IMO, children should always learn the basics first. No calculators until they can do simple math in their heads.
Everyone should be aware that a missed key-stroke on a calculator can be expected at any time.
Critical thinking skills require independent analysis of data, and that means in math as well as any science.
Everyone should be aware that a missed key-stroke on a calculator can be expected at any time.
Critical thinking skills require independent analysis of data, and that means in math as well as any science.”
Bingo... Couldn't agree more...
Math is not just mechanics but also a state of mind so to speak. Manual math skills are critical even if your most complex task is balancing the checkbook or looking at the ATM balance and determining if I spend $XX more, I will have so many $$$ left till payday.
The state of mind aspect really comes into gear if you go into a math intensive field such as sciences, engineering or some corners of business. You must learn these mechanical basics to even know what to plug into your calculator or program. And, keep in mind that someone has to write the program in the first place. Once, I found an equation and math method in a textbook and things were working out screwy. The book had the author's name and bio in the front pages. I just called up the university and asked to speak with him. Turned out that the book info was incorrect and it was supposed to be fixed in the next printing. If I had been emitted in capability to pushing numbers on the calculator instead of being able to wrap myself into the entire process then a several million $$$ design error easily could have been the result.