When a student enrolls in a statistics class, a graphing calculator is going to be one of their most valuable tools. These calculators have many important functions that make it easy to solve very complicated problems. However, it is only helpful in statistics class if a student knows how to use it properly.
Before purchasing a graphing calculator, students must make sure they have chosen a model that is intended for use in a statistics class. In many cases, the packaging on the calculator will mention which classes the piece of equipment is best used. If a student cannot make a decision, they can always ask their teacher which model will be best for the course.
Just as there are people who can tutor students in math concepts, there are tutors who focus on helping students learn how to use their graphing calculators. Working with a tutor can often be more helpful than simply trying to understand the manual. Students should not underestimate how complicated their new calculator is and the work that will need to go into learning how to use it.
Once a student has learned how to use their new graphing calculator, it will still be important for them to practice using it. If they are unsure of the functions, it is a good idea to practice on problems that will not be graded for class. The more a student uses their calculator, the quicker they will get at solving complicated problems.
A graphing calculator can be the best thing that ever happened to a student in a statistics class, but it can also be the worst. Students must commit the time they need to learning how to use their new calculator to its fullest potential. Once they do, they will be thrilled with the speed at which they can complete their classwork.
