On average there are between 25-33% of my students without a scientific calculator. Students without calculators have to borrow from a classmate, or borrow my personal calculator. This inequity slows the learning process for many students; for some students it is embarrassing and they won't even ask to borrow a calculator. An idle student may then find ways to distract others or distract themselves and quit working altogether.
Students equipped with scientific calculators are able to do their work without interruption; the learning process has less distractions.
When all students have the same equipment during class not a single student has to wait to solve a mathematical problem. Students working together can discover solutions at the same time.
Having a set of calculators to loan out during the class period will alleviate the awkward question, "may I borrow your calculator?" Instead, students can check out a scientific calculator at the beginning of class, and return it at the end of the period. Greater student engagement equates to less distraction and more focus on the task at hand.
The calculators will be kept in the classroom so they are available to all of my classes and not just one individual. Making these calculators available to all students will level the playing field and improve the learning of chemistry.
About my class
On average there are between 25-33% of my students without a scientific calculator. Students without calculators have to borrow from a classmate, or borrow my personal calculator. This inequity slows the learning process for many students; for some students it is embarrassing and they won't even ask to borrow a calculator. An idle student may then find ways to distract others or distract themselves and quit working altogether.
Students equipped with scientific calculators are able to do their work without interruption; the learning process has less distractions.
When all students have the same equipment during class not a single student has to wait to solve a mathematical problem. Students working together can discover solutions at the same time.
Having a set of calculators to loan out during the class period will alleviate the awkward question, "may I borrow your calculator?" Instead, students can check out a scientific calculator at the beginning of class, and return it at the end of the period. Greater student engagement equates to less distraction and more focus on the task at hand.
The calculators will be kept in the classroom so they are available to all of my classes and not just one individual. Making these calculators available to all students will level the playing field and improve the learning of chemistry.