Oct 06

ICTM – Hands-on Division with Fractions for Student Understanding

On Saturday, October 7, 2023, I’m presenting at the ICTM Annual Conference in Naperville, IL, at 3:00 pm. I’m presenting with one of  my students, Cailey Platt. The title of our presentation is: Hands-on Division with Fractions for Student Understanding.

Links to the handouts and slides for the presentation can be found here. (or use https://bit.ly/ICTM-Olsen-2023)

Oct 09

3 Great WIU Graduates Teaching MS Math

These guys are teaching math and helping students in many ways.

Read the full story here (from WIU website).

Read the full story here (from McDonough County Voice Newspaper).

Mar 20

Fun Math Challenges For Kids

Fun Math Challenges For Kids

I have a nephew who is getting bored (being out of school).  He likes math.  I’m preparing some fun math challenges for my nephew and any other elementary student that wants to try some fun math.

Please see the Area for Kids above and the Fun Math Challenges For Kids pages under that. You may also go to the Area for Kids page and scroll to the bottom for the specific Fun Math Challenges For Kids pages

Mar 18

Infographic: Making Sense of Percent Change

Here’s my (big) *Making Sense of Percent Change* Infographic. Let me know what you think plz. #iteachmath #7RP3andBeyond

Aug 23

America Reads Volunteer Opportunity

Here are two documents (brochure and application form) detailing a very good volunteer opportunity for teacher education majors. Tutors currently work at Lincoln Elementary school from 2:15 pm – 3:45 pm and at an after-school program at The Crossing from 3:45 pm – 4:45 pm. 

If you have questions, ask in the WIU Reading Center in Horrabin Hall, Room 46.

Jul 15

Welcome to the course

I look forward to working with you in this course.

Dr. Olsen

Welcome to Math 260!

  1. This website is 1 of 3 websites we use for Math 260. This page has links and SBA Objectives and the SBA Schedule of SBA Quizzes and course announcements.
  2. WesternOnline (WO) http://wo.wiu.edu/ – used for the Mastery Quizzes (later in the course)
  3. MyMathLab (MML) – used for online homework practice and online homework for a grade. Please access MML by using WO.  Technical support from MML (Pearson) is 800-677-6337.

Aug 30

Tutoring/Help for Math 260

In the Math Resource Office (MRO – Morgan 209) you can get tutoring and help with Math 260. Hours will be posted in the second week of classes at

http://www.wiu.edu/cas/mathematics_and_philosophy/academic/help_center.php

 

 

Jul 13

Percent Change of the Income Tax Rate in Illinois

In July 2017 the Illinois State Legislature raised the income tax rate from 3.75% to 4.95%.  This change can be described two ways.  “The tax rate increased by 1.2 percentage points.”  or  “The tax rate increased 32%.”

Percent change = change/original = 1.2/3.75 = .32 = 32%

Percent change is the primary way that we (and the media) describe change. When the data itself is a percent, it can be a bit confusing. 

See also:

Jan 23

Pipe Cleaner Number Lines

Pipe Cleaner Number Lines are under PFD Hands On Fraction Activities

Jan 20

Extra Credit Opportunity

As discussed on 1/18/17, you may earn 5 pts of extra credit (to be added to the total of your exam scores). On Monday, 1/23/17, after class those interested will meet in MRO (MG 209) to make some ‘fuzzy stick’ number lines. Dr. O will bring all the supplies. Just show up. If you make a fuzzy stick number line you get 5 pt. You can make a second one, if you wish, to keep.

This is not required.

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