Professor B ~ Mastery Based Online Learning for Math

As much as I don’t want to admit it, I have one child that is currently struggling with math.  He ‘gets’ a concept and seems okay for a while.  Then, a few weeks later the same concept appears on a review page and he acts as if he never saw it in the first place.

A bit more digging showed me that that same child takes a long time to recall those basic math facts.  Duh!  How can I be expecting him to retain all those new concepts (especially in areas like fractions and decimals) if he still freezes on some multiplication and division facts.

When Professor B came into our house for review, I wasn’t sure where to start in the program with him.  But, after doing their placement test, I became evident that we needed to start right at those basic multiplication facts (the start of Level II) and move forward at the pace that best fits him. 

And, that’s what we’ve been doing in small doses (as it is summertime and those rare sunny Alaskan days mean outdoor time.)  The 2s were easy, but by the time we got to the 4s I could see he was starting to flounder a bit. 

My Thoughts:

The program for those basic multiplication facts is repetitive.  It is repetitive to the point that he looks at me and says “didn’t I just do THAT fact a second ago"?!?”  And, my response is typically that yes, you did and we’re still moving through until it comes quickly to you with accuracy.  They also present the ‘flip’ side of multiplication…division… while they are working on those facts.  I like how they tie them together so the students learn the relationship.

The chart below shows how they section off what the child is now capable of doing with those facts that have not be learned.  They then have to quickly (3 seconds) see and tell multiplication facts as the bee blinks them.  This is the most challenging part of the material for my son as he is easily distracted by things and misses facts.

I also like that there’s a pdf file of worksheets that you can use for reinforcement or quizzing on paper rather than orally in front of a computer screen.  I’ve actually saved them to ‘quiz’ for retention a few days after we’ve moved onto the next section.  (And, I keep a copy of the table of contents from that pdf file to keep track of where we are in the program.)

For me, the biggest limitation of this particular program is the need for a live internet connection to access it.  The learning is primarily done by the computer with the teacher sitting alongside the student and reading everything on the screen to them.  There are days when we’ve sat down to work on a bit and find the toddler more distraction than help.  Plus, I tend to prefer paper and pencil when it comes to the main learning for math.  However, I can see that persevering with the multiplication facts using Professor B is slowly helping my son cement the facts into his brain. 

More about the program:

Professor B has 3 different levels available.  Each is supposed to be the equivalent of 3 years math instruction.  Considering how much repetition some programs have built into their books, including significant review of the previous year’s materials, I do not doubt that things are more streamlined with this program.

LEVEL I
Pre-k though 2nd graders and remediation of older learners.Introduction to Addition/Subtraction Facts – Counting to One Hundred – Lower Addition and Subtraction – Higher Addition and Subtraction – Place Value Fractional Parts & Order – Time – Money

LEVEL II
3rd grade through 5th grade and remediation of older learners. Multiplication/Division Facts and Problem Solving – Introduction to Fractions – Fractional Equivalence – Addition and Subtraction Fractions

LEVEL III
6th through 8th grades and remediation of older learners.Multiplication/Division of Fractions – Decimals – Percents

Pricing can be by the month or for a year long contract, starting at $20 per month for access of one level.  It is also dependent upon how many levels of the program you are accessing at one time.  Professor B has just introduced a new package — $100 for 3 years access to each level. As this deal is currently not offered on their website,  you’ll need to call their customer support number, 678-765-6655, and they will take your order over the phone.

Visit the Professor B eLearning website to learn more about it.  And, don’t miss checking out sample lessons on the website.

Disclaimer ~ We were sent the materials referenced in the above post to facilitate a review as a member of the Schoolhouse Review Crew.  No monetary compensation occurred and all opinions are my own.  You can see what other Crewmates had to say about this product and others by visiting the Schoolhouse Review Crew website.