Dr. Shormann’s proven system, developed over 25 years of teaching math to hundreds of thousands of students worldwide, builds fluency and makes learning math faster and easier. Follow these tips to avoid pitfalls that slow progress.
Maximize Efficiency on Practice Sets
Practice Sets are for learning, not perfection. Mistakes are expected so they are a small part of your grade. To work smarter:
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Use the Timed Method! Working beyond the brains ability to process and retain new information has the same effect as skipping it. See: The Timed Method: Frustration Free Math
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Print and follow the Practice Set Instruction Sheet for every lesson (linked in the eLearning course and in the Teacher Guide)
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Don't guess or use the process of elimination! Solve each problem on paper before selecting or entering an answer.
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Don't spend more than 10 minutes stuck on a problem. Use the Help links above each question. If you still can't solve it, skip it and go to the next one.
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Don’t retake Practice Sets to boost scores. Instead, relearn missed problems by watching the video solutions and solving them on paper, as outlined in the Instruction Sheet.
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Parents: Don't help until after they have submitted the assignment and watched the video solutions. Instead, guide students to use the Help links and follow the Instruction Sheet.
- If, after watching the video solution, you still don't understand, use our free Q&A Answer Service with Dr. Shormann (linked in the Course Home Page)
- Don't just watch the lecture! Solve each example problem with Dr. Shormann. Pause, rewind, and FF as needed.
- Don't take too many notes: Write only headings, formulas, and key points.
Build Fluency in Essential Foundational Skills
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If your student is in Pre-Algebra and has not memorized all multiplication facts to 9, have them use a multiplication chart during lessons. But, continue to work on memorizing them: Memorize Multiplication Facts
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If your student DID NOT use Saxon 8/7 and they are in Algebra 1 or 2, complete the five-minute drills for memorizing fraction, decimal, and percent conversions. See: Algebra Prep Drills (linked on the Course Home Page)
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Students who used Saxon for Algebra 1 or 2, should complete the prep lessons to bridge the gap between Saxon Algebra 1 to Shormann Algebra 2 or Saxon Algebra 2 to Shormann Precalculus. See: Geometry Prep Lessons (linked on the Course Home Page)
Ensure Proper Course Placement
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Confirm placement here: Placement for Shormann Math
- If your student is in Algebra 2, and did not use Shormann or Saxon for Algebra 1, they should have first completed at least 1/2 of a geometry course before starting Algebra 2. See:
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If your student is in Algebra 1 but did not sucessfully complete pre-algebra, Saxon 8/7, or Saxon 1/2, read Student Failed Pre-Algebra
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If unable to complete a minimum of 3 lessons per week:
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Increase the number of days you work on math.
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Retake the last 10–15 Practice Sets using these instructions: Remediation Plan
- If those steps don't work, your student may not be ready for this course. Consider moving down one level.
- Contact a Shormann Math consultant for personalized guidance. Schedule a Phone Appointment
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With these strategies, you’ll build fluency, confidence, and skills to excel in Shormann Math. Keep going—you’ve got this!
Struggling student? We can help! Contact a consultant.