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Offering a uniquely
modern and balanced approach, the
new streamlined Fourth Editions of
Elementary Algebra,
Intermediate Algebra, and Elementary
and Intermediate Algebra integrate
the best of traditional drill and
practice with the best elements of
the reform movement. Tussy and Gustafson’s
fundamental goal has always been to
encourage students to read, write,
think, and speak using the Language
of Algebra. The Fourth Editions take
students to the next level of learning
this language by addressing the question
that may be asked most often in class—why?
Experience teaches us
that it’s not enough to know
how a problem is solved. Students
gain a deeper understanding of algebraic
concepts if they know why
a particular approach is taken. In
the Fourth Edition, Tussy and Gustafson
consistently provide a Strategy and
a WHY
in each worked example.
The addition of the
WHY complements
the texts’ focus on the Language
of Algebra. The idea behind this focus
is that math, to many of today’s
developmental math students, is like
a foreign language. The words, their
meanings and how they apply to problem
solving can be unfamiliar and somewhat
intimidating. With these needs in
mind (and as educational research
suggests), Tussy and Gustafson’s
instructional approach blends vocabulary,
practice, and well-defined pedagogy
with an emphasis on reasoning (aided
by the WHY explanations), modeling,
communication, and technology skills.
Finally, the text’s
robust suite of online course management,
testing, and tutorial resources for
instructors and students includes
a new Enhanced WebAssign online homework
system (now integrated with the text)
as well as special tools to help instructors
who are teaching developmental math
for the first time.
Watch the video below
to hear Alan Tussy discuss this distinctive
approach.
Features
of Tussy/Gustafson 4E
Context-driven
Chapter Openers
From Campus to
Careers chapter openers highlight
vocations that require various algebraic
skills. The job outlook, educational
requirements, and annual earnings
information offer students the real
life information they need to make
decisions about their own life choices.
Problems presented in the openers
are tied to an exercise found later
in the Study Sets.
Emphasis
on the Language of Algebra
The Language
of Algebra boxes draw connections
between mathematical terms and everyday
references to reinforce the Language
of Algebra thread that runs throughout
the entire text.
Examples
that tell students not just how, but
where to begin and WHY
Where do I begin, and why?
These questions are often asked by
students when they are faced with
a problem and as they read the textbook.
It’s not enough to know how
a problem is solved. Students build
confidence when they know where to
begin and gain a deeper understanding
of the algebraic concepts if they
know why
that particular approach was taken.
This instructional truth was the motivation
for adding a Strategy and WHY
explanation to each worked example.
Watch Alan Tussy speak
about this new example structure and
how it compliments the classroom
Examples
that offer immediate feedback
Each example includes a Self
Check following the solution.
These can be completed by students
on their own or in class. Alan Tussy
uses these as classroom examples during
his lectures. He asks a student to
read aloud a Self
Check problem as the student
writes it on the blackboard. The other
students, with their books open to
that page, can quickly copy the Self
Check problem to their notes.
This speeds up the note-taking process
and encourages student participation
in his lectures. It also teaches students
how to read mathematical symbols.
Self Check
solutions can be found at the end
of each section before the Study
Sets begin.
Examples
that ask students to try
Each example ends with a Now
Try problem. These are the
final step in the learning process
after receiving immediate feedback
from the Self
Check. These refer students
to a comparable problem found within
the Guided Practice
sections in the Study
Sets and offer a great way
to get started on homework.
Study
sets built for reading, writing, and
thinking mathematically
The Study Sets
found in each section offer a multifaceted
approach to practicing and reinforcing
the concepts taught in each section.
They are designed for students to
methodically build their knowledge
of the section concepts, from basic
recall to increasingly complex problem
solving, through reading, writing,
and thinking mathematically.
Watch Alan Tussy describe
the Study Sets and how he creates
a typical
assignment
Comprehensive
Summary and Review
Each end-of-chapter section has been
designed to work as a study guide
for students and begins with the Chapter
Summary and Review. These include
definitions, concepts, and examples
by section followed immediately by
the corresponding review problems
for that section.
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