Benefits of Using Calculators

Benefits of Using Calculators

Some people say that calculators enables children to concentrate on understanding and studying mathematical concepts instead of spending time on tedious calculations. They believe that calculators helps develop number sense and makes students more confident about their math abilities. The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (1989) has recommended that long division and "practicing tedious pencil and paper computations" receive decreased attention in schools and that calculators be available to the students at all times.

Others are against using calculators in lower level math teaching, saying that "it makes children not able to learn their basic facts, prevents students from discovering and understanding underlying mathematical concepts and instead encourages them to randomly try different operations without understanding what they are doing". They say that calculators keeps students from benefiting from one of the most important reasons for learning math which is to train and discipline the mind and to promote logical reasoning.

In my opinion, calculators can be used in teaching as a good way or bad way. I think that this all depends on the teachers approach. Calculators in it self is neither good or bad. It is a tool that is their to help when needed. It is used a lot in today's society, so it is good for students to learn how to use a calculator correctly by the time they enter into adulthood. I feel that the use of calculators should be restricted in use throughout the early years of school, at least until the students can add, subtract, multiply and divide with pencil and paper. In my opinion, this can build number sense and mental calculations.