A calculator is a small, handy electronic device used to perform calculations ranging from simple arithmetic to complex mathematics.  The question is:  Are calculators a necessary tool in math classes?  As a math teacher it’s a dilemma to allow your students to use calculators in the classroom or let them do the computations mentally or perform math by themselves.

Let us try to weigh a calculator-based instruction and a non-calculator math class.  What are its advantages and disadvantages?

Let’s start with the Pros.  As far as technological advancement is concern calculators are comparable to cellphones, laptops and other electronic devices that students may use anytime anywhere.  Students can enjoy tedious computations in mathematics thus encouraging even those who do not like the subject.  They are fast and accurate thus adding confidence not only to the students but their teachers as well.

How about its Cons.  Although calculators can do the computations, students still need to know the long method of calculations.  Honesty of the students were being tested because some of the advanced calculators can save a lot of data or even graph by itself.  Not all students can afford to buy a calculator on his own.  This will also be a problem to the teacher if some of his students have calculators while others don’t.

Upon presenting to you the Pros and Cons of using calculators in your math class, the challenge is for you to decide.  Are calculators for better or for worst?

By: MRS. JOCELYN D. TALLORIN | Teacher II | Bataan National High School | Balanga, Bataan