Review by:Dr. Jim Davis
Dean University College
University of Denver
May 15, 2007

Dr. Mel Poage:

Thank you for sharing with me the Critical Thinking Approach to math textbooks with me. I am not a student of mathematics, but I actually read into some of the texts and found them fascinating. I can see why students learn well from them because they are extremely well organized and consistent in the approach to instruction. I can see why the research found their use valuable. Many students could profit from learning mathematics in this way. The books look ideal for either high school or community college math instruction. I can see that an enormous amount of work has gone into the development of these fine materials.

Best wishes,

Review by: Karen Matlock, D.V.M.
Appears in the "Home School Enrichment Magazine"
Nov/Dec 2006 issue.

Authored by Melvin Poage, Carl Arendsen, and Del Wegener, this series of books approaches math instruction from a completely different angle. There is no rote memorization; instead, the focus is on understanding the math concepts presented. The two sets of books reviewed here are Beginning Algebra and Geometric and Measurement Topics.

The geometry text is meant to be presented before algebra, in keeping with the latest research on how children learn. By presenting patterns and objects before proofs, the student has the opportunity to truly grasp geometric concepts. These books are meaty and full of material for the student who wishes to understand the reason behind the math.

The algebra book contains real-life problems presented in steps to allow the student to understand the concept as a whole. There are plenty of practice exercises, but the book flows in a conversational style as the student advances from one idea to the next.

One area I was pleasantly surprised to find was an entire unit on logic in the geometry book. This type of study dovetails with mathematics, but is usually presented separately, if at all. There is the history of weights and measures included, as well as optical illusions that capture the attention while demonstrating their usefulness in the study of geometry.

These are not flashy, colorful workbooks with silly equations. They are solidly designed texts for the person who wants to play with math, live the concepts, and truly understand how they apply to everyday life. Each unit contains exercises not only for computation, but for vocabulary and critical thinking. There is a self test with each unit, and each book contains answers to the odd-numbered problems as well as the self tests. In addition, an Instructor's Manual is available, containing all the answers to the problems in the text as well as additional problems for real-life applications. Also available is a Test Kit, containing a placement test, unit tests, and a final.

Although a bit daunting at first glance, this math series contains many riches for the independent learner, as well as for one who likes to learn in a one-on-one situation. They are designed for high school mathematics, as well as college review. The website offers free math help as well. These books could serve as a math course by themselves or as a supplement for those who want to know the meaning and application of the math principles all around us.

SUCCESS IN MATHEMATICS
Aritcle by Cheryl Athey
(Cheryl is a teacher of Math and Computer Science and is a mother of two teenage boys
who is very active in their schooling.)
Review appeared in "Education Update" July 2002 issue

Materials and Technology for Education Limited (MTE Ltd.) is a publishing company attempting to ensure student success by changing the way mathematics is being presented. MTE publishes a series of mathematical texts with accompanying Instructor's Manuals and Test Kits , which emphasis understanding math concepts and utilizes a critical thinking approach to problem solving to promote success.

MTE began as an outgrowth of a research project at Central Michigan University, working with students who had failed the mathematics entrance exam, even though they had done well in high school math classes. Over 80% of the students completing the research program were successful, scoring at least 87.5% on comprehension tests.

The MTE textbooks incorporate several unique features to build understanding and enhance critical thinking. The materials include exercises that support the understanding of math vocabulary and facilitate the reading of mathematics texts, as well as, open ended questions to promote discussions of math concepts. The series also includes traditional sets of drill and practice exercises and problem sets when appropriate. MTE Test Kits allow students to pre-test and identify concepts they already understand (and can skip) or those that will require special study in order to achieve mastery.

The MTE series creates a stairway to Calculus. Step one is Competency Arithmetic (a pre-algebra reexamination of arithmetic); step two Geometric and Measurement Topics (a Pre-algebra geometry text); step three is Beginning Algebra (Algebra I); followed by Intermediate Algebra (Algebra II) ending with Pre-Calculus (advanced algebra and trigonometry).

The MTE text presentation is clean, attractive, and readable. Explanation of concepts is complete and helps students tackle and master the material. Graphics used are good and help explain the concepts.