Reference: Vasagar J. & Shepherd, J. Subtracting Calculators Adds to Children's Math Abilities Says Minister. Teaching News. December 1, 2011.
According to the newsfeed referenced above from Teaching News, "National curriculum reviews" are beginning to question the use of calculators in primary schools (Vasagar & Shepherd, 2011). It is believed that students are becoming too dependent upon them early in life without knowing basic math facts by heart first. To a large degree, I agree that learning basic facts should occur before students are introduced to calculators. When I was growing up, learning multiplication facts by heart was required. As I think about my own students, some cannot quickly tell you the product of two numbers. If they don't have the calculator to reach for, they are counting fingers or drawing circles and lines.
In Singapore, hardly any 10 year olds use calculators in class which more than likely explain their high rankings in Math (Vasagar & Shepherd, 2011). The article furher reports that the UK ranks much lower than Singapore in math and is therefore considering following suit. What is your perspective on this? Do you believe calculators should or should not be permitted in primary schools before learning basic math facts?
No to calculators in elementary school and parts of middle school as well! I totally agree with not allowing calculators until the basic facts are learned. Honestly I believe that learning math facts does more than just simple memorization. It teaches a number sense and perseverance. I currently teach 6th grade math and see the negative effects that happen when students don't know their math basics. Why should the machine be smarter than the person using it?
ReplyDeleteI like your statement or question rather, "Why should the machine be smarter than the person using it?" Very much agreed.
ReplyDeleteMy vote - Should Not. I've had High School Seniors that I had to teach how to do basic multiplication and long division because they had no idea how to without a calculator.
ReplyDeleteJust my 2 cents
Tracer
That is really sad. Sometimes I think an "instant" society, wherein everything under the sun is done at the push of button, hurt our children verses help.
ReplyDelete