Jon Oaks

Author: Jon Oaks

  • Computer Tips and Tricks

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    This past week I have had to do a few things on the computer that appear not to be common knowledge.  Here is a brief run-down of computer tips and tricks that I think might be useful to everyone: Microsoft Excel The University of Wisconsin-EauClaire has a wonderful summary of functions needed to use Excel…

  • Teaching the Runs Test for Randomness

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    The other day in my statistics class, I was teaching the runs test for randomness.  One of my students keeps on asking for an in-class activity, and it happened that I had an extra half-an-hour of class time to spare.  So, I adapted this famous teaching experiment for use in my own class. The set-up:…

  • Observations on Plotting Points in Pre-Algebra

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    Disclaimer:  Some of this might seem very, very obvious.  But sometimes it’s good to state the obvious, right? This semester I decided to teach plotting points differently than I have in the past. I started the lesson by handing each student a piece of graph paper and a ruler.  Yes, I know college students should probably…

  • Decimal Tiles

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    Every semester I always say that I want to do more to help my Pre-Algebra students understand the idea of ordering decimals from least to greatest.  The Decimal Tiles below are part of my attempt to do so.  To prepare this activity, I pre-cut about 10 sets of the tiles and had my students work…

  • Fractions Game for Math for Elementary Teachers

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    This is a game that I made specifically to show to my Math for Elementary Teachers class (I have been making a lot of stuff for the students in that class this semester which is why this blog has been sitting dormant).  However, I must say that I am very excited about this game that…

  • Finding the Standard Deviation from a Frequency Table

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    Even after telling my students how to find the Standard Deviation from a Frequency Table using the TI-84 several times in class, there was still some confusion.  So, I have broken down and made this 1-page handout.  Surprisingly, it was my first time making a handout like this. Finding the Standard Deviation from a Frequency Table

  • The Beef Taco Dilemma

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    This is a problem that I wrote for my statistics class.  The objectives for this problem are as follows: 1.  Compute percentages. 2.  Compute the arithmetic mean. 3.  Critically think about whether or not Joe had enough tacos to meet the ‘average’ demand.   What I found was some students had a hard time computing the percentages and some…

  • FOIL is for BAKED CHICKEN

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    Here is why I believe that the FOIL method for multiplying two binomial expressions should NOT be used: The underlying premise of the FOIL method is that students must first be able to identify a binomial.  However, most instructors do not seem to stress enough that the FOIL method can only be used to multiply…

  • PEMDAS is NOT a Word

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    Here is why I believe that the PEMDAS method for remembering the order of operations should NOT be used: 1.  PEMDAS is not a word.  In general, I believe that for mnemonic devices to have the greatest impact, they should be easy to remember words.  PEMDAS is not easy to remember and PEMDAS is not…

  • Upcoming Conferences in Michigan

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    One of my biggest pet peeves is when I hear instructors complaining about the lack of professional development activities.  There are plenty of conferences to attend, wherever you live (I happen to live in Michigan).  I honestly believe that one of the keys to a successful teaching career is attending conferences, networking, and building a…