Do you think students should be allowed to use calculators? I have real mixed feelings about this. It is sad how many kids to do not know simple addition/subtraction/multiplication/division. But, I also understand that it is important to know how to use a calculator.
I believe once a student shows that they know how to do the math on their own, they can use the calculator for harder computations.
What do you think?
[question posted by rachelcaron]
responses and comments:
My daughter is older than the level you're referring to, I think, but I do have a problem with calculators. Last year, Grade 10 Advanced Math, she was required to purchase a graphing calculator (well over $100) that she will use straight through college. They use it for everything -- including for solving equations that I used to solve in school without the benefit of this calculator. In some cases, when she's gotten frustrated, I've worked the same problem by hand that she is trying to solve "electronically" and I come out with the correct answer and she doesn't. This concerns me. I think, too, that they should be taught the basics of correct computations manually and then, once they truly understand it, then they can use the calculator. [thinkingoutloud]
I wish that what is going on with your daughter took place at my school. We are aloud to use graphing calculators at school but not at home but the good thing is i guess we are taught how to do them by hand first [collegegal]
I don't like the idea of kids being allowed to use calculators at such a young age. They should be encouraged to think ont heir own instead of depending on an instrument. That's one thing which disturbs me about the education system here in the US. I hail from India and back there children aren't allowed to use calculators till they reach the 9th or 10th grade. Back when I was studying I rememvber the firs ttime I was allowed to use a calculator was only when in college. I think that really helped us put those brains to use instead of letting them rust. I'm in the US now but don't want my kids to study here, atleast not junior and high school! I'd rather they learn math the hard way. [greengal]
I agree, but I think it depends on the school or the teacher. Not all schools / teachers allow kids to use calculators. [rachelcaron]
I think kids should learn basic math without using a calculator. I think by the time they reach high school, it would be okay to use the claculator. Yes, I know how to do math by hand but it sucks. [trouble4u2avoid]
ya why not coz every child in not born genius and they are einstein.... [daotherhalf]
I think it really depends on the math they are doing. I know I wouldn't expect someone to try and do a Calculus problem with a pencil. That would just be ludicrous, but I don't think they should be using calculators for simple math either. [nw1911guy]
Well, I don't think younger kids should use calculators, otherwise they'll never learn their maths tables. They're not allowed to use calculators here until they go into secondary school when they're about 12/13 years old. [BittyBiddy]
I think they should only be allowed to use calculators for advanced math like trigonometry and calculus not for simple arithmetic [simplytraffic]
these day kids are using computers.what is important is creativity as i think for the development of society.mathematics is a skill which can also be developed with active computing. [ashumit02]
no student should be allowed..calculators should be allowed after the high School [rahulmig]
When I was at school, calculators did not exist, and had to learn to count the hard way, and it was hard for some people. I don't think anyone should only use a calculator for subtraction, multiplication or division, these should all be taught by first principles and then use of calculators should be allowed later. how many of us have been in shops where the tills are not working and the assistant can't even add thing like 23 and 12, simple addition like that is too much for them. This has the added benefit of teaching the children to use their brains instead of letting it be done for them. [Eskimo]
Easy methods to caluculate should only be given after completing the school.When students start using calculator at a very small age ability to do simple arthematic will decrease ... [Rajsri]
That is very disturbing. Kids should learn simple math on their own, not at the expense of some gadget. Like what u've said, they'll never learn. . But at some point, teachers let their students use calculators for harder, complicating ones. [anjoks]
yes, i think kids shouldknow how to use a calculator [mae1216]
i think there is no need of using calculators in schools at the primary age they will not that harder calculations .using calculators at early age will not make them to think much harder ....it will effects on their talent so we must not use calculators in schools..... [sai1729]
In may daughter's case, calculators are taught as part of the curriculum. They are used in such a way that the kids will be able to use them in daily life. She's a normal kid and wasn't allowed to use calculators in class until high school (except when they were teaching them how to use them). This is the same way I was taught in school. My son, on the other hand, has some learning difficulties that make it impossible for him to remember math processes. For this reason, his whole special-ed class is taught to use the calculator for daily use, based on their separate abilities. For example, my son can multiply in his head quite well, but can't do it on paper. He also cannot remember all the steps in division, even though he has been taught numerous times. I think there are a lot of kids like him out there who just can't remember all the steps. Calculators are a lifesaver for them that allow them to move on to more complex math without getting bogged down in basic math details. [blueskies]
I see your point. I agree. Kids with learning disabilities in that situation should be able to use them. [rachelcaron]
there is nothing bad if students use calculator.calculator is meant to aid calculation [oluwolea2]
Calculator hinders the brain actually. It promises to assist us and we get dependant on them. Calculators act as a major helpline (rather escape line) for us. Therefor echildren should not be given permission to use calculators because by this they would stop using their own brains and the brain exercise would not be there to make a child more sharp and smart.... [shalwani]
While calculators are very useful in many cases, the students "overuse" those. Just like taking a pill, if you overdose, you are dead. Thus, it's no exception in this matter. I know, and I'm sorry to say this, but more and more students are getting stupid from math. And the teachers do not acknowledge how calculators can harm them and continue to let them use it. Back in Vietnam, the students aren't allowed to use calculators, even today, and I know a lot of countries do the same [dtchucuoi]
