Jon Oaks

Tag: Ramblings

  • Logic Puzzle

    —

    by

    Jon Oaks
    in

    If someone can figure out this logic puzzle, please let me know.  I’m wondering why I saw SPARTAN brand hand soap at The University of Michigan.  

  • Thoughts on Assigning Homework

    —

    by

    Jon Oaks
    in

    Proponents of assigning homework probably believe that students need regular practice outside of class.  While I’m totally not against students practicing math outside of class, I don’t believe that we should give homework simply so that the students can practice.  Let me clarify: I’m not saying that students do not need the practice at all.  And…

  • Thoughts on Preparing Students for College

    —

    by

    Jon Oaks
    in

    This is my response to this post in The Chronicle of Higher Education. It is my understanding that there is still a major problem with equality in this country and that many students who go to inner-city or rural schools may not have the same opportunities as students who live in affluent suburban neighborhoods.  I…

  • Thoughts on Critical Thinking in Mathematics

    —

    by

    Jon Oaks
    in

    This is my response to this comment by a reader of The New York Times. First of all, as a math instructor, I’m a little offended that this reader has called our education system pathetic without actually giving a solution to the problem.  Although, I understand where the reader is coming from in terms of…

  • Using Virtual Tools to Solve Real-World Problems

    —

    by

    Jon Oaks
    in

    I recently saw this video come up in my Twitter Feed.  It is about a group of teenagers who are working on a project for Abbott Labs, and the story of their teacher who realizes that after working on this Real-World Problem, that the students will never be able to learn the same way ever…

  • Could We Have an Open Dialogue About Race?

    —

    by

    Jon Oaks
    in

    Let’s face it.  I’m Asian.  I could definitely play the race card, but I don’t.  Because I don’t want to.  I don’t think that it’s the right thing to do.  I want to believe that it is dedication, hard work, and passion for what I do that is what will get me to where I…

  • More Student Feedback.

    —

    by

    Jon Oaks
    in

    I'm really happy to report that this is ALL of the student feedback from my Saturday class that recently ended: "Although I did not understand a lot of the material, the instructor was very informative and acted as if he had he students in his best interest." "Jon is a great instructor.  He really takes…

  • Encouragement for Any Teachers Out There…

    —

    by

    Jon Oaks
    in

    I know it can be tough out there!  I just finished two of the worst semesters I have ever had back-to-back.  The students constantly had attitude problems and my supervisors scolded me for telling the students that their attitude was unacceptable for the classroom.  Well, I just received the first good news I have gotten…

  • Tips for Success in Math

    —

    by

    Jon Oaks
    in

    I was reminded recently of the importance of stressing to students what it takes to be successful in Mathematics.  I used to be really good at making sure that I pass out a 2-page document at the beginning of every semester with some helpful tips, followed by some class time going over them.  However, after…

  • Non-Apologetic Promotion of Twitter

    —

    by

    Jon Oaks
    in

    Update:  50+ Twitter Links, including a Prezi about Twitter in Education. There have been at least 3 times in the last week when I have showed a colleague this website and have gotten a surprised look of, “Where did you get all of these ideas?”  When I tell people that Twitter feeds a majority of…