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should long multiplication be taught in schools?

Last post 09/02/12 at 10:12 by robyn147, 73 replies
Post started by bs1nt on 30/12/11 at 15:01

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  • bs1nt avatar
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    Posted by: bs1nt 30/12/2011 at 15:01
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    My question to fellow maths teachers is should long multiplication be taught in schools? I believe yes as there are several different mathmatical steps that you need to do to be able to do it and thus helps with mathmatical skills however since we use a calculator now for everything is it necessary? Please could I have your opinons please?
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    Posted by: bgy1mm 30/12/2011 at 15:12
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     My view is yes, but it should be taught in computer science lessons.

    Implementing an arbitrary-precision integer library should be a standard computer programming exercise, and this is the long multiplication that is needed. Doing it with pencil and paper is obsolete.

     

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    Posted by: Doitforfree 30/12/2011 at 15:20
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     Why obsolete? I always have a pen and paper on me but never a calculator. Even at home I wouldn't go looking for a calculator when there's always pen and paper just lying about. Are there people who have a calculator stuck to their heads? I know some phones have a calculator now but mine doesn't and the battery is usually flat. My pen and paper don't need a battery and there are so many around that doing a quick sum is far superior to getting out an electronic gadget.
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    Posted by: Lilypop 30/12/2011 at 15:30
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    I would still argue for the inclusion of mental/paper arithematic as I can't see what else is available that has more general utility as a replacement*.

    Any suggestions?

     

    *In saying this, I can see both sides of the argument, but really at the end of the day, what are you making room for, that is so much more valuable to all children?
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    Posted by: bgy1mm 30/12/2011 at 15:32
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    Doitforfree:

     Why obsolete? I always have a pen and paper on me but never a calculator.

     

    There's a calculator application available on the computer I'm typing this into.The situation of not having a calculator is now so rare that we can disregard it. Certainly we can't justify running mathematics education on the basis that someone somewhere might have lost their calculator.

     

     
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    Posted by: Lilypop 30/12/2011 at 15:35
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    Did you see all those people at the sales, with their calculators, working out what 25% / 50% / 75% actually means?
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    Posted by: Null 30/12/2011 at 15:40
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    bgy1mm:

    it should be taught in computer science lessons.

    Implementing an arbitrary-precision integer library should be a standard computer programming exercise

    In my dreams.

    Doitforfree, you sound like a dinosaur....like me. Younger people always keep their mobile charged and handy.

    I disagree that using a computer or calculator is quicker and easier. Like others who finished school before electronic calculators became available I find I can perform calculations faster mentally than my pupils can do them on their calculators. OK, I'm not using written long multiplication but I doubt I could these mental calculations if I hadn't mastered long multiplication as a child.....and it feels good too, like running fast used to feel.

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    Posted by: bgy1mm 30/12/2011 at 15:40
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    Lilypop:

    Did you see all those people at the sales, with their calculators, working out what 25% / 50% / 75% actually means?

     

    I rarely buy consumer products so I don't see sales. I don't know if you're joking or not. I can mentally calculate 25% of a normal sum of money, but when I was taught calculators were new. Nowadays people might be incapable of making the calculation. It's something you've just got to accept. In the same way very few people can memorise huge chunks of text any longer. That skill died out when printed books became cheap.

     

     
  • bs1nt avatar
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    Posted by: bs1nt 30/12/2011 at 15:44
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    but do most employers say that students come with a lack of mental arithmatic skills and which jobs would that include?
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    Posted by: cas38 30/12/2011 at 15:48
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     What if calculators are banned? Could happen.

     

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2011/dec/01/subtracting-calculators-adds-children-maths

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