Learning math the old way the best

Old school or new? Math teachers debate best instruction method (July 3)

How sad our children are not learning to add, subtract, multiply or divide without the use of a calculator! Those of us of a certain age learned the multiplication tables by rote — and they’ve stayed with us to date. We learned to do speed addition and subtraction. We did not rebel as we were at school to eagerly learn and to respect our elders (teachers were among them). When calculators were first suggested for youngsters in the elementary schools, my late husband, as a computer whiz, argued that learning the basics of math was a necessity. If I use my calculator to balance my chequebook and inadvertently hit the wrong key, I know the answer on my calculator is incorrect. That’s when I check again until I get the correct answer. How does the younger generation know when a mistake has been made as they may have no concept of what the answer should be? Please, please teach our children the basics. This will carry them far. The new methods are fine once they have the basics. As for script, how very sad it is to see 20-something persons not knowing how to write their names, let alone read written notes. Their world becomes smaller and more confusing. Please save our basic skills, bring discipline back to our homes and schools, and let our youngsters enjoy the new technologies once they have learned these basics.

MARY FARLAM, DUNDAS