Featured Math Software Article

Improve Algebra Skills
Students respond to interactive math software.

Students approaching high school are required to master skills needed for pre-algebra and basic algebra. They are expected to understand the relationship between numbers and words, and to know which operations to use. They are also expected to work with equations, variables and simple formulas, and to analyze information.

Students should be taught the rudiments of algebra skills in a manner that increases their self-confidence. They should be shown the elements of algebraic thinking and an algebraic vocabulary. They should also be shown how to work through problems step by step. Likewise, students need a chance to reflect on their learning and to figure out where they need help.

All too many students reach high school still struggling. Some, while able to work with operations, cannot comprehend when to apply them. Others may be able to answer problems, yet cannot comprehend why answers are correct.

As a result, some students express dislike or even fear of math. Such difficulty may impede not only test-taking, but readiness to cope with subjects such as science and social studies, or to deal with real life situations involving simple algebraic skills. Instructional software can be a great way of assisting both students and teachers.

Math software is most useful for students when it offers constant interaction, constructive feedback and the opportunity to work at an individual pace. Math software is useful for teachers when it provides measurable results through pre and post-tests.

Merit Software Pre-Algebra Shape-Up and Merit Software Basic Algebra Shape-Up and are designed around this premise. Specific skills are introduced by a step by step coach for a sample problem. The coach correlates directly with steps in the learner's activity. Lessons conclude by a writing portfolio in which students explain this new skill. Beginners can acquire basics, while more advanced students can increase their proficiency. The software, geared for middle school math levels, is useful for older students doing remedial math and for mixed level classes.

Numerous teachers have reported on the effectiveness of Merit Software in helping them teach in lab settings and classrooms. Merit's Basic Algebra Shape-Up and Pre-Algebra Shape-Up cover core competencies vital for students going on to high school math. The format keeps students engaged, holding their interest. Working with Merit programs, students start seeing their strengths and weaknesses in a non-judgmental way. Students start accepting responsibility for the challenge of improving their skills.

All Merit Software programs seamlessly integrate student records into a centralized management utility. This allows teachers to manage all student records in one place, monitor students' progress and view and print details of individual students or classes. The management system can be used on standalone and network computers.

To learn more about Merit Software's products for math, as well as for reading, writing, grammar and vocabulary, visit www.meritsoftware.com. Free evaluation versions of all Merit programs may be downloaded directly from the web site. The evaluation software contains a wide variety of actual exercises from the complete programs.