Calculators to be banned from maths tests

The government yesterday announced plans to ban calculators from Key Stage 2 maths tests from 2014.  Education and Childcare Minister Elizabeth Truss said that the move was a response to fears of over-reliance on calculators.  Cue much discussion about the importance of developing mental maths skills.

Currently, Year 6 children sit three maths papers: a calculator test, a non-calculator test and a mental maths test, and my view is that the current balance is correct.  Far from using calculators as a mathematical comfort blanket, children have very restricted access to calculators in the classroom and the use of a calculator most certainly isn’t the first resort.

The key to mathematical confidence is being able to access a range of strategies.  Children should not be taught only one method. However, it is the case that calculators are useful tools.  For more able students they can open a window onto a world of deeper maths such as quadratics and trigonometry; for those who struggle they can offer support  and help build confidence which enables them to access mental or pen and paper methods.

Calculators are complex tools.  Children should learn to use them under the supervision of a knowledgeable teacher.

Humans have been using calculating devices of one type or another since the Ancient Egyptians developed the abacus 4,000 years ago.  The modern calculator is based on the device invented by the celebrated 17th century mathematician Blaise Pascal.  No accountant would think of doing their job without a calculator because a calculator, when used efficiently, is a wonderfully efficient tool.

It is widely accepted that children should be taught the skills needed to use computers and other forms of technology effectively.  The calculator is a basic tool of modern life and should be used sensibly alongside other strategies.  Being realistic, most teenagers carry a mobile phone with a calculator at all times, and they probably do use them more than they ought, which makes the teaching of calculator skills all the more essential.

If your child needs help with mental maths, paper and pen calculations or calculator maths, call Better Tuition on 0161 748 3912 to book your FREE assessment.

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