Submission Type

Event

Expected Graduation Date

2005

Location

Center for Natural Science, Illinois Wesleyan University

Start Date

4-16-2005 1:15 PM

End Date

4-16-2005 2:30 PM

Abstract

This research focuses on how teachers utilize calculators in the classroom and how students perceive the role of the calculator in their learning. Four classes of secondary mathematics students were surveyed and students were assessed to gain insights on how calculators are useful in student learning. Teachers were interviewed to understand how they incorporate calculators into their teaching. Based on previous research, graphing calculators are more frequently used in upper-level courses than in lower-level courses. Students who rely extensively on calculators do not always use them to their fullest potential in solving problems. It is advocated that both students and teachers need to be proficient in using graphing calculators to maximize their benefits in learning and teaching mathematics.

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Apr 16th, 1:15 PM Apr 16th, 2:30 PM

Classroom Calculator Use: How Does It All Add Up?

Center for Natural Science, Illinois Wesleyan University

This research focuses on how teachers utilize calculators in the classroom and how students perceive the role of the calculator in their learning. Four classes of secondary mathematics students were surveyed and students were assessed to gain insights on how calculators are useful in student learning. Teachers were interviewed to understand how they incorporate calculators into their teaching. Based on previous research, graphing calculators are more frequently used in upper-level courses than in lower-level courses. Students who rely extensively on calculators do not always use them to their fullest potential in solving problems. It is advocated that both students and teachers need to be proficient in using graphing calculators to maximize their benefits in learning and teaching mathematics.