Some frequently asked questions about Exeter Math.
1. Why does Arete use the Exeter math curriculum?
The set of problems is a work of art! There are several strands of problems in each book that take a concept from beginning to completion over the course of weeks or months. The problems they do each day are not all from one strand, though. The students are typically working on a few different concepts at a time. In the book Make It Stick, this is called “Interleaving.” This can be painful for students at times because they feel like they aren’t learning anything. However, research shows that when students learn by trying problems before being told the solution, by juggling a few concepts at a time, and by practicing to retrieve what they learned, they learn the material deeper and remember it longer.
2. What should students do when they struggle on their homework?
List the key details, draw a diagram if applicable, and write the objective. (It may take reading the problem a couple of times to be able to do these things.)
Think about recently discussed ideas in class or on previous homework and see if anything applies to the current problem. (Referring to your notes & corrections from class is imperative.)
Try something and see where it goes. Leave all work on the page so your teacher can see that you gave it a solid attempt. Remember – the point of homework is to think, be creative, and apply your knowledge in new situations.
3. How can parents help their children?
Remind them what to do when they get stuck on a homework problem.
Encourage them to ask questions in class or in tutoring.
Ask them to show you their notes and corrections from class.
Ask them to explain something to you.
Remind them that homework does not have to be perfect and that the problems will be explained in class the next day. They just need to give the problems a solid attempt and then move on.