I agree they shouldn't be allowed to use them. I know around here they are using them as early as third grade. Yes it can make doign the math quicker but most of the time they aren't learning the basics that they need to. They aren't learning how to do the math themselves and then when they get into higher grades they don't have those basics to draw upon and it's even harder for them to learn. They use the calculator for just about everything. I know when I was a kid we weren't allowed to use a calculator at school. Home if we did they couldn't say much but on a test? We were on our own. We had to know how to do it or else we failed. [emeraldisle]
When I was in school we were only allowed a calculator when necessary. We werent able to use it for addition, etc. I think its good to be able to use a calculator but if they were to use it all the time they arent being taught true math then. [cjayden]
i think calculators should be able to be used for the really hard stuff, like square roots and that stuff, for simple adding/subtracting/multiplying and dividing they shouldn't be able to except for maybe tests [goldberg55]
I think God that my sosn were brought up to use their minds when they went to school,I think usuing a calculators in school does not allow a child to use their minds and it makes it very hard for the children to think on their own when it comes to math [sweetaspie52]
yes. and calculators for simple mathematical equations will make children too lazy to work harder and put their brains to work. [maryannemax]
when i was still in elementary, we weren't allowed to use calculator. we calculate simple math on our own. we do have lots of scratch papers to work on before placing our final answer on the quiz pad or test papers. it's better that way. we were able to study harder and remember procedures more. it was in highschool when i started getting algebra classes when we were allowed to use calculators. and i think that's just fair. as of now, i still believe that kids in elementary should learn the basics of math. this is better than jumping into the simple method of using calculators. it's good so kids won't be too dependent on calculators themselves. [maryannemax]
I don't student should be allowed to use calculators for simple math equations. They can only use calculators for subjects like trigonometry, geometry and other complicated math subjects. [lafavorito]
no studeb=nts shud not allow calculators in the school bcause it will going to slow the pace of there mind calculations makes human mind fast and if students get addicted to clculators than they will not going to handle some easy qestions verbulay [chiragchi]
kids should be allowed to use calculator as well as computer as there is no way stopping kids to do that. by using calculator or computer there mind will become more and more sharper. so it will be happy thing for we parents if ur childs mind is improved and new dimension is given in their life. other then that i dont think so that child should be stopped using it. [boy4ahmedabad]
Mmm ive been through that, in my school we are not allowed to use calculator to a certain age exaclty like u said until we are able to do simple addition/substraction ... as for my friend its the opposit, when i were younger i envied her , < lucky you !> i used to tell her, but now when i sit to study with her she does it all on calculator , she doesnt even think ;o .. 1+1 !!!! she gets on my nervs , and by the way this affects the way she think in all her life, she loses the logic of analise and all ... [Pokitta]
No way. They must learn how calculations are done. Doing more maths also improves their mental abillty. Further, calculators or other such machines are Tools to help you work faster, not replacement of your own knowledge or skills. [ampee2000]
I do support use of calculators in school in a bit advanced level say from around 5th or 6th grade. The basic thing is the mathematical concept. If the concept is right it is not important that whether a students knows how to calculate manually or not because the students is then dealing with something which is much broader in scope of concept as compared to the basic subtraction,division,mltiplication etc. When a student can for example calculate the distance between earth and Sun, it doesnt matter whether he does it with calculater or not. [saibal06]
NO I DON'T,BUT THEN AGAIN I WENT TO SCHOOL IN THE MID 50'S TO 60'S.WE WEREN'T ALLOWED TO USE THEM,I THINK MATH IS IMPORTANT IN SOME FIELDS OF JOBS IN LIVE,BUT I'VE NEVER NEEDED ONE AND MANAGED TO RETIRE AT 43.MOST PEOPLE DON'T USE ALGEBRA OR CALCULIIN LIFE SO I THINK THE OLD WAY IS BETTER AND MAKES THEM THINK AND WORK THINGS OUT. [max1950]
Base on my own experience, it is better to let students compute for a mathematical problem without the use of calculator as it enhances and sharpen a person's mind power and memory, and most importantly they will not depend on the said device when math problems arise outside the school; because most likely no one brings a calculator everywhere everytime. [rhowie]
I agree children should not be able to use a calculater till they have grasped all the concepts in math. I see so many cashiers and kids that can't do simple math. If they enter the wrong amount in the cash register if they can't correct it they can't give you the correct change. I don't let my kids use a calculater at home while they are doing their homework math is a vital part of their lives and they should know it. [limosonia1]
I went to a grade school where calculators were never allowed (at least not during school hours). I think that is why so many of us actually learned how to do math. I finished all the way up to Algebra 2 before I went to high school and was allowed to use a calculator. I even scored a 500 on the SAT right after grade school and did not use a calculator. I think that kids should not use them until they really need them. I understand the use of them when you start getting into graphing functions of a calculator, but for basic math paper and pen is all you need. [kjscrafts]
I would like it to be such that children should be taught to use their mind for all calculations, from preliminary, to exhaustive problems that involve dificult circumstances. Let them not use the calculators, until they feel really uncomfortable with problem solving, or if they reach their final school-year, when they start applying to some professional courses. It helps them think a lot!. Unless you take a "road less travelled", you`ll never know how to get out of it, when you`re stuck there. Similarly unless you do manual calculations, over and over again and again, you`ll never be able to get out of situations, when you lose your calculator!. What calculators can do is nothing compared to what we can do with our minds!!! You give them a paper and a pencil, they draw the world. You give them a computer, the computer draws their world. So, choose wisely! Goodluck! [ananth85]
It is better for students to make use of their brains when it comes to additions, subtractions, multiplications and divisions. In the future when they face competitive entrance tests and such they will be well prepared to answer fast. Calculators may be used for statistics and scientific calculations, but in this too it is better for them to try it out without calculators. In the long-run, using the brain will be more beneficial....and there is always the abacus training courses that enable children to calculate complex equations of very large numbers in seconds. [plan2earn]
