One of the many great things about Math-Whizz is the number of features packed into the program and today we are going to highlight one, the Topic Bank. Occasionally we get feedback from parents or teachers who say “I wish I could target a specific area and have my student focus on that subject.” We thought so too, which is why we include both Replay Mode (which we’ll cover soon) and the Topic Bank in Math-Whizz.
Let’s start with taking a look at the Topic Bank, which is accessible through the main screen of the Bedroom. Simply, the Topic Bank is a place where students can review foundational exercises for the topics that they have already completed using the Tutor.
The amount of content available in the Topic Bank depends on how much time your child or student has spent completing lessons in Tutor Mode. The most recent lesson tackled will appear at the top left side of the exercise list.
What’s great about the Topic Bank is that the lessons available aren’t all at the same Math Age™ – when you select a lesson it will tell you the level in relation to where you currently are. So, perhaps a student has been struggling with decimals and needs a bit of extra practice. Select the “Decimals” topic on the left side menu, the exercises in the bottom right hand corner will be the lessons with the lowest Math Age, and in some instances that is the best place to start. Some students might struggle with a bit of math anxiety, so it might be helpful for them to know that how they perform in the Topic Bank does not influence their Math Age – we like to think of it as our practice playground.
Be sure to check back in soon to learn about the another great feature, Replay Mode!
About the Author: Rita Rogers grew up in the PNW and despite her “low-tech” houseboat upbringing, went on to complete her Master’s of Communication in Digital Media at the University of Washington in 2010. She is passionate about the convergence of education and technology, educational gaming, and outer space.