Why do they allow using calculators for math problems in school tests or homework or class work? Should not teachers make them solve problems by teaching and giving more practice of simple maths problems without use of calculator when children are 9 years old? What age do you think them to allow to use calculator?
2007-12-04 02:18:57 · 7 answers · asked by Jasmine 5 in Education & Reference ➔ Primary & Secondary Education
Would you think that they should atleast get mastered in very simple multiplication, divison, addition and subtraction manually? I think these are the most basic things in math that you should be capable of solving without the use of any modern techniques.
2007-12-04 22:42:53 · update #1
It's pathetic. When I was in grade 4 (nearly 10 years ago) we never used calculators, and I never had a problem. Kids should be able to do that kind of math either in their head, or on paper. Calculators should start being used once the class work goes beyond just addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
2007-12-04 03:29:39 · answer #1 · answered by manujatt2k4 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think 4th grade is too young to use calculators.
I don't have a problem with children using calculators for advanced concepts that require many calculations. For example, by 6th grade they ought to be able to multiply and divide 4 digit numbers, but if they are being tested on a topic that where the process involves long division, let them use the calculator. That way you can ask more questions on the test and give more homework problems to ensure that they are grasping the new concept. If you do not allow the use of a calculator in that case, the test would take so long that you could only ask a few questions. It also increases the chance that the answer may be wrong due to a careless error, and doesn't fully give you an idea if the child understands the concept being taught.
2007-12-04 10:31:34 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's ridiculous. Kids should only use a calculator once they've mastered simple math skills. In 4th grade, kids are learning math that will be the basis for ALL of their future math learning. Calculators are to save time... Where do these kids have to go? Calculators should only be used in advanced math, when the problems are multi-stepped and a calculator is truly needed b/c without it they'd be there all day. Plus, many high schools are on a 40 or so min. period. Testing would take far too long w/o calculators.
2007-12-04 10:39:48 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Quite frankly, I have been helping my son (7th grade) with some math today relating to proportions... One specific problem caught my attention when he missed it because of a division error, (I was NOT allowing him to use the calculator today). The problem was... 4/6=9/x Simple enough? Well, my 12th grader came home and I asked him to solve it. Unfortunately for him, he left his calculator at school. The result was quite telling.... he could not get the right answer because he had forgotten how to properly divide using decimals!!! I was raised in California/Arizona and at the time could not use calculators - we actually had to learn and use our mind to solve the problems. It was difficult, but we managed. My 12th grader has an 'A' in math currently...hmmmmm......
2014-08-13 18:01:21 · answer #4 · answered by Floweracres 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Madam, I think there is nothing wrong to allow calculators at even low grade classes. If calculator is present then why we & our children not use this high tech technology invented by we human beings. We have to change according to time & time is very fast. We can only compete the time factor if we have the latest technologies. This is very wrong concept that if children use the calculators, they will lag behind in self calculations. Madam think in deep, our children are far ahead than us in every field, in thinkink, In catching power & each & every field. When we see any thing new, then we elders take time to follow that, but children of todays, follow it rapidily more than our expectations. In many cases we have to take their help to adopt any decision specially in our homes, then why we disallow them from using this small thing. Today, when the the whole world is going high tech, making use of high tech tecnologies in every field, then calculator is very small thing. Children will themselves adjust according to time. Let them use any technology, whatever they like, I am sure they will do far better than we elders do & they have proved everywhere, In any industry, bankink & corprate sector, young generation is handing the whole at national levels.
2007-12-04 21:31:26 · answer #5 · answered by Sukhbir (chdpac) 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
We are a tech savvy world our children learn this form kindergarten to the grave. We cant function without cell phones and simple math becomes hard without a calculator. I find they are teaching our kids to depend on technology not their brains. we will soon have robots to do anything form math to clean the bathtub.
2007-12-04 10:29:23 · answer #6 · answered by mshelten 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is the reason why when you go to, say McDonalds, and the registers are down and they have to figure out how much change to give you on their own, it takes 10 minutes before you can get your money and leave.
2007-12-04 13:00:05 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