NO not at all i say the kids should not be allowed to use calculators because it will make there calculating power weak...they should calculate mentally as much as possible........this will not only make them sharp it will also make them smart and quick.......calculators should only be used once a student is in college......not to be used until then.....it makes them dependent on that......weakening their maths skills and calculating power. [handsomevm]
No, they shouldn't use them in schools. They take away their ability to think. I shutter to think what would happen if the calculators were to be taken away from them. I have even seen students use them for their tests. The harder the computations, the more they need to know how to do it on their own. [spiritwolf52]
I don't think that kids should use calculators for simple math. They can however use them for high school when the teacher actually requires them to bring a calculator. Has anyone observed that fewer and fewer people are loving Math nowadays? [marief2rnurse]
Math has indeed become a hated subject ...... [maidei]
I agree with you. From my personal experience, I actually forgot how to do simple math since I am so used to have a calculator available to do the work. [p8ntballr21]
no not at all... as it may cause mental weakness in them. they should b given such an invironment in schools that may b supportive 4 their mental prowess. [09336449376]
I think that maths lessons should include using calculators and not using them. I think it's important for people to learn to use the proper scientific calculators (especially if they plan on taking a maths based subject in further education). But it's also important for people to learn basic mathematics, like adding, subtraction, multiplication etc. [Brooke3]
My personal opinion is that we live in a technological age. This means that we need to give our children the benefits of every technology available. The average adult is unable to do simple mathematics equations without the use of a calculator. This predicament will only be increased overtime. That means that if we do not allow our children to use calculators we are placing them at a disadvantage. To do this is unfair. If the standard publicly now is that calculators are acceptable in society to expect our children to not use them is a do unreasonable expectation. The truth is each child should be given the opportunity to learn both methods. If a child is not capable of mathematical equations in the long method format then they should not be penalized for using a Calculator. [k5scottangel]
I would have to agree. My son did both. We made sure he could do the calculations in his head..and then let him use a calculator if he had a lot to work...once in a while. I think parents can do alot to help kids learn at home... [icequeen]
i think no before i was so clever in school and i can calulate namber so quikly but after that i study computer and use it to make my calculation i feel now i am not as clever as befor [mohammad99]
I dont think that it should be used for simple math, but the harder things like trig and things like that yes it should be used. [beckyomg1]
I teach high school social studies. At our school our math teachers do not let their students use calculators in Algebra 1. However, in Algebra 2, Advanced Math and Calculus they can use their calculators in class and on their tests. I agree with you and with our math teachers. Both my kids attended the school where I teach and felt that the math teachers were right in not allowing calculators in Algebra 1. I do not hear complaints from either students or parents so it seems to be the right way to use calculators. [gberlin]
I agree with you. A person must first know how to do basic math and be able to function without a calculator before they are allowed to use one. In advanced math it is necessary to use a calculator and then they allow them for exams. I find I even get lazy and revert to a calculator in daily needs. I also find that whem I balance my check book that using a calculator help me to prevent making mistakes. [loujac3]
When I was growing up we learned math without calculators and I believe it's better to learn how to do calculations without it. There is nothing wrong with using it once you know the math, but I think everyone should learn how to do it by hand first, even Algebra and Calculus (which I learned without a calculator). This way you understand how it's done. In life there are times you will need to do addition and subtraction in your head such as when you are shopping and unless you plan on carrying a calculator with you at all times, you should know how to do at least simple math. [cheetah311]
No i dont feel it is right to allow them to use the calculator, as its the learning stage and they must learn to do the simple things without like multiplications, subtraction addition divide without the help of calculators, later on as they join higher education they can be allowed to use for the more complicated ones [rubypatson]
Yes, I believe so, too. Children should at first use their brain to calculate, in order to develop at least these simple mathematical skills, which will come very handy later in life, they just don't realize it now. [doncris]
Yes, you are right! Once the kids know excercising very well the four basic operations of Mathematics i.e. addition, subtraction, multiplication and division along with their application in BODMAS; then they may be allowed to use calculators in school. So for this, we must fix the level of standard-7, up to which, use of calculators should be prohivited and only mental exercising of arithmatic operations must be practised by every student. Then only real foundation of Mathematics will be possible in kids to handle challenges in Mathematics more quickly and efficently. Thanks. [Mitraa]
No, kids should learn how to use their brains effectively before external aids or else. [sogeeahouse123]
what you said in your discussin is correct we should train how to use it but we also practise manualy they can do all arithmetic operation like addition,subtraction,multiplication,division,We should train them how to use calculator and computer is necessary for out todays technology development it will encourage their learning power. [joshua_77]
Is there any other way nowadays? Of course it is essential to learn first the consept of numbers and their functions. [tamaco_uk]
NAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH [mystyleinside]
i think that school going kids should not be allowed to use calculators because if they are allowed to do so then they will not take up arithmetic calculations mentallly and would hav to rely on calculators for everythink . when they go to higher classes and when the calculations become tougher they can be allowed to use calculators... [Stunner_rocks]
I would say,childern wont allow to use calculator in school life.they should understand how to solve problems. [alamzaib]
