Elementary level Math and calculators



In my opinion, calculators should not be allowed in lower level Math classes.  In most, if not all cases, calculators are preventing students from attempting to solve simple arithmetic operations simply because they become lazy and don't want to think. 

I`m not saying that calculators should be banned altogether.  They are great if they are used properly.  Meanwhile, young pupils must learn how to do mental Math, and that requires them to understand basic mathematical concepts.  I came to realize that many students don`t know how to use calculators.  When solving a problem, they try several operations and come up with the right solution by trial and error.  Hence, mental Math is extremely important.

For instance, imagine someone that a young individual knows is selling some product and claims that there is some sort of discount to whoever buys three or more.  Of course, the calculator cannot be used in such a situation because it would seem as if there is no trust.  In such a situation, only mental Math would help in figuring out if it's worth it to buy more than one of that product.

Another example would be if someone who cannot function without a calculator works at a busy store, and all of the sudden the cash register stops working, and no calculator happens to be around.  What would such a person do in this case?  Would it be acceptable for them to tell their manager that they need to close the store simply because they don't know how to add taxes??

This is a serious issue that needs to be looked at by Elementary teachers very soon.  I've read so many blog comments where college students are urging others not to rely on calculators.  I'm including a link as a sample:

http://www.homeschoolmath.net/teaching/calculator-use-math-teaching.php

It's my hope that we start teaching those young minds how to properly use a calculator.  It's time for us to start exercising our brains again!

Using knitting elastic band as a manipulative

 

It may be hard for some students to realize that there is a relationship between fractions and percentages.  Therefore, it is crucial for a teacher to illustrate that idea in an unforgettable manner. 

Of course, there is more than one technique that can be used in such a situation, but the simpler, the better.  I find that the simplest one would be for a teacher to bring a a whole bunch of knitting elastic bands that are 32 cm long to the class and give students few minutes to figure out how those could be used in Math.  If any student comes up with the idea of elastic meter manipulatives, he/she is asked to demonstrate it to the rest of them.  If not, the teacher illustrates the concept by marking a line at 1 cm from one end.  From that point, and with the students' help, he/she marks every 3 cm.  That would make 10 marks in total, with 1 cm being left at the end.    The teacher should make it clear that the two extra centimeters are left out only to provide a better way to hold and stretch the elastic meter.  Next, the teacher labels the marks starting at 10% at the first mark, and ending at 100%.  The other face of the elastic can now be designed by marking and labeling the most used fractions (i.e. 1/4, 1/3, 1/2, etc.).  By doing so, the students will be able to see the relationship by flipping the elastic band back and forth.  Some word problems or simple activities can also be done to make sure all students are confident with this concept.

I believe that it's important that we introduce to the students an item that is used in everyday's life as a manipulative, because that will simplify matters greatly for them.

 

How to simplify for students the idea of proportions

Many students get overwhelmed when finding out that their teacher is going to introduce the concept of proportions. 

I totally agree that there are some Mathematical concepts that could be very difficult to digest if the teacher is not creative.  I have recently learned in my Math Methodology course at University that, proportion, which is the ratio of one quantity to another can be illustrated in a very fun way.  So how does it work?

The teacher starts a survey in the class.  This survey may be about anything that the teacher finds suitable based on the students' interests.  For instance, if the students are interested in sports, he/she can ask how many of them prefer soccer, how many prefer basketball, etc.  Students that fit in the same category have to stand next to each other, and the first person in each category has to hold a ribbon.  After all students get involved, a circle should be formed.  The teacher then stands in the center of the circle and holds all ribbons together.  This way students are able to clearly see the proportions of one category to another.

In conclusion, it's true that some Math ideas are harder to explain than others, but with little creativity, all concepts can be introduced in a fun and easy way.