Ever since the rise of technology the skill of estimation has become almost obsolete. With a calculator always at people’s fingertips it seems much easier to just whip that out instead of using your brain to do a quick estimate. Unfortunately, like most things in life, if you don’t use it you lose it! I have fallen into this trap and have lost almost all of my ability to estimate. Because our the ease of access I have become so reliant that I feel it is of utmost importance to know the numbers exactly, whether it be for a tip on dinner or a sale at the mall. However, with improved estimation skills it is amazing how close you can get.
My mother has always been technologically challenged—so by default her estimation skills are rocking! She can figure out a percentage off of any number. I have been experiencing this for 21 years and I still have no idea how she does it. She makes me wonder what the best way to improve my estimation skills would be. Is there any hope once they’re gone? Of course. It’s time to put down my cell phone and get out my brain. I am a big bargain shopper so it shouldn’t take long to refresh my skills!!!
How to teach it in the classroom? Practice, practice, practice! That is how to get better at it–force them to do it over and over again. Additionally, I think it is important to prove to them how close they can get without the use of a calculator! Empowering young people to use their brain and outsmart the millennial generation that is glued to their smartphones may have a profound impact on the future! To get away from being addicted to technology will help so much more than estimation skills!
In the example above it is clear to see that if you take the numbers from the problem and make them whole numbers (seen here in red ink) it is much simpler to solve. AND it is only $12 off. Estimation is great!
And in case you don’t believe me, here is a resource to tell you about all the pros of estimation.
making math fun 