I have mixed feelings. I only think students should be able to use them during exams, such as SAT and ACT, which they can use them for. If the class NEEDS calculators, ie a Graphic math class where graphing calc are needed to figure out problems. Other than that I don't think they should be used, because if they are students forget their basic math skills. [valerieanne]
WOw, this is a WONDERFUL discussion topic. I have mixed feelings, like a lot of replies you have already recieved. I am enrolled in Ap Calculus at my high school. I am a junior, so i think i speak for most of the high school population. Though most of our work can be solved with handwritten formulas and graphs, the calculator can REALLY cut down on time, and solv hard problems. A problem that i see, however is students beginning to depend on them. They havent learned to do quick mental math at a young age, and they turn to the calculator to solve everything. [NucknFutz]
i dont think so cos the mathamateics is for the brain.. which sharpen the memory power and gives work to it..so it not suggeested to use calculator at schools [hiddenheartin]
s its a must ..... that kids should use calculator from the cild hood [mani_gandan53]
My son just started 6th grade and had to have one. I think they are using it for stuff they know or should know already. I think it helps them be lazy. For alot of the stuff, calculators are needed. But how many of these kids are just using it for that? They are forgetting their math facts and using the calculators for that. [pinkladybugspa06]
i think in college like engineering ,degree,pg etc only calcis are allowed is best..but in school age it is not good to allow calculators to children coz..they will be develop of thier own brains and thoughts.. [meherpraveen10]
I dont think so...At that age in school, kids must develop the sklls of computing without calculators...That way they'll learn methods and analytical skills. If they're allowed calculators then they're not gonna be bothered bout the approach. Calculators must be allowed in college. [mridula123]
I my opinion I dont think they should.Let them figure these problems out on their own. That is the whole reason for shool. They will be using the calculator soon enough. [TerryZ]
hy,,gud topic fr discussion thou,,,,hmmm... accordin to me students shudnt b allowed to use calculaters to school bcoz its da age to learn simple calculationz lik addin,subtractin,,,etc,,etc,,,students wud get lazy if dey r allowed do all dere calculations frm calculaters n wud learn nuthin,,, [ilovediscussions]
I think until they don't learn four arithmetic operation, they couldn't use calculators. After they learn and practice this, I don't see any problem. [JVASPAWN]
yah !!in my openion..calculator should definitely be not allowed to children till its required in their course...use of calculator at primary age can affect their mental ability.and restrict them being sharp and witty.. [saunty]
You're right. The basics should be established first because Math is part of everyday life (so everyone should at least know how to do basic operations). The reason for higher math to require calculators is to arrive at a solution faster. Honestly, I would still prefer the old way of trying to figure out the formulas by understanding them because this encourages logical thinking, even if the child may not major in Mathematics later on. I mean look at the standard of education these days. A lot are getting less proficient in math! [ag_abscruzmd]
I know... it's really sad how kids are getting worse and worse in math. I used to be a math teacher and I couldn't believe the things I saw kids use a calculator for. I mean, these were easy things you could do in your head! [rachelcaron]
when i was in grade school here in my Country we were not allowed to use calculators. i only started to bring calculators in high school. I think calculators should only be allowed when manual computation is not possible or if it is too complicated for the age and math skills/level of the student. [ddm610]
I was never allowed to use calculators not even in mathematics ordinary examination. Nowadays things have changed and a mental paper has been introduced in mathematics. Calculators are not allowed in that paper but in other paper yes. I think students do get lazy by allowing them to use calculators. [ronaldinu]
I would say a strict NO. I personally realise that the cons of using a calculator is far higher than the pros. I was a student in school very fluent in at least basic calculations. But towards the high school I started using calculators and u will not beleive I search for a calculator for even the slightest of calculations or it takes a hell lot of time to do it. Its such a painful truth to bear that I can make mistakes even in some very easy calculations coz I have been out of practise . So I say and will keep on saying that CALCULATOR should be a strict NO in SCHOOLS. [lethalamby]
No doubt calculators are useful Equipment for mathematical purposes. But it is not a good habit that a child or a student use it for their studies. without calculators let them use their brain to add, subtract, multiply and divide. otherwise they wont use their brain to do their problems. so my humble sugetion is that try to avoid calculators and let us produce inteligent and thinking generation who make thier nation to high. [jothis]
As someone who has struggled in the mathematical area of study for the whole of my life, I can say that I was truly grateful to be able to use a calculator in my high school days. I blame my math deficiency not on the use of a calculator, but on the inability of my early teachers to recognize my difficulty and to attempt to teach the material to me in a way that I could better understand it. I think students should not be permitted to use calculators until they reach high school and start taking harder classes like calculus and trigonometry where the math goes way beyond your simple muliplications and divisions. [zuri25]
Kids should not be at all allowed to use calculator in schools .My mom never let me touch it , Infact I never had one till I get in 11th standard .Not only it makes kids lazy moreover their calculating abilities go down considerably and they suffer in future [nawaab]
Oh you hit one of my nerves!! One of biggest pet peeves I should say! I feel that students need to learn in the primary grades how to manipulate numbers and do quick mental math. Once the student is in higher level math, where the calculater helps with the time factor, use of the calculator would be fine. It is sad that my hairdresser asked me a few days ago, "I found a shirt on sale for 75% off, it was $20 orginally, how much will it cost me?" [crazynurse]
it is not too good for their barin development, you need to teach them without that, so that they will also learn in due season, it when they are of the age of 14 that you can introduce that to them [lightbox]
i think no because in early study student should expose to the brain training rather than technology manipulation.i hope student before high school understand the basic first before go far for the next level.. BRAIN SHARPEN. [kerbausama]
