Beginning Algebra, 1e, authored by Sherri Messersmith presents
content in bite-size pieces, focusing not only on learning mathematical
concepts, but also explaining the why behind those concepts. For
students, learning mathematics is not just about the memorization of
concepts and formulas, but it is also about the journey of learning how
to problem solve. By breaking the sections down into manageable chunks,
the author has identified the core places where students traditionally
struggle, and then assists them in understanding that material to be
successful moving forward. Proven pedagogical features, such as You Try
problems after each example, reinforce a student's mastery of a concept.
While teaching in the classroom, Messersmith has created worksheets for
each section that fall into three categories: review worksheets/basic
skills, worksheets to teach new content, and worksheets to
reinforce/pull together different concepts. These worksheets are a great
way to both enhance instruction and to give the students more tools to
be successful in studying a given topic. The author is also an extremely
popular lecturer, and finds it important to be in the video series that
accompany her texts. Finally, the author finds it important to not only
provide quality, but also an abundant quantity of exercises and
applications. The book is accompanied by numerous useful supplements,
including McGraw-Hill's online homework management system, MathZone as
well as ALEKS.
MESSERSMITH is rigorous enough to prepare students for the next level
yet easy to read and understand. The exposition is written as if a
professor is teaching in a lecture to be more accessible to students.
The language is mathematically sound yet easy enough for students to
understand.
