2.9
Quality3.5
Difficulty38%
Would Retake94
Reviews38%
Would Retake
94
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
25
4
18
3
13
2
18
1
20
What Students Say
“He gets sidetracked a lot”
MAC1140 - 1.0 rating“I could've taught myself from home”
MAT1033A - 1.0 ratingClass Info
Attendance Mandatory
87%
Textbook Required
67%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.63 avg changeRatings by Course
CALCI
5.0
(1)MAC1105STATS
5.0
(1)MAC1131
5.0
(1)MAC1132
5.0
(1)MAC1114
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
ALG1101
5.0
MAT1033
4.8
MATCALC
4.0
MAC1101
4.0
CALC2233
4.0
Reviews (94)
Very good teacher. A little anal, but he knows his stuff.
This guy know his stuff, very challenging course, but fair tests and grading procedure.
His style is very fast and teaches like you already know it. He will answer your questions if you ask them. The examples he does in class are the same examples out of the book - not very helpful in that respect.
Thanks to Mr. Olmstead,He is the First Math instructor who I have had at OWCC that actually helps the student succeed in the course. He is also funny. I reccomend to take his courses because he even gives a study guide that is exactly similar to his tests
No Comments
First of all I'm grossed out that anyone would think that Mr. Olmstead is hot! I could say that you could get an easy A if you slept with the guy. He was very cocky and could tell he liked the ladies in the class. He taught the info as if we already knew it. I got an B so you all know I'm not complaining out of revenge.
Olmstead is a pretty laid back guy. He just checks hoemwork for effort and even gives bonus points for attendance and bringing in can foods. Tests are pretty much like review tests. Helps you outside of class. Not the best math teacher, but an easy one. Take him if you want a good grade but dont want to learn the subject
Olmstead makes Statistics a lot easier than what it probably should be. What I didn't understand was not something uncommon among many, and it didn't affect me by much. Passed with a high B.
Pretty decent teacher. Gives homework almost each day. But it is graded only for effort and he always gives odd problems. He gives bonus points for perfect attendance. Tests are not hard beacuse he gives a practice test very similar to the real test. Not good at math at all but ended up with an A. Would recommend him.
Good teacher, gives lots of homework and is graded on effort. He explains very well. Gives test reviews. I would take him again, if I needed another math class.
Teaches only examples in book. Homework everyday. Homework graded on effort. Makes himself available for questions. Gives extra credit for good attendance. Pleasant Man.
Pretty good. Funny, not too particular (for a math teacher), teaches only from the book examples open to working lots of problems. Would recommend.
Nice guy, very easy going. Collects homework, and grades them sometimes. Tests are hard, but fair. Works many problems on the board, but sometimes doesnt work a problem a student would like to go over. Make sure you know your precalc and trig! before any Calculus class. Last 2 wks very fast, ran out of time and had to cover thing quick (IVAN)
Mr. Olmstead was pretty cool. He assigns homework every day, but it's graded on effort, which helps your overall grades. He will only work 50% of the total homework problems, so if you want him to work a problem from the homework, speak up fast. Tests are tough, but he gives partial credit. I would of taken him again, but he doesn't teach pre-calc.
He IS TERRIBLE! His lectures R confusing and all over the place and he doesnt explin how he came up with any of his answers. He wont help U @ all and will just tell U to figure it out URself using a solutions manuel. on his syllabus he has ?'s listed that U should never ask him, which is stupid! There are only 12 ppl enrolled,what doesthat tel U
hate his class til i understood his teachng methods. a lot better than some others ive had.
pretty cool guy with a sense of humor. grades homework on effort only, so it helps your overall grade. extra credit for perfect attendence. would take him again. helps in class as much as time allows.
A great instructor. Helpful and very clear in his assignment and instructions. Helps whenever needed. Highly recommended!
His teaching skills are almost nonexistent...I went to the free math tutor and got a better understanding in 5 minutes...and his tests are too hard...i wouldnt recommend him to anyone.
He is a good teacher. He will make fun of students and "put them down" if he thinks that they ask a stupid question. The class is not too bad if you are good at math.
