Calculators and Math

As a part of the last class discussion we had, there was a debate about how it seems unnecessary for students to learn everything there is know about math (such as, multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction) because calculators have become such a common device in the classroom. Even starting in elementary school, students are given calculators to help them do math problems. While I understand the idea that some people may have when saying it seems unnecessary to teach all aspects of math, it greatly effects your future. Students need to know the very basic foundations of math in order to move up to greater level areas in math. How is a college students who is required to take calculus supposed to know what they are doing in a complicated math problem if they are never taught the basics. They will never fully understand the meaning if what they are doing. When a student is asked to add two numbers together, they will not understand what it means to add. How will they know when it is appropriate to add, subtract, or multiply? They won't because they will not have been taught they meaning of these applications and when it is appropriate to do them. This kind of thinking is why the United States is so behind other countries in Math.

http://education.cu-portland.edu/blog/classroom-resources/pros-and-cons-of-allowing-kids-to-use-calculators-in-math-class/

This link explores the pros and cons of calculators within general education classrooms.