Professor B (Review)

Professor B Math is an educational website designed to make the parent/educator an “instant master teacher" in the subject of math with literally no advanced preparation.  The focus age range for students is Pre-K through 8th grade.  However, the FAQ page mentions that students as young as 3 can be taught.  The program is divided into 3 levels as described below. 

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

To determine which level in which to start your child, take advantage of the free placement test.

Professor B Math by intention is neither a game or interactive.  In fact, it utilizes no sound and operates similarly to a PowerPoint presentation.  While the animated Professor B is to be the teacher, the parent is actually voicing his speech bubbles.  Therefore, the parent must be present for the entire lesson.  Along with the lesson, a PDF workbook is available to print if you desire.  Although, it is important to note that not all lessons have an accompanying workbook page. 

 
On the website, Professor B Math states that a child can learn three years of math in each level! Obviously, that would be dependent upon how much time is spent on the subject, but an average of 10-45 minutes a day is recommended. Since I have not utilized the program for such a length of time, I will refrain from commenting whether or not that claim is true. I'd encourage you to read the FAQ page to learn more. Honestly, what I take away from it is that you can control the pacing of the program. 

I find the pricing information on the website somewhat confusing, but it is as follows:
*1 level $20 a month
*2 levels $35 a month
*3 levels $45 a month
*Or $100 for 3 years of access to a single level. (This yearly price is not currently reflected on the website, but it should be soon.) 

To get a free trial or to purchase the 3 years of access, you will need to call 678-765-6655.


Pros:

• Unique explanations & presentation of concepts
• Effective tool for remediation or troubleshooting problem areas
• Thorough coverage
• No teacher prep work needed
• Downloadable PDF workbook 

Cons:

• Lacks interactive features
• No sound - thus requiring the parent to read all the information
• Children unable to work independently (teacher-intensive)
• No tracking system to remember where you previously left off
• Does not have a feature to assess student or generate progress reports 
• Navigation of PDF workbook - a little tricky to find corresponding pages for lessons

In closing, I definitely would not view Professor B Math as a stand alone curriculum for my children.  I think it is an excellent parent resource and could easily serve as a supplement or used for remediation.  I do believe that it is a methodical approach and some of the explanations given are unique and think outside of the box.  I could see how it simplifies some often confusing concepts and breaks it in to manageable chunks.  While it would not be feasible for me as a parent of multiple children to use this program exclusively due to the time demands of sitting with each child at the computer, this may be an excellent option if you are homeschooling only one child. 

 Disclaimer:  I was provided complimentary access to the Professor B Math program in exchange for my honest review.