I think that they should only use them in special long solving problems. I definitely think that they need to learn the skills, I am a candidate teacher. Good question. [mdilan]
I think until one stage they should not be allowed to use calculator in school if they are left from begining then the students fall lazy and they doesn't study cause they think it is easier and at last without the calculator they ll be null so until one stage they must not allow calculator. [maru_047in]
sure why not? In a few years no one will know how to add without a calulator anyway! [rockslide]
they should use their mind because they can't do easy addictions..and they will never learn if they use calculators [bodomgirl]
Upto ordinary level we haven't used calculators. It's really important to accumulate mathsskills in ones life. It helps t think correctly in pinpoint situations. Psycologists says that maths, and Music will boost brain power in children. So during childhood calculators must be prohibited. [Thiru178]
i think that child should be able to solve simple and basic calculations without a calculator.But a calculator should be allowed when they reach higher levels. [hannan_413]
Hi Rachel !!! I feel that usage of Computers should be restricted till a certain age.Imparting Mathematics skills in a student is a tedious job. Being a teacher myself I know the magnitude of thinking an average student has.We should focus more on the learning abilities of student when it comes to Maths. Majority of students develop a kind of phobia when it comes to Maths because they experience this difficulty at the early stage of learning. If learning becomes fun believe me there would be no other subject would be as interesting as Maths. Stress should be given more on enhancing the aptitude and reasoning abilities of the students. If students are exposed to calcalator at the early stage of their life,they tend to become lazy and would rely blindly on compurters and calculators to make their job done. [sadanand]
nopes... in our schools we were not allowed to use calculators and only now after coming to college (at present in college) am allowed to use calculator!!! is this procedure not followed in your country??? and childeren will automatically learn these stuffs easily because i was never taught to use calculators but,i know to use it far better than my friends!!! i think it is better to put them out of reach of calculators ,so that their mind will be activated and be brisk forever orelse even for simple calculation they will be going behind calculators!!! [shana123]
kids should not allowed to use calculators while learning to add or supply or for simple calculations.as for our education system we were allowed to use calculators from class 12 onwards.it should be only permitted when the calculations are tough and takes long time to do them.its okay to grant use of calculators in senior classes. [dip_cool]
ya htey should be allowed bt in alimited way........ excessive use of calcs could mke their efficiency low [salil_cutiepie15]
I think that they should be allowed to use them. As long as its a difficult problem. However, for basic math, like addition, it should not be allowed. [raider1459]
I think students need to lean how to do math by hand before trying the calculator. They need to understand why and how to get to the answer. I remember needing a scientific calculator in junior high but we only used it for certain problems. We learned to do algebra by hand (I love Algebra). In high school we had to buy a graphing calculator. We used it a lot for certain Parts of class but we also had to learn to do the problems by hand. I still have the graphing calculator and use it often. I used it in college (although my Algebra professor banned them because kids were using them to cheat on tests). I don't even remember how to do much of anything on the calculator but I do use it all the time. I suck at simple math--adding and subtracting, etc. I was just never good at it and use the calculator to double check my math. [4monsters4me]
Definitely kids shud not be allowed to use calculators bcoz they become slow in calculation while performing it without a calculator. [sreeni86]
as you said earlier, every kids have to use the calculater thenonly they go for harder computations such as graphes, numericals, Drawing caluculatons etc., i can agree asper your statetment that to use the calculter... do you know that? management of schools are not allow the calculater in the class... we have to changes some significant part of school management... am i right or not? [haisalmaan]
I see nothing wrong with kids using calculators when they are high school. I think the younger they are - they should not be allowed to use them. My daughter is in 5th grade and is allowed to use one on her homework-- that is unless the problem says no calculators. I still do not let her the majority of times. I think she needs to use her head and figure this stuff out on paper! In high school and college they usually have to use the scientific calculators-- so they might as well learn how in school. [KrisNY]
I am an Indian student. We were allowed to use calculators when we were in the eleventh standard. A child has to learn some basic calculations by himself before he gets "dependent' on a machine. [ortonsp]
calculators should be banned for students in school as this is the only place where they learn the basics of maths ,but they should be allowed to use when they reach to colleges as the calculations gets tough and also a student has to do a solve a big mathematical problems but in school it should be allowed at all,no electronic calculation just use your brain should be motto of the schools [jinxed666]
Yes student should allow to use calculators but for higher class because day by day the study is getting harder and harder so I thing there is nothing wrong using calculators [creavin007]
Calculator use isn't good until the child has a solid grasp of the concepts behind the different mathematical functions. Just rotely punching in numbers without understanding how to do it by hand if necessary isn't learning. The knowledge has to be there before the technology should be used. [sbeauty]
I allow my daughter to use the calculator at home on her homework assingments. She is in the 7th grade and they have to multiply fractions, and find the lowest common denominator. there are about 50 problems on most of her assignments, plus she has 6 other classes with homework in each of them. I think if the child isn't doing an assignment to learn how to multiply, add, subtract, etc... then using a calculator is ok. Sometimes there are several steps before you get to the answer and you have to do a lot of calculating, and it should be ok to use a calculator especially when you have 20 or more problems and other assignments you are expected to turn in on time. [jenalyn]
when i was at school (i left 3 years ago, to go to college and then uni) i find that i dont have a great "mental maths" head...i now find that i rely on calculators [vicky_lane4987]
I Think that children using calculator in age under 12-13 will not be able to make simple calcs in a few time. It's right that learn to use calculators is important, but you must consider that a calcualtor is needed not to perform simple operations, it'a needed to solve hard problems, and a child will never need to solve them. [TheBerserk]
