Xtramath Review: Is It Worth the Hype?
If you’re a parent, teacher, or student looking for a way to improve your math skills, chances are you’ve heard of Xtramath. This online platform promises to help children achieve fluency in basic math facts, but is it really worth the hype? In this Xtramath review, we’ll take a closer look at what Xtramath offers and whether it lives up to its promises.
What is Xtramath?
Xtramath is a nonprofit organization that provides a web-based program designed to help students master basic math facts. It’s available for free to teachers, parents, and students, and it can be accessed via xtramath.org.
The program focuses on addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division and aims to help students achieve fluency in these fundamental math operations. According to Xtramath’s website, the program has been used by over 20 million students worldwide.
How does Xtramath work?
Xtramath is a straightforward program that focuses on building students’ speed and accuracy in basic math facts. The program starts with a placement test that assesses the student’s current skill level. Once the placement test is completed, the student is assigned a set of math facts to work on.
Each session consists of timed drills where the student is asked to answer as many questions as possible in a set amount of time. The program tracks the student’s progress and adjusts the difficulty level based on their performance.
Is Xtramath effective?
The effectiveness of Xtramath largely depends on the student’s dedication and the consistency of their practice. However, many parents and teachers report that Xtramath has helped their students achieve greater fluency in basic math facts.
Xtramath has also been recognized by several educational organizations, including the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, which awarded the program with its “Research-Informed Learning Technologies Seal of Alignment.”
What are the pros and cons of Xtramath?
Like any educational program, Xtramath has its advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the pros and cons of using Xtramath:
Pros:
- Xtramath is free for teachers, parents, and students.
- The program is easy to use and doesn’t require any special equipment or software.
- The timed drills can help students build speed and accuracy in basic math facts.
- The program tracks students’ progress and adjusts the difficulty level based on their performance.
Cons:
- The program can be repetitive, which may lead to boredom or disengagement.
- Some students may find the timed drills stressful or anxiety-inducing.
- Xtramath only focuses on basic math facts and doesn’t cover more advanced concepts.
- The program doesn’t provide much feedback or explanation for incorrect answers.
Conclusion
Overall, Xtramath is a useful tool for helping students achieve fluency in basic math facts. While it may not be the most engaging or exciting program, it can provide students with the practice and repetition they need to build their speed and accuracy.
However, Xtramath is not a substitute for a comprehensive math curriculum, and it’s important to supplement the program with other learning materials and activities.
If you’re a parent or teacher looking for a way to help your students improve their math skills, Xtramath is worth checking out. With its straightforward approach and easy-to-use platform, it can be a valuable addition to any math program.
