Children weak in maths—“over-reliance on calculators"

Ministers were warned to show their concerns for the new generation growing with weak mathematical skills.

The growing use of hanheld technology was blamed to be the real cause behind the issue.Pupils are incapable to perform even minor calculations.The issue being of real importance needs to be focused for making the future brighter.

Elizabeth Truss, the Conservative MP for South West Norfolk said the problem is leaving british students behind their contemporaries in other countries.Other countries have well established rules to avoid the problem as they do not allow frequent use of calculators in primary schools.She will challenge the government in a parliamentary debate to enact new rules for national cirriculum

In a section on “calculator methods” for pupils aged seven to 11, the national curriculum of England allows its school children to use calculators. But now the ministers will be asked to place greater emphasis on adopting older ways of mathematical calculations and to curb the use of calculators to make the students more efficient in mathematical skills.

International league tables published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development last year placed UK on 28^th in the world for its mathematical skills development.

Massachusetts and Singapore being first  and second top performers, respectively, in mathematics education due to their less or no use of calculators.

Speaking before the Westminster Hall debate, Mrs Truss said: “We should ensure that schools equip children with the mathematical basics that allow them to succeed in life

“We are in danger of producing a ‘Sat-Nav’ generation of students overly reliant on technology.

“With the UK now 28th in the world for maths we need to take steps to produce a future generation that is both financially literate and able to compete in the global market-place.”