Terrible. There are no words to describe how bad of a teacher he is. do not take his class.
uses the book alot. is very clear in answering any questions you have. id take him again
Worst math teacher I've ever had! Acts like this class level is beneath him. Tends to humiliate students. Doesn't answer questions, just tells you to go to the Math Lab. Puts problems on the test that are not on the practice test. Grades harshly on the test. Doesn't really explain the steps to do the problem. Expects you to be a mind reader.
Mr. Olmstead is a hard teacher if you are not on top of the material. If you don't try, you will fail and he will point out your failures in front of everyone. If you do try you will learn and he will show you respect.
His class was hard, but I loved it. If you do the homework, and prove to him that you're trying, he'll help you in any way he can, even if he may suggest the Math Lab. If you're out before a test, he'll call you to arrange to get a practice test to you. How many teachers will do that? Sexy voice.
the best teacher ! if you are responsible ! just do your Hw's .. Or if you know what you're doing and dont wanna do that much work... just copy from the solution manual... . keep trying .. and deifinitly go to mathlab!!
If you are good at teaching yourself then you should be fine, Do all the homework and show up to every class, basically just make an effort and you will pass.
I like Mr. Olmstead. He's clear and expects his students to try and to be tuned in. Pay attention, take notes, and do the homework. VERY fair grading. Lots of extra point opportunities. He's not rude, just doesn't appreciate lazy students who don't try. He's accessible and straightforward. Very knowledgeable. Great teacher. Both Bus Calc & Stats.
Homework is easy b/c he grades on effort so all you have to do is attempt the problems. Tests are kinda challenging. The only real problem I had with him is his teaching. He teaches from the examples in the book. He drags on a lot too.
Basically and simpally... My favorite math teacher ever. He never once made me second guess what i had learned and never treated me like an idiot when i was asking a question.
Very good teacher. Gives practice tests and reviews before the test. He's a bit fast paced and can be hard to follow. Just take notes and study your practice test and you'll be fine.
Professor Olmstead is not a good professor to take College Algebra with unless you completely understad the subject already. He only teaches the examples that are in the book and is unclear about what needs to be shown on tests. I do like the fact that he gives practice tests before the actual test and grades homework on effort.
Has knowledge about teaching the subject, but does not make it easy to understand. Moves very fast.
He has a strong grasp of the subject. He explains everything he expects you to know. He gives study guides for the tests. He grades the tests giving partial credit for attempting. Gives bonus points for perfect attendence. I would take him again.
I could have taught myself this class and just showed up for the tests. Not helpful whatsoever, math-lab will become your new home. Tests are not based off of homework like he tells you. Study everything you can get your hands on.
He is all over the place, sometimes trying to remember how to do the problems he's teaching. He skips very important steps so I often don't know how he got from point A to B. He is a very confusing teacher & all students are struggling.
He is ok. Hard to follow. Doesn't explain in great detail. Likes to tease but not always funny. I suggest the math lab.
Olmstead was awful! I didn't learn anything and he went way too fast. He was knowledgable, but didn't teach it very well. He often acted like you were a moron if you asked question he deemed dumb. The only plus was extra credit for perfect attendance and he gave partial credit on tests.
his test are really difficult, he tells you what will be on the test and then what you studied isnt on there. if you are not done with you test when class is over he will not let you finish. dont take him.
He is a good professor. He teachs what he puts on his tests and grades homework on effort not on correct answers. I would recommend Mr. Olmstead for any math class.
Mr.Olmstead has taught math way too long, and he should retire. Reasons; 1)he flies through the material expecting you to understand how he got from A to B without explanation. 2)He's a perfectionist when it comes to how he wants you to write your name on turn-ins but not when it comes to teaching. 3) he's arrogant. Be prepared to got he math lab!!
Professor Olmstead is the worst teacher I have ever had. He does not explain the material well enough. He doesn't spend any time reviewing for a test. He will give you a take home test and that is it (although the take home tests are EXACTLY like the real test) He is very rude, and is not afraid to call you our in front of everyone.
Prof Olmstead is a tough grader, but he does give breaks for minor mistakes, he is willing to answer any questions if time permits and has faith everyone will pass if they try. He expects his students to be college students and not middle schoolers so talking and being disrespectful is not accepted, as it shouldnt be. Hes kind of funny too.
