Peer Review

This site contains a user friendly approach to memorizing the basic values of the trig functions.  It starts with the basic values of sin(x) and then explains how to naturally learn the values for each of the other functions.  At the end there is a “Next” link that uses the values.  It goes back and forth between explaining how to remember the values and building the table of values. 

• There is no mistake what the material is for: learning trigonometric values, and it delivers on providing that.
• Bonus points for not only giving the learner detail on values for Sine, Cosine and Tangent, but Secant, Cosecant and Cotangent too.
• Plenty of examples given to drive the point home, with some guidance on answering exam questions.

The author uses “cosec” instead of the more standard “csc”.  This can be confusing to the student.  Also, there are advertisements throughout the lesson which can be distracting.  Finally, in the examples page there are videos, but the videos are presented in a foreign language, which is strange since the rest of the lesson is all in English. 

It is clear, by the flavor of English used, the material is aimed at learners whose first language is not English.  This, in itself is only a concern for those who do not hold Hindi as a language in their domain.

This site has the potential to work well for the student who is interested in memorizing the basic trig values. Students can start with the values of sin(x) and then quickly progress through the rest of the trig functions.

Some of its features are:

• Logical step-by-step approach to learning
• Sheets of values can be downloaded for revision.
• Videos included to explain concepts in greater detail.

It would be nice if there was some interactivity such as a fillable table that checks if the student gets the entry correct.  The examples are also static.  Having the students try to see if they can answer the examples correctly first and then letting them know of the correct answer would be more helpful.

A few additional concerns are:

• Inconsistent language and inappropriate numbering used in menu items.
  • From introduction, screens progress through Ex 8.2, 2; Ex 8.2, 1; Ex 8.2, 4; Example 8; Ex 8.2, 3; Example 6; Example 7.
• The layout would benefit from being clearer and more concise.

This lesson is simple to use, since the student just needs to scroll down the page and hit the next link to see examples.  The layout is clear and no students will have difficulty navigating through the two pages.

Some helpful features are:

• Signposts point the way along the course and towards the next topic.
• Comments enabled on website, allow for users to share tips or ask questions of content creator.

With frequent advertisements and videos in a foreign language, students may become distracted.  There are no opportunities to test student understanding.  Also, where users have posted queries, only the earliest question (from a year prior) has been responded to by the author.  Others have been left hanging.