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The use of calculators in the teaching and learning of mathematics

Background and context

In mathematics, the calculator can be an effective teaching and learning resource in the primary classroom. Calculators can be used with children in all age groups across the Foundation Stage, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.

The revised Framework for mathematics includes objectives that promote the use of calculators as a tool for calculations. These objectives span Years 4, 5 and 6. However, in the context of exploring numbers and the number system, the calculator can be used with other age groups as a teaching and learning tool. This paper sets out to offer guidance on the use of calculators in the teaching and learning of mathematics.

In the primary mathematics classroom calculators can be used for different purposes by teachers and children. These include:

  • teaching children how to use a calculator effectively to calculate and to recognise how and when it is appropriate to do so, by first deciding if mental and pencil-and-paper methods are quicker or more reliable
  • supporting the teaching of mathematics where the aim is to focus on solving a problem rather than on the process of calculation
  • providing a tool with which children can explore patterns in numbers and identify properties and relationships
  • consolidating children's learning of number facts and calculation strategies.

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Guidance paper - Calculators

PDF 115KB RTF 166KB Word 91KB
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The Department for Children, Schools and Families wishes to make clear that the Department and its agents accept no responsibility for the actual content of any materials suggested as information sources in this document, whether these are in the form of printed publications or on a website. In these materials icons, logos, software products and websites are used for contextual and practical reasons. Their use should not be interpreted as an endorsement of particular companies or their products. The websites referred to in these materials existed at the time of going to print. Tutors should check all website references carefully to see if they have changed and substitute other references where appropriate.