Calculators in High Scool

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Calculators in High Scool

by Scott Eisner

Sep 2, 2012

What is a good way to get my kids to stop using calculators? Once they reach college, calculators will obviously not be permitted, so I want them to do well. Basically I need to slowly get them off calculators without quitting cold turkey.

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Math Teach Betty: Wouldn't there be restrictions on the type of calculator one may use in college?

For example, in a Linear Algebra course, I can't see a prof. allowing the use of a TI 89, as this calculator can compute eigenvalues and eigenvectors rather easily.

Back in the eighties, when I was taking actuarial exams, the SOA provided simpl...See More

Sep 3, 2012

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Betty Ann Sure. I totally agree that there are times when there are restrictions on the use of a calculator or type of calculator allowed. It depends on what concepts you are trying to teach.

I was reacting to the blanket statement that college students would not be allowed to use calculators. I do agree that they need to understand the math and not...See More

Sep 3, 2012

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Math Teach to Betty Ann Betty Ann:

Do they still offer the $100 prize to the candidate with the highest score? Or is it up to $120 now? Hee....

We used to joke that the $100 would reimburse the winner for the stronger eyeglasses (s)he would need after all that studying!

On 9/03/12, Betty Ann wrote: > Sure. I totally agree that there are time...See MoreBetty Ann:

Do they still offer the $100 prize to the candidate with the highest score? Or is it up to $120 now? Hee....

We used to joke that the $100 would reimburse the winner for the stronger eyeglasses (s)he would need after all that studying!

On 9/03/12, Betty Ann wrote: > Sure. I totally agree that there are times when there are > restrictions on the use of a calculator or type of calculator > allowed. It depends on what concepts you are trying to teach. > > I was reacting to the blanket statement that college students would > not be allowed to use calculators. I do agree that they need to > understand the math and not simply rely on a calculator. However, I > think almost all college math students use a good calculator on a > daily basis. > > I just checked the instructions regarding actuarial exams--just out > of curiosity. They are definitely permitting more sophisticated > calculators now, but memories must be cleared and candidate must > know how to use the calculator (no instructions or covers permitted). > > On 9/03/12, Math Teach wrote: >> Betty: Wouldn't there be restrictions on the type of calculator >> one may use in college? >> >> For example, in a Linear Algebra course, I can't see a prof. >> allowing the use of a TI 89, as this calculator can compute >> eigenvalues and eigenvectors rather easily. >> >> Back in the eighties, when I was taking actuarial exams, the SOA >> provided simple, 4 function calculators so that every candidate >> had the same chance to get that $100 prize.... :) >> >> >> >> On 9/02/12, Betty Ann wrote: >>> What do you mean, "Once they reach college, calculators will >>> obviously not be permitted?" >>> >>> I was expected to have and use a sophisticated calculator in >>> my college math classes. >>> >>> On 9/02/12, Scott Eisner wrote: >>>> What is a good way to get my kids to stop using >>>> calculators? Once they reach college, calculators will >>>> obviously not be permitted, so I want them to do well. >>>> Basically I need to slowly get them off calculators without >>>> quitting cold turkey.

Sep 3, 2012

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MTA On 9/02/12, Scott Eisner wrote: > What is a good way to get my kids to stop using > calculators? Once they reach college, calculators will > obviously not be permitted, so I want them to do well. > Basically I need to slowly get them off calculators without > quitting cold turkey.

You question indicates that you are not like...See MoreOn 9/02/12, Scott Eisner wrote: > What is a good way to get my kids to stop using > calculators? Once they reach college, calculators will > obviously not be permitted, so I want them to do well. > Basically I need to slowly get them off calculators without > quitting cold turkey.

You question indicates that you are not likely using the calculator to teach math, but to process answers. That is the lowest form of their use.

Low use: Graph y=0.5x, y-x, and y=2x in your calculator.

High use: 1. What would happen if put {0.5,1,2}x into function one of your TI calculator? Show me with a paper sketch using only a pair of axis, no coordinates, just a drawing. 2. Graph and see if you are right. 3. Label the functions on your paper. 4. Which function has the steepest slope? How can you tell from the drawing alone? 5. Describe in words that would enable another student to draw the function f(x)=2x without using the other two or using any coordinates. 6. Use only paper vertical and horizontal paper foldings and lines, prepare a to construct a reasonably accurate graph of a double-slope line. You can use only two non-orthogonal lines to do this. (If no student succeeds, guide to answer. Use time as appropriate here as it can take a long time for some/all to get answer. After you or a student shows answer and students duplicate it, have them graph a negative triple-slope line.) 7. Ask class to not to say the answer out loud, but raise their hands if they know what will happen. Have them write their answer down and escrow with another student. (Note use of vocab to increase rigor, etc.) 8. Put 1/{0.5,1,2}x into your TI's function 2, but don't graph it until I tell you. 9. When answers are escrowed, tell them to graph it. 10. Discuss reasons for results and give credit to those who got it right.

OK. Get the idea? Use a calculator to engage, learn and explore, etc., but not very much to just get automated "worksheet" answers. could draw the e function with the steepest slope in how a student who can uses a calculator to

Sep 9, 2012

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Rich/CA/Math Another really nice post. I hope you'll continue to share your ideas here. THIS is what this forum should be all about.

On 9/09/12, MTA wrote: > On 9/02/12, Scott Eisner wrote: >> What is a good way to get my kids to stop using >> calculators? Once they reach college, calculators will >> obviously not be permitted, so ...See MoreAnother really nice post. I hope you'll continue to share your ideas here. THIS is what this forum should be all about.

On 9/09/12, MTA wrote: > On 9/02/12, Scott Eisner wrote: >> What is a good way to get my kids to stop using >> calculators? Once they reach college, calculators will >> obviously not be permitted, so I want them to do well. >> Basically I need to slowly get them off calculators without >> quitting cold turkey. > > You question indicates that you are not likely using the > calculator to teach math, but to process answers. That is the > lowest form of their use. > > Low use: Graph y=0.5x, y-x, and y=2x in your calculator. > > High use: > 1. What would happen if put {0.5,1,2}x into function one of > your TI calculator? Show me with a paper sketch using only a > pair of axis, no coordinates, just a drawing. > 2. Graph and see if you are right. > 3. Label the functions on your paper. > 4. Which function has the steepest slope? How can you tell from > the drawing alone? > 5. Describe in words that would enable another student to draw > the function f(x)=2x without using the other two or using any > coordinates. > 6. Use only paper vertical and horizontal paper foldings and > lines, prepare a to construct a reasonably accurate graph of a > double-slope line. You can use only two non-orthogonal lines to > do this. (If no student succeeds, guide to answer. Use time as > appropriate here as it can take a long time for some/all to get > answer. After you or a student shows answer and students > duplicate it, have them graph a negative triple-slope line.) > 7. Ask class to not to say the answer out loud, but raise their > hands if they know what will happen. Have them write their > answer down and escrow with another student. (Note use of vocab > to increase rigor, etc.) > 8. Put 1/{0.5,1,2}x into your TI's function 2, but don't graph > it until I tell you. > 9. When answers are escrowed, tell them to graph it. > 10. Discuss reasons for results and give credit to those who > got it right. > > OK. Get the idea? Use a calculator to engage, learn and > explore, etc., but not very much to just get automated > "worksheet" answers. > could draw the e function with the steepest slope in > how a student who can uses a calculator to

Sep 9, 2012

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