Does the use of the calculator reduce anxiety in the study of differential and integral calculus?

Abstract

The objective of this research is to study if the use of the calculator decreases students’ anxiety in the subject of differential and integral calculus. Specifically, the research is carried out with 30 engineering students. Auzmendi anxiety factor questions are used to measure anxiety. The study is carried out in two moments; in the first the calculator is not used and in the second if they use it. In the second case, the calculator is used in problems involving the application of derivatives and integrals. The results indicate that the students reduce their anxiety when they use the calculator. Thus, in seven of the nine questions, students who use the calculator obtain a higher mean, it helps to reduce anxiety. In general, t-student test indicates that the moment students use the calculator they have less anxiety, and it helps to reduce errors in the mathematical process. Teachers should consider the calculator as a resource that motivates the student and helps reduce anxiety. In addition, the use of the calculator helps to reduce mathematical errors in basic operations and in the application of derivatives and integrals.