Blog #43 – TEACHING THE EFFICIENT USE OF A CALCULATOR
Students love using technology. They also love learning how to solve problems faster. That is why every teacher should learn how to use a calculator efficiently. They should also make sure that each of their students uses their calculators in the same way. Teachers can take advantage of these to motivate students to reinforce their knowledge of mathematics, and to learn that this knowledge can be an asset.
The calculator owner’s manual explains how to use the various keys of a these devices. However, they do not show how to solve problems efficiently. All teachers and students should learn to use math knowledge when solving problems. For example, – 295 + 713 should be solved as 713 – 295. Another example where math knowledge could be used is that (- 42.3)(- 1.97) should be solved as (42.3)(1.97). These are two simple examples where if math knowledge was used, teachers and students could decrease the number of keystrokes required to solve a problem.
I highly recommend that all students learn the efficient use of a calculator. I also know that a calculator is a tool that can help students master mathematical concepts. For example, elementary students can see that division by 0 is impossible. In Algebra, division by 0 occurs when finding slope. Initially students learn that in that situation, the line has “no slope”. Later, teachers can use the calculator to show that the slope of the line is infinite. Division by 0 will also occur in Calculus when you are studying limits. In every situation, a calculator can be used to assist in teaching an important concept in mathematics.