A very fair teacher. Tests are fairly easy because he uses a helpful review. If you keep working the problems on the test review, you should pass the tests.
I will never take prof. Olmstead again. He flies through the material and is no help at all when it comes to questions. He expects that students have the prior knowledge that he thinks you should have, and if you don't, your screwed.
took for pre and algebra. Great teacher!tests are like the study guides.He lets you ask lts of Q's and will go back over stuff.Those who are bashing him prob. Couldnt follow simple rules dont talk when he is dont use your phone.I bet they didnt go to half of the classes or do homework.
I also hadfor calc 1&2.Had no problem w/ him what so ever. Tests are just like pretests.Homework is effort only.If you get a bad grade in that, you obviously arent trying. Students in class who complained were those who expected him to do EVERYTHING.You're in college now.He teaches,you learn.YOU do homework. Knowledgable,fair,clear. Olmstead A+!
Expects you to know the material prior to being taught the lesson. Provides pre test that have nothing to do with actual test.
Took this class and I'm very good in math but this teacher is not helpful, he moves very fast and give TONS of homework. Get ready to study, cause you cannot pass unless you do!
Although he is very well versed in mathematics, he is not very interested in lower level math therefore is bored with the class. He expects that you already know half of the things that he is teaching.
To all the kids in this site: You are right to say Mr. Olmstead is not a teacher. He is a professor...big difference. He expects ALL who attend a college level math course to have a basic understanding. Besides, if you study the practice test and routinely(more than once) use the College Math Lab, then passing All his courses should be a breeze.
Mr. Olmstead is an amazing math teacher. I was worried about taking him because he had such a poor reputation, but what I realized was that those were the words from crappy students. He is a great teacher. Hell he give you bonus points for coming to class
Mr.Olmstead is by far one of my favorite teachers! He does expect you know elementary things but who wouldnt? I am majoring in pure mathematics and have taken him for the majority of math classes thus far. I am very thankful for his knowledge and time throughout all of the courses I have taken with him. I encourage you to take him!
First I like to say is that I love math, I have never had an issue with the subject before in my life.Olmstead is by far the worst math instructor I have ever had, his examples are worthless he expects too much prior knowledge, he mark answer on test wrong, even if they are correct because of "step errors". He is also rude,He makes me hate math
I have always done well in math except for this semester. Mr. Olmstead moves way too fast. He doesn't help you at all. Do not take him.
A great teacher. I have had him for Statistics and Precalculus and have not had a problem. Each of the 4 tests are out of 200, & homework makes up 200 points (graded on effort). As long as you do your homework (expected 2 hrs per class hour) & the test review you will do great. Largely based on textbook. Definitely worth taking
This is a very challenging class. It is alot of work and requires you to study alot in order to pass the class. He does not explain things well at all. Don't bother trying to ask him to explain anything. He wants things done his way. You must show your work. Don't try to ask your classmate to explain anything either, he will scold you.
This dude is funny and old, but he can get on your nerves.
Dr Olmstead is a tricky one. You either love him or hate him. If you are not that great at math (like myself), this is not the professor for you. He goes really fast, does not like repeating himself, and can seem harsh a lot of times. If you are strong in math and di not mind speed learning, then you will probably be okay in his class. Beware! lol
I'm currently taking Olmstead for Statistics. He gives you 20 points for perfect attendance so if you have one bad test, that alone can pull your score up to an A. He also grades homework on effort only, so there is another way to easily pull your grade up. He is picky but he tells you what he wants in advance -- just pay attention!
He expect you to work hard for your grades, and the subject isnt easy to teach either. His class has 4 tests.each one is 200 points,and 10 point for homework. and 20 points for perfect attendance. He will give you pretest, but his test is a little bit tricky.u will need to study everything he taught u basically. he will give u a bonus question too
Mr. Olmstead is a nice guy. He wants u to do things his way but no big deal, just fold the homework the way he wants and move on with ur life. He gives 200 points for homework (based on effort) and 20 bonus points if u have perfect attendance, so that alone should guarantee a decent passing grade. Tests look nothing like the homework or the review.
