Calculator Dependence
When do we start introducing calculators into our math curriculums?
As technology in schools continues to grow, the calculator has been a consistent tool used for solving mathematical computations at all levels. However, the overreliance on this tool has proven to have detrimental effects on a student’s basic computational skills. Mental math and pencil to paper operations dwindle as a student can simply reach for the calculator to perform any needed computation.
As students progress through their years of math, the concepts become more complicated involving more in depth calculation. When students reach this level, the use of a calculator is more understandable for higher concepts and for saving time with long, tedious arithmetic. However, the calculator does not replace a human brain. The calculator’s performance is only as accurate as the student entering the information. Therefore, learning how to properly use this tool is essential.
Here at Think Tutoring, we tend to restrict the use of calculators in our basic math programs and in certain aspects of our upper level math programs. Maintaining mental sharpness is key when moving towards academic improvement, especially in math. It is also a true benefit to our SAT students who have to face a non-calculator section on the SAT test . Learning more complex skills tends to be easier when fundamentals are already mastered and maintained.
