With the use of calculators, students today think they have no need to learn basic math.
While teaching physical science to ninth graders about 15 years ago, I was astounded to learn that they were totally incapable of performing short division without the calculator. When I demonstrated long division on the chalk board, many of them acted as if I has started speaking in a foreign language. They truly had never even heard of the concept.
And I hasten to add that I let the classes know that I was sympathetic to their fear of math. I told them that I am a math moron — which is true — and I was extremely patient with them. But their lack of basic math knowledge shocked even me.
We share similar experiences and backgrounds. As a chemistry major I managed to get through calculus with a B, but never considered myself fluent in math. But I didn’t have a calculator in college, just a slide rule which did not give me the sig figs I needed for homework (so I did long division routinely) but which was acceptable for calculations during exams.
Many of my students use graphing calculators but seem to be clueless as to how to correctly input data into them. No clue as to how to input scientific notation numbers for instance. I suggest they purchase a simple scientific calculator for $10, much simpler to use, and then it’s up to me to show them how to use even these.
But of course setting up the problems correctly first, then doing the calculations, is essential. Again another brick wall.
how many HS grads know something as simple as the multiplication tables??