To some teachers, calculators are amazing tools; to others, not so much.
Both scientific and graphing calculators are important, but for different reasons. Graphing calculators are necessary for certain sections of math, such as geometry, because of their advanced systems, like graphing. Scientific calculators are much simpler and used for solving basic equations.
But should they be allowed in math class?
Mr. Meinert, a math teacher, feels strongly that calculators have their place but are mostly unnecessary.
“There are times where obviously you need calculators and you need to know how to use calculators,” Mr. Meinert said. “But the problem I see is that sometimes kids end up using them as a crutch and so they literally lose their numerical literacy – the ability to do basic math equations on their own..”
Mr. Meinert’s policy in Honors Calculus is that no calculators are allowed. In Precalculus, some units do permit calculators, but there will always be a non-calculator portion on tests.
Mr. Gernes, another math teacher, holds similar views.
“It really depends on the class and the test,” he said. In his AP Calculus classes, students are required to use a graphing calculator on exams that need graphing calculators, but are not allowed to use any calculators on exams that don’t. For his CP Calculus classes, students may use a graphing or scientific calculator.
What do students think?
According to Reid Lindsay ‘29, who takes algebra, calculators are good for “not making silly math errors that will bring down my grade.”
“I think calculators can be really useful and really time saving and for me, I sometimes struggle with small mistakes in my math, so it helps prevent that,” said Lucy Shulkind 27′, who is taking Honors Precalculus. “But I also think in terms of higher understanding, it’s important that you understand basic math. So if you’re relying on your calculator for even simple multiplication, you’re not going to be able to check your own answers when the time comes.”
But what if calculators were banned?
“If a teacher were to ban calculators,” said Shulkind, “they would also need to adjust their expectations around homework.”