I totally agree with you, teachers are becoming so slack these days and I beleive some children are passing grades when they really should stay back a year! Calculators shouldnt be used unless it something harder. [mchoneyz]
I definitely think students should be allowed to use calculators at school. Maybe not for simpler calculations, but I definitely think that seen as it is used in real life for calculations, that children should be taught how to use them. Also when they get higher up the education level, children are often needed to use calculators to do trigenometry and pythagoras etc. [Bigdougieb]
In my scooldays we could use calculators but not for the simple mathematics. I think it is important that everyone can calculate and do the math because in life it is very important and you have to use it every day. [chaoskiller]
They should only be allowed to use 'em as a way to learn. Like for basic things they shouldn't, yet alot of children do because there either lazy or want to finish there work quickly. so taking it away imo would be better =) A teacher at my school had this rountine that shown us how to use the calculator and allow us to do it ourself. (i wasn't good at this) but for others it did work and hardly any of 'em asked for one. [joey_matthews]
(I'm in a hurry) I wasn't very good in math to tell you the truth. I was one of those who had to take those Special Education classes at middle and high school. In those classes I was allowed to use a calculator. Later on, in my new classes, I couldn't use my calculator at all. Same with college. I couldn't use a calculator at all, and that's why I couldn't pass my math classes overall, even in basic math. I hope calculators should be optional. [DuoMaxwell]
I don't think they can do without. The math is so hard nowadays that they have to use it. But for the simple work they should be forbidden. When you go to a shop they can not even give you money back without looking at the kassa. [Raissa1967]
I don't think they should. I strongly feel like this discourages their learning. Today's kids need to know the basics so they can survive without a calculator. [amazing_Grace]
Well I will admit I started using a calculator pretty early so I don't know my times tables lol. But I think kids shouldn't be allowed to use them til at least middle school or up, because once you get into algebra and stuff like that was when I really needed to start using it...for things like square root and etc. But things like multiplication and division I think they should not be able to do that on a calculator...or they will never learn! [x3temptationx]
well i am sure that i am the youngest person to reply to this discussion, but what i think about calculators is that sometimes you really need them, i mean when you have to deal with stuff like uhmm....wow i really dont know what to say, but things like extremely hard equations, you might need a calculator, i mean what if your student was in lower classes to where he or she could not function very well with out one? i am in these classes, and i mean i know i can do these things with out them, but it is really hard for me to concrate without one, i am a very slow thinker, i think faster in German more than i do in english, and german was my second language...but still, i have problems with thinkg priod, i have dislexia, or how ever you spell it, and the calculators help me, but okay maby their not to be used for everything but they have a good use in them....i dont know this is just my opionen....Viele liebe Gruesse aus Utah :) [DeinHerzSchlaegt]
I really don't have a problem with calculators. I think that kids should definitely learn basic math skills first without the use of a calculator so that they know how to do it on their own. Later on though, I feel like it's ok for them to use a calculator. It is important to know how to use one, and in their adult life, the important thing will be not having EVERYTHING memorized that they learned in school, but knowing and being capable of researching and finding information on their own. [elisa812]
Sure. Because in the real world, we use calculators. [hitzphillygirl]
I don't think it's a good idea. I know people who can do simple addition and multiplication. An over-reliance on calculators isn't the best. [emisle]
I think they shouldn't start using calculators until senior high. The problem is when they are allowed to use the calculators, they just use them for everything and never end up learning how to do simple calculations. We were only ever allowed calculators for finding sign/cosign and tangent. [XxAngelxX]
I don't think they should. I mean how should a child learn to work out a problem on there own. I think it's just lazy. My ten year old tells me all the time that the teacher said they can use a calculator do check there homework. Well, I don't let her. There are other ways than using something quick that will give you the same results. [chertsy]
I don't think kids should be so dependent on calculators that they can't do simple math in their heads or on paper. I think calculators are a great asset when you get deeper into Math, but I do agree with you-- that until they show that they can do simple math-- the calculators shouldn't be used. [mommy2taylor1]
i discourage use of calculators in schools coz it kills the talent of mathematics like Keyboard of pc which reduced our talent of writing [dradelelassy]
NOoooooo they dont!!!!!! or all their minds will make lazy [damuz81]
While it's handy to know how to use a calculator, I don't think we're doing the school kids any favors by letting them use one in the classroom. I think every child should know how to add, subtract, multiply and divide without using mechanical assistance. There are times in life when a calculator isn't going to be right handy for them and they will need to know how to do it in their heads. If they're advanced students, and already know the basics, then if they need one to calculate trig problems or something like that, then I think it's ok to use it as an aid. [JoyfulOne]
Why not? Are we teaching our kids to be globally competitive or to go back to an era of sticks and abacus? Let the kids improve their skills in using modern gadgets. Why make Math difficult when in the real world we all end up using the calculator anyway?And I don't even understand these difficult mathematical formulas they are teaching which will not be of use to many of our students. We should always have the real world or life as the basis of what should be taught in school. Do those things serve a purpose later on or are we wasting precious time and money? [funny52f]
Calculators are really spread, there are computation softwares even in mobiles! This sayd, I think there are simple calculations that students have to know!! A class test could contain simple operations so the teacher may not allow students to use the calculator, but they should use it for their homeworks, were operations could be much more difficult! [trogoz]
