The Wall Street Journal – Jo Craven McGinty
“Are calculators a computational crutch that discourages children from memorizing their multiplication tables? Or are they a mathematical tool that helps them conquer complex problems? The debate over modern mathematics education may not be over, but the battle over calculators has largely been resolved—at least on paper. Calculators, experts say, can help elementary- and middle-school children develop skills to solve complex math problems. But students in lower grades seldom use the tool. According to the most recent National Survey of Science and Mathematics Education, conducted in 2012, 58% of elementary math classes had access to calculators, but only 13% used them at least once a week. A similar disparity existed at the middle-school level, where 77% of math classes had access to calculators, but only 40% used them weekly.”(more)