Personally I believe that mathematical reasoning must be taught along with =
a big dose of mental computation and estimation. Calculators make it =
easier to teach conceptually, to teach mental computation and estimation =
while students are more likely to persevere on hard problems. But a =
calculator just like a slide rule is a tool that can be used or abused. =
If reasoning, mental computation and estimation aren't taught simultaneousl=
y with calcualtor use then students miss out on vital connections and the =
bigger picture of what mathematics is about. Many of my students have =
never been taught these skills in previous classes and wonder why they =
have never seen them.
How do you feel about teaching estimation and mental computation?
By the way have you ever seen the broken calcualtor software?
Marcia Tharp
Dr. Marcia L.Tharp
Associate Professor of Mathematics
email tc.tharm@tc.cc.va.us
homepage http://www.tc.cc.va.us/faculty/tctharm/index.htm
757-822-1322
Tidewater Community College
Thomas W. Moss Campus
300 Granby St.
Norfolk, VA 23510
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