first they should be thought how to do math without calculators but as they go to a higher level the math problems becomes harder and harder then that's the time they should be using one. [jep_toyo]
I agree with you. I think at some point they should also be allowed to use calculators. I guess during the first years of grade school, calculators could be a no no so they can be used to doing math manually. But when the formulas come in, i guess its okay to bring out the calculators too. [hikarushidou]
There is a saying that the mind is a terrible thing to waste. Well by allowing kids to use a calculator in school it is not challenging their minds. I never was able to use a calculator when I was in school and in all honesty my thought on this is that the kids of today should not either. Let them use their minds not a box with numbers on it. [curtis61]
I agree with you. They need to know the basics and learn it well. Then they should be allowed calculators. Once they are out in the "real world" there are calculators! [quispy]
Im not really one to talk because I am not that good at maths myself but mum wouldnt let me have a calculator at school until it became compulsory. Everyone had one except me but at least now I know how to do elementary maths that everyone should know. There is such a reliance on calculators now that if they were no longer available we would have a lot of problems. When I go to the supermarket, I can't believe that the person behind the checkout has to use a calculator for the simplest sums! I found that working as a volunteer for the Football canteen really helped as I had to calculate everything in my head. I also worked at a shop which didnt have an electronic register so that helped too. [Rhianna]
If they know their basic skills and how to get a problem answered the long way ... then why not? We use them outside the classroom. [Jellen]
To add a new perspective on this discussion: I am a student in high school. I will be turning 17 on Friday, and I use a graphing calculator regularly. Also, I have used a calculator of some sort for many years, as long as I can remember really. Yet still, I think I can do math problems by hand better than your average Joe on the street. I can easily solve any math equation up to Logs and Trigonometry. And even after using a calculator my entire life. I strongly feel that the use of a calculator does not detract at all from the capabilities of a student. However, many of you have come to one of two possible solutions to my point which invalidate it completely. 1. He is just a 17-year-old punk kid and doesn't know what he's talking about. or 2. He is obvioulsy the exception to the rule and a very good math student. While I admit the fact that my standardized testing scores are typically ranked in the top 10%, I feel that the majority of students are quite capable of solving most math equations if they use logic and common sense. [contagion17]
I am aginst the use of calculators by students.They should be able to calculate themselves fast.That is one of the ways to keep brain fit for rest of their lives. If anyone asks what is 95*97=They should be able to say it in less than a minute. TAKE 100 as the base number,Then 100-5*100-3 Last digit will be 5*3=15 and 95-3 or 97-5 will be the first 2 digits so answer will be 9215. Is this not an easy way to mentally calculate? So use mental calcultions [nishdan01]
I agree with you..they can use the calculator for harder computations for them to know how to solve simple computations.. [mae168]
no not at for any level i think our forefathers ware doing this without any kind of help and children must learn how to calculate simple and complex ting without calculate so i think they do not allow to use calculater [SACH4ISHA]
u make a good point i agree with you [mbarryton]
I dont think it is teaching them to do math like they should learn but in todays fast paced society, they use calculators on the job and at home to so I guess it is ok. [villageanne]
Depends on what kind of math they are doing. Basic math should not be done on a calculator but more complex math problems should be done on a calculator. [ma12381]
The answer to this question is most obvious......YES!! Why wouldnt you be able to use your calculator in schoool. If you are talkin like 5th grade down then i can understand, but id like to see some one do 108.398 times 10 to the negative 11 divided by 4........ [patabu74]
I am frequently given the impression that parents of middle-grade students have been led to think there are two separate choices: their students should be encouraged to memorize the basic facts for addition and multiplication and master the processes or they should be allowed to use the calculator when solving mathematical problems. Since I don't think it should be a choice of one over the other, I have chosen rather to share some thoughts on two related issues. In this article, when should a calculator be used? In the next article, how can the basic facts be reinforced while learning new mathematical concepts? but A student could be allowed to use the calculator in the following situations: 1. The goal of the activity is to determine a solution when the required computation is beyond the student's ability. 2. The goal of an activity is not to determine a computational solution, but some computation is necessary to achieve the goal. This may be true when a teacher wishes to have a student develop problem-solving skills or when exploring mathematical patterns. A student should not be allowed to use a calculator when the goal of the activity is to determine a computational solution, and the student is able to do the necessary computation in a reasonable length of time. Let's look at a few examples to illustrate these guidelines: Allowing students to submit real-world problems that are important to them can help stimulate interest in further study of mathematics. A middle-grade student may wish to determine the best deal when purchasing a bicycle after the prices of his choices have been reduced by various percentages. If he has not yet mastered multiplying with percents, the use of a calculator may be necessary to calculate the correct answer. Student participation in the activity requires a calculator; the goal of the activity is to determine a solution involving computation. One very important principle of learning and applying mathematics is being able to identify patterns. A student in elementary school may be interested in finding a pattern in a problem that requires a substantial amount of calculation beyond the knowledge or patience of the student. Sometimes the computation may just be too tedious and complex to sustain the interest of an intelligent student. Since the teacher's goal at this moment is primarily to give the student experience in finding patterns, allowing the student to use a calculator may be necessary. The goal of the activity is not to determine a computational solution, and student participation in the activity requires a calculator. [abhishekkaushik]
I agree with what you are saying. I was raised in a country less fortunate then American children and high valued techical calculators. The children, including myself was taugght to do everything manually. So i find it important for children to learn how to approach, and solve a problem without the use of calculators, even though they save much time and efforts applied. [krazzyk]