He's cool, but not the teacher you want for Business Calc... Unfortunately, he's one of only two teachers that offers it at NWFSC... If you have to take him, don't miss homework or classes, hit the books HARD, ASK QUESTIONS, and live in the MathLab to get clarifications after his lectures... If you show solid effort, he might have mercy...
The worst experience ever. He knows his stuff and he is very smart but he can not in anyway teach. He went through the chapter that the entire class is based on in 15 to 20 min. and expected you just to know it. If you take him expect to live in the math lab... NO JOKE!!
I didn't care for this teacher at all when I took him. He expects u to know everything and u better know how to work the calculator because otherwise you are on your own! I felt like he rushed through the chapters really didn't spend much time helping out or giving different examples.If you are seriously terrible at math please do not take him!
Find another instructor! His class is extremely hard, over half the class failed or dropped his class. He teaches from the basic problem sets out of the book; but his text problems are very complicated. Test problems that were not covered in the homework. The absolute worst class I’ve ever taken.
Mr. Olmstead grades homework on effort,and gives partial points on the test. His tests are very hard and he gives problems that weren’t covered in class. I was not bad in math until I took this class. I had a full comprehesion of the class but my grades did no reflect that.I would not that him as an instructor again.
just plain terrible.. i dont know why he is rated 3.1 .. he basically comes in class, puts stuff on the board, tells a long joke with no punchline and leaves.. he's dependent on the book and looks at you like your dumb for not knowing how to use a difficult calculator . im warning you now, DO NOT TAKE HIM FOR MATH AT ALL!!!!!!
Mr Olmstead gave great pretests that prepares you for his exams.His homework is graded on effort and he will answer any questions that you may have. He does like things a certain so pay attention. This is a college class and he does expect you to behave like a college student.It's very important to attend ALL class.
I WOULD NOT RECCOMEND ANYONE TAKE HIM. HE IS NOT A GOOD TEACHER AT ALL. I TOOK HIM AND DROPPED HIM BECAUSE HE PUTS ONE EXAMPLE ON THE BOARD AND EXPECTS YOU TO KNOW HOW TO DO THE PROBLEM, THEN IF YOU ASK A QUESTION HE MAKES YOU FEEL DUMB. DO NOT TAKE HIM PLEASE!!!!
I`M TAKING HIM RIGHT NOW. HAVE 2-3 WEEKS LEFT. NOT SURE WHAT MY GRADES ARE. BUT I`M SURE I`LL DO GOOD. THIS IS NOT AN EASY CLASS IF YOU ARE NOT GOOD AT MATH. HE IS A GOOD TEACHER WHO HAS A LOT TO COVER IN CLASS IN A VERY SHORT SUMMER SEMESTER! HE DOES HIS BEST AND WILL HELP YOU WITH ANY QUESTIONS. IT`S A COLLEGE, NOT A PRESCHOOL!
not an easy class if you don't know the basics! be ready to study a lot. the girl who flipped out and dropped the class, was never even asking him questions. so how can she talk bad about him? he is not a bad person or teacher. but you have to study, don't be lazy! no one should give you an "A" for just sitting on your ass all semester long!
He is a fantastic instructor. If you are into math -- take him. He won't be the smartest instructor that you've had but he will be one of the most passionate. I'm a 4.0 student that loves math and I had a great time for Calc 1 & 2. Do the homework, sit in front, bleed math, and you'll get a 95+.
He's not a good teacher. He always teaches things that we don't need to know on the chapter, forgets what class he's in, and forgets what homework he assigned. He also talks a lot off topic. I don't advise you take him.
He is probably the worst, if not close teacher on this campus. He doesn't help, he expects you to already know "the basics", as he explains it. Condescending, and rude. DO NOT TAKE HIM FOR A MATH CLASS.
Very good professor. Very strong knowledge of all material class related. If you are interested in just sitting in class and not doing anything, nor trying to learn the material, don't take him. Otherwise, he is great teacher, always helpful.
If he sees that your trying, he will do all he can to help you.
He is a VERY helpful Professor. Gives practice tests that are pretty much similar to actual quizzes. I took him for Stat and received an A. Do not miss classes and you will be just fine.
