mathematics. Consider this: in our world, there exists a huge collection of facts, all subject to interpretation. Who do you want to interpret those facts for your child, a Christian or a non-Christian? VIEW DR. SHORMANN'S TESTIMONY ON ABOUT PAGE.
CONTINUAL REVIEW INCREASES LONGTERM RETENTION
After the lecture, students complete homework problems in the Saxon textbook. Each homework set provides continual review of previously learned concepts. Research has shown this method superior for increasing long term retention and recall time but it can be a problem for students who need to re-learn forgotten concepts. With DIVE, the student simply re-watches the corresponding DIVE lecture which is printed in parentheses next to each question. Better than giving them the answer, the student relearns the forgotten concept and immediately applies it to the problem; significantly increasing retention. VIEW A SAMPLE HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT BY CLICKING ON PRODUCT IMAGES, AND CLICK HERE FOR THE TABLE OF CONTENTS.
EXTRA HELP TO ENSURE UNDERSTANDING
The Saxon Homestudy Kit includes a Solutions Manual which shows how to work each problem step by step. We recommend reviewing the correpsonding DIVE lesson first, then consult the Solutions Manual if further help is needed. If more help is needed, you can email Dr. Shormann for more detailed explainations. However, our program is so comprehensive, this is rarely necessary. SEE WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY BY CLICKING ON THE REVIEWS TAB.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why use Saxon Math?
Saxon Math is a research proven math curriculum developed in the 1980s by John Saxon. The Saxon approach is unique in that, instead of massing instruction, practice, and assessments, Saxon distributes them throughout the lessons and school year. Most math programs use a massed approach, whereby instruction, practice, and assessment of a skill or concept occur within a short period of time and are usually clustered within a single chapter or unit. Research has shown that Incremental Development, Distributed Practice, and Cumulative Assesment is superior to all other teaching methods, increasing longterm retention and recall speed which naturally leads to higher standardized test scores. However, most curriculums do not use this method because it is more difficult to teach and requires continual re-teaching of previously learned concepts. As an experienced Saxon teacher, Dr. Shormann provides comprehensive lectures in a format that is easy to re-teach forgotten or missed concepts. Find out more about John Saxon and his shaking of the educrat foundations with his wildly successful math curriculum on Dr. Shormann's blog here.
Where should I place my child?
If your child has done well in their previous course and it is a fairly rigorous curriculum, such as A Beka, Horizons, or Bob Jones, your child should be able to transition directly into Saxon at the appropriate grade level. If your child has struggled with math in the past, has been in public school, or you have other concerns, we recommend taking the placement test . We also offer a free consulting service to help you chart a course of success for your child. VIEW OUR RECOMMENDED COURSE SCHEDULE HERE.