Superfractions (Part2): Expand Your Mastery of Fractions
What's included
8 live meetings
6 hrs 40 mins in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. Homework is uploaded once a week and solutions provided. Since it is the honor system students need not submit homework.Class Experience
US Grade 8 - 11
Fractions: Where It All Goes Wrong. Why do Americans have such trouble with fractions—and what can be done? Part of an Article published in Scientific American magazine. By Robert S. Siegler on November 28, 2017. On standard fraction addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division problems with equal denominators (e.g., 3/5+4/5) and unequal denominators (e.g., 3/5+2/3), 6th and 8th graders tend to answer correctly only about 50% of items. Studies of community college students have revealed similarly poor fraction arithmetic performance. Children in the US do much worse on such problems than their peers in European countries, such as Belgium and Germany, and in Asian countries such as China and Korea. This weak knowledge is especially unfortunate because fractions are foundational to many more advanced areas of mathematics and science. Fifth grader's fraction knowledge predicts high school student's algebra learning and overall math achievement, even after controlling for whole number knowledge, the student's IQ, and their families's education and income. On the reference sheets for recent high school AP tests in chemistry and physics, fractions were part of more than half of the formulas. In a recent survey of 2300 white collar, blue collar, and service workers, more than two-thirds indicated that they used fractions in their work. Moreover, in a nationally representative sample of 1,000 Algebra 1 teachers in the US, most rated as “poor” their students knowledge of fractions and rated fractions as the second greatest impediment to their students mastering algebra (second only to “word problems”). Class Experience In this class I will show students how to do an exercise on the white board . I will repeat with another exercise and will explain as many times as needed until the students are ready to do the exercises by themselves.They will learn by actually doing example exercises during class. Once started, I will check their answers for accuracy and follow up with any necessary explanations. I encourage all participants to try as many exercises as possible. I follow up the class with an upload of homework with the solutions. As a private tutor since 1995 I learned that students want a math teacher who is friendly, non-judgemental and is interested in their success in math. Students want concise and simple explanations. I have developed my own method of teaching this skill. I have successfully taught this skill to hundreds of students . Once you learn it you will never forget it. After watching Khan Academy and You tube videos on this topic I have seen nothing like the method I teach. This skill is essential in order to learn Algebra properly. I provide quality instruction to your child, you will be glad you chose me as his/her math teacher.
Learning Goals
Course break down: (Fluency in the four operations with fractions helpful,but not mandatory)
.
Week 1: Adding and subtracting 1/2 + 1/3 with arithmetic and extending to 3/a +5/b and a/3 + b/5.
Week 2: Reduce mixed expressions to improper fractions.4 - 1/3 arithmetic and extending to: x - y/w and 5a - 3b / 2c.
Week 3: Reduce mixed expressions to improper fractions but using exponents. x^2 - Y^2 / W^2,
Week 4: Add whole numbers and fractions 4 + 1/3 - 3/5 with arithmetic and extending to 3Y - 5 - 2 / y.
Week 5: Add and subtract 1/6 + 6/7 with arithmetic and extending to 3 / (a +3) + 4 / a .
Week 6: Complex fractions. 3 / ( 5 + 1/6) with arithmetic and extending to (a - 2/3) / (a + 2/3).
Week 7: Complex fractions continued. (1/x + 1/y) / (y / x - x / y).
Week 8: Add 3 or more fractions. 2 / a + 3 / b + 6 / c extending to exponents. (if time allows)
Other Details
Supply List
A notebook and pencil is required from the student.
Language of Instruction
English
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
Florida Teaching Certificate in Mathematics
Bachelor's Degree from University of Houston
Hello everyone! I am Mr. Millan!
A little about me:
I obtained a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Houston, where I found my passion for the vast field of mathematics. I worked as an engineer for HNU Systems, an environmental company based in Boston, where I not only excelled in my craft, but was asked to train personnel in industrial, academic and corporate settings.
However, something felt missing in my career. I began tutoring mathematics to people from all walks of life and found that I could combine my two passions: mathematics and my newfound love for teaching. As a result, I obtained an Educator Certificate from the Miami Dade County Public School System, and officially began tutoring full-time in 1995.
I realized this profession was my true calling in life when one of my very first clients, a prospective PhD student, told me I was a natural at teaching. This was the first of hundreds more praises of my teaching style and effectiveness.
Many people believe that they cannot learn math. However, I challenge that opinion every day. Everyone can learn the beautiful language that is mathematics. I have cultivated an eclectic but very effective form of teaching that has proven applicable to every one of my clients, from children to college students, and even teachers and professors. My students often tell me that I make math look and feel easy and doable, and they are able to grasp the concepts very quickly.
My 30+ years of teaching experience has been a rewarding experience. I have worked with all kinds of students, even those needing special accommodations. I have had the opportunity to connect with each one of my students and boost their confidence, not only in math, but in all academic endeavors. Mathematics becomes manageable, fun, and accessible to all my students!
With Outschool, I teach all levels of math to all ages within the platform. I teach:
Arithmetic
Pre-Algebra
Algebra I & II
College Algebra
Geometry
Analytic Trigonometry
Pre-Calculus & Trigonometry
Business Calculus
Calculus
High School & College Level Statistics
I cannot wait to kickstart this fun, learning experience with you as we navigate challenging math concepts and learn them with ease!
Reviews
Live Group Class
$170
for 8 classes1x per week, 8 weeks
50 min
Completed by 2 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-18
3-6 learners per class