I admit kids now days are doing things in math that I don't understand but I don't think they should use calculators it is just teaching them to cut corners and take the easy way out how can they learn if they are having a calculators do their thinking for them. Yes, I agree they should learn how to use a calculator but not use it to do their homework. To check their answers is okay so they can learn to do it right, but not use them all the time. We didn't get to use calculators and we all turned out fine . [mtdewgurl74]
As soon as you get to such complicated calculations that a calculator is necessary then first you should be allowed to use a calculator [fregus75]
Well, this year and previous years, we've needed our calculators. I'm in Precalc this year, and you just can't do some of the math without a calculator, so students definitely need them. However a lot of the work can be done without one, having a calculator just makes it easer, so we have non-calculator tests, where the work can be done without one, so we all aren't completely dependent. Calculators need to stay in school, but students need to be able to get by without them on some parts of math assignments that don't need them. [Hipponater]
I agree. Long, long ago when I was in school, my mom wouldn't let me have a calculator until I knew my multiplication tables.Once I was in my algebra class, there was a test where we could use our calculators. [sarahruthbeth22]
I think calculators should be introduce in a classroom and can be use sometimes by students. But in test and other activity it is better that they will use their mind for computing. Using your own mind for calculating is useful for developing your mathematical skills. [marymarj2002]
Depending an the level of study, they have to learn to use their brains, but in some cases not all students go at the same pace and not all have the same ability to work math, I give my students calculators when I know they will not get it done without it. [jossml]
I as a parent of five almost adults two still at school feel the school would do a lot better without them .Just look in a checkout if the till breaks down the assistants cannot work out how much change to even give us back i think they need to get the kids using their brains again [_hope_]
Student must know addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. In addition they must know tables. This process increases concentration power of the mind. It also develops inner calculative power of mind. suppose you are listening to some discussion on financial transactions, if you are good in basic math's, while discussion is going on, your inner mind calculates the data, processes it, and you are with some results, need not be exact, but very near bye. once you know basic math's then no harm to use calculator to increase speed of calculation. [phadkemukund]
when i was in kindergarten and junior high school, i learn mathematic without using calculator. so i know simple additon/subtraction/multiplication/division without using calculator. we use calculator in senior high school, for calculate a complicated calculation like physic, chemistry and mathematic expert. [rurita]
why not, depent on what grade they are thought.child lesson in school now is much harder then in my school time.so i think calculator is really a good tool to help. [innechen]
really? you think lessons now are hard than when you were in school? Most people say the opposite and that we are dumbing down the curriculum. [rachelcaron]
they should not be allowed to use calculators. [hadees]
I think it's wrong! As a teacher and a future father, i think using the calculator kids will stop using their minds and become more and more like robots! I hardly use the calculator, just use it for very dificult operations! [wavelander]
thanks for your good works I agree with you. We need to keep up with technology as teachers though because we need to recognize the good and the bad in it. [msqtech]
I think they should be allowed after the high School only. [evaquofelice]
I dont think for simple math calculators should be used and I think that complicated formulas need to be done on one. I dont think they should have sophisticated memories where they can use them to cheat. [msqtech]
I think For psychological and brain development learning manual calculation is important. So it is better firstly, to teach basic mathematical techniques and then teaching how to use a calculator. [rezaahmed]
NOt before they really can do it without the calculator. I agree with you that it is important to know how to use the calculator, but it's easy to learn it after you can do things by yourself. A huge number of kids nowadays has no idea of how to do even simple calculations without the help of a calculater and that is very negative. Many don't even notice when they're given wrong change... not good at all. [arkaf61]
Hello rachelcaron Ji, I am very strong view that students upto class tength, under no circumstances should be allowed to use calculators, once they reach to PU level/engineering/professional education, they may be allowed, as there are various math quantities are required to be calculated, also it is requirement of time. Why students depend upon their use, reason lies with parents at home. At home, while teaching small classes, parents take help and guide them with use of calculators, which later on forms habit in tehm. Word 'student' is vast meaning. So this restriction may be lifted as you say after they are self sufficient and then they may take help just to reduce time. have a nice time. [chintoo07]
I was unable to learn simple type math; addition subtraction of large columns due to learning disabilities. A calculator would have helped me a lot but the school system chose to hold me back instead. This forced me to endless years of frustration with teachers telling me "just apply yourself". I later found I was not stupid but had a form of dyslexia that this simple tool would have helped me overcome. I still have anger over this. [CraftyCorner]
I think kids shouldnt allowed calculators at school because it will seriously affect their numerical aptitude let them study computing at their mind first and then let them use calculators [varunkrishna007]
I agree with you, in Taiwan (where i studied), you're required to memorize the 12x12 times table by 3rd grade, i think.. and here, 8,9 graders still use calculators for simple equations... Its ridiculous [chibiXpudding]
I think calculators should only be really be used after trigonometry is taught, after around 13-14 years of age. In primary school, calculators definitely should not be used, it wasn't that difficult to remember the times table, but knowledge of it is necessary for further maths. It takes under 0.5 seconds to remember what 7x4x2 is, but it takes about 1-2 seconds to type it into a calculator. In exams, every minute counts, and time spent entering things such as "7x4x2" (the seconds add up) is a waste of time that could be better spent checking over your work. [cellophane]