Originally Posted by Feathers-N-Fur
I have worked with and trained teenagers to give change for 20 years. I have never come across someone who could not count change. I'm glad none of you have ever made a mistake, ever, but not all of us are that perfect. I'm sorry you have occasionally been given incorrect change. That does not mean we should do away with calculators. I personally carry a cell phone in my pocket, so I do have a calculator at all times. I have never been in a business that has typewriters instead of computers. Those days are gone. Insulting an entire generation and the entire school system through out the country seems a bit extreme for a simple mistake.
I understand what you are saying...though I don't think the original poster was "insulting an entire generation...." But you have to agree that when, as a nation, our math scores on basic skills tests, ACT, PSAT, and the SAT tests continue to fall way below the numbers of nations like Japan, something is wrong. When teachers are allowed to teach our grade school children that 2 + 2 = whatever number you want it to equal instead of 4....something has gone terribly wrong. When you have 3rd graders doing algebra problems and they do not even know their basic math facts...ie: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division....well, no wonder so many children use calculators. Their little brains are just overwhelmed as they have never been given the opportunity to have their minds trained to think in the logical sequencing that math teaches.
IMHO children need many, many months and years on training in the basic math facts. If they get this, "higher" math is much easier, as they understand the logic of that process. Not to mention the fact that they discover that 2 + 2 always = 4....always.
The teaching of math has gone way off course in this country....and if the schools won't correct the problem...let me encourage all you parents to turn off the tv, sit with your children in the evening, and teach them basic math....you will be doing them a huge favor for their futures. And sharpening your own skills in the process!!