He is a very popcorn like teacher. He jumps around a lot and give examples and homework that hardly relate to the test. I would recommend steering clear of this teacher if you are looking to pass. Even with a strong math background and having taken this class before, I found him to be a very unsuccessful teacher for me.
Not the best teacher in the world as he just goes over examples from the book all class. I wouldn't go to class if he didn't take attendance. However he does curve tests sometimes and despite his old age, you can tell he wants you to pass. Theres not many math teachers to choose from at the FWB campus and he does fine, hes not as bad as they say
I've never been so confused in a Math class before. He is lenient on homework (graded for effort) and does apply extra credit. He kind of just assumes you understand the problems and know how to do them when teaching. He does the problems his own way and doesn't solve them the way the book does which makes homework confusing. Tests graded harshly.
A lot of mathematical errors and spends whole class on one problem. Would not recommend. Long explanations and never gets to the point.
I eventually wanted to stop attending class because of the confusion. I could've taught myself from home. Let's be honest, that's all the class really was. He teaches straight from a book. He creates no examples of his own, nor does he dwell for a second. He does the one example from the book and moves on. I will likely have to retake this course.
Prof. Olmstead reads out of the book and writes the problems down. He does the problem on the board and writes the answer. When asked how something is done he states "I work the problem in my head, which is why I don't write it down." He does not teach, he wont show the steps you take to solve the problem and gets angry when you ask questions.
DO NOT TAKE THIS TEACHER. He spends entire class periods on one problem and does not show clear work. He says that he works it out in his head and that's why he doesn't write everything out. He expects you to know most of it already and does not start from the beginning of each chapter when teaching.
Mr. Olmstead is cool, but definitely shows up to class unprepared. His tests were tough but it is Calculus. I felt like I had to teach myself at times. Spent quite a bit of time in the math lab. He does give practice tests before the exams and that helps. He doesn't want anyone too fail.
I wish I dropped this class when I had the chance. He has no clue what he is talking about, at least it doesn't seem like he does. VERY unprepared and has no clue how to actually teach. He just wants people to watch him scribble nonsense while he rambles about irrelevant things. I learned nothing from him. A cow would be a better teacher.
He gives you homework every meeting and you don't need to pass nor have it checked. He gives sample tests for the review that will be similar to the content of the actual test. In each meeting, we just need to go through the things in homework that you don't understand then discuss another unit. All the homeworks will be passed on the day of exam
He is a great teacher. Yes he asks for attendance, which you should attend the classes if you want to have a knowledge and a grade. No good teacher will give yoy an A, when you aren't attending classes . I'm taking him again next semester.
He's a nice man, but extremely unorganized and doesn't seem like he knows what he's doing. He gets sidetracked a lot. We once spent 40 minutes doing a completely unrelated math problem that we didn't need to know about. I feel like the only reason I pass his tests is because we're allowed a cheat sheet. I don't feel like I've learned much from him.
The first class we had he literally forgot what he was talking about multiple times and even did his own math wrong!! I also asked if i needed the most updated textbook and he told me yes but it comes with an access code that we WILL NOT USE but i still have to pay for !!
I personally do not like his style of teaching he gives homework every night and every night i have to go back in the book and just teach everything to myself because he doesn't explain things very well but the next day he does go over the homework if youre not willing to put in the effort find a teacher that actually explains things well
I am so lucky to have passed this class with a 72. be super aware if you are lazy in math do not take this professor. I spent over 40 hours clocked in at math lab, and just barely escaped. Very nice teacher, you can tell he loves math. Gives partial credit on tests.
I love Mr. Olmstead! He knows all the ins and outs of math. He is patient and kind and understands that everyone learns differently. He goes at his own pace, but if you need him to slow down or repeat something he will without hesitation or complaint. Show up, do the homework (it is never much!), and participate in class, and you'll get an A !
Class Info
Attendance Mandatory
87%
Textbook Required
67%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.63 avg changeRatings by Course
CALCI
5.0
(1)MAC1105STATS
5.0
(1)MAC1131
5.0
(1)MAC1132
5.0
(1)MAC1114
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
ALG1101
5.0
MAT1033
4.8
MATCALC
4.0
MAC1101
4.0
CALC2233
4.0