Math Research Paper -- Essays Papers

Math Research Paper Since the 1980’s calculator use in the classroom has been a huge controversy between educators (Golden, 2000). It is becoming increasingly common to use calculators in the classroom on a regular basis. Some states allow students to use calculators on standardized tests and as part of the regular curriculum (Dion, 2001). Because we live in such a technologically changing world, hand held calculators have been far surpassed and can be purchased for as low as $4.00 each. This low price however, has not swayed the many people that believe calculators are not appropriate in the classroom. These critics argue that calculators take away student’s basic knowledge of mathematics, prevent children from truly understanding mathematical concepts, avert their minds from learning logical reasoning, and give students a false sense of confidence about their mathematical ability (Education World, 2002). â€Å"Kids get to use calculators as a substitute for practice, and they never really understand arithmetic,† says Sandy Stotsky, a teacher in Massachusetts, one of the few states that have taken a back-to-basics approach states (Golden, 2000). Critics also believe that calculators work against learning basic mathematics, and do not allow children to appreciate the nature of math. They believe it takes the thinking out of mathematics (Stoll, 1999). Another argument that is brought up is that low-income and minority elementary school students are more likely to use calculators than middle-income which elementary school children. They are also more likely to score lower on standardized tests. â€Å"At Hazelwood Elementary, where nearly half of the students are black and almost all qualify for subsidized school lunches, 7... ... use in elementary classrooms. Teaching Children Mathematics, 1 (5), 300-304. Education World. (2002). Educators battle over calculator use: Both sides claim casualties. Retrieved February, 22, 2003, from http://www.education-world.com/a_curr/curr072.shtml. Golden, D. (2000). Calculators may be the wrong answer as a 'digital divide' widens in schools. Maple River Education Coalition. Retrieved February, 22, 2003, from http://www.mredcopac.org/update62.htm. Reys, B., Arbaugh, F., Joyner, J. (2001). Clearing up the Confusion over Calculator Use In Grades K-5. Teaching Children Mathematics, 8 (2), 90-95. Reys, R., Lindquist, M., Lambdin, D., Smith, N., Suydan, M. (2003). Helping children learn mathematics (6th ed.). United States of America: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Stoll, C. (1999). High tech heretic. New York: Doubleday.