Originally Posted by Feathers-N-Fur
So, how many of you were not allowed to use a sewing machine until you mastered the art of hand piecing. Who learned to make all their clothes with nothing but newspaper, scissors, needle and thread. These were once necessary skills. That doesn't mean they apply to life today.
Kind of apples and oranges. I'm talking about a basic math skill that could very well apply in every person's life as we know it TODAY. I may not have a calculator when I buy something at a flea market or trade show, or buy cookies from the Girl Scouts in front of the store.
And consider this. There are many employers who will give math tests to prospective employee's, and NO calculators are allowed. I had to take civil servant exams, no calc's. My former employer had a test for applicants to calculate measurements in 1/16's of an inch. My current employer gives some pretty serious calculus, trig and geometry exams to prospective engineers. No calculators allowed for either, but plenty of scratch paper provided.
I do agree that calculators are great tools, and the skills should be learned. But in addition to, not in place of basic math skills. *knowing* how to make change without a cash register spitting out the amount is a life skill that all should have.