By:
Dr. Marsigit, M.A.
Reviewed
by: Dyah Sartika Putri
In developed
countries calculator get an important role in
the process of learning mathematics.
This is indicated by the use of calculators
in mathematics learning ranging from primary education to higher education. Not
only limited to that, research on the graphing calculator is indicated by the number of journals, books, conference
reports and dissertations that discuss the graphing calculator. The importance of a calculator
is to bridge the arithmetic
and algebra (Tenoch
E. Cedillo; 2002:1).
In understanding the relationship between arithmetic and algebra, students
are experiencing problems. According to Lee and Wheeler (1989: 41-54) the
problem was found on the readiness of students in using algebra to solve
algebra problems. In the process of learning mathematics teachers need the
ability to have a learning scheme. With the scheme, they expected to have a
systematic teacher in the learning of mathematics. So that mathematical learning
will be systematic and structured. Types of calculators had great development.
Judging from their use calculator consists of two types. This type consists of
two kinds, namely ordinary calculators and scientific calculators (scientific
calculator). Regular calculator is widely used in everyday life. According to
this calculator, which pressed more first sign that more is done. For example
in the calculation of 2 + 4 x 8, according to the ordinary calculator 6 x 8 =
48. Yet according to the rules of mathematics, multiplication is completed
first, so it should be 2 + (4 x 8) = 2 + 32 = 34. Meanwhile, scientific
calculators are widely used by high school students, teachers, or students to
assist counting function. Scientific calculator has a way of working that
follow the rules work in mathematics. For example in the calculation of 2 + 4 x
8, according to a scientific calculator, multiplication is done first, so 2 + 4
x 8 = 2 + 32 = 34. One example of a scientific calculator is a graphing
calculator. Graphing calculator has its own advantages than regular calculator.
The advantage lies in the ability of the calculator to solve math problems
quickly and display them in graphical form.
So the
learning process is a process
of communication between teachers
and students with certain conditions that
would be more effective with
real experience by utilizing the five senses. While the calculator
can be viewed as
an aid in learning. The
calculator according to the Dictionary
of Electronics (Wasito; 1996:83-94) is a specialized
tool to perform
arithmetic with data
preparation and instruction
that included him. Most of these tools require
the intervention arms, which can be used
to implement logic
and counting digits.
Benefits that can be explored from the use of calculators in the book Contemporary Mathematics Learning Strategies (2001: 241-244) are: a)
help in understanding math concepts, b) help
to strengthen computational skills,
c) develop a high level thinking skills,
d) increase problem-solving
skills, and e)
make problem solving more realistic. Merriweather
and Thrap (1999)
stated that the use of graphing
calculators in class can cause students to become
affected and involved
in math, and can solve
mathematical problems in which the problem can not be resolved
at that time. Hambre and Desert in his
research entitled Effect of held-held Calculators
in precollege mathematics
education (1986) concluded
that: a) the calculator
must be used in any learning of mathematics, b) the computer is very useful in improving problem-solving
skills, especially for students with low and high ability.
Postingan
Tidak ada komentar:
Posting Komentar