I am certainly not the epitome of a human calculator. I tend to mess up on the easiest addition problems that contribute to a test question, simply because I don't think about them for long enough. Without a calculator, I would be failing not only math class, but chemistry as well. The extent of my human calculator skills occurs in multiplication and division problems, in which instead of punching in the numbers of the calculator, I visualize in my head what I'd be writing down if I was doing the problem with pen and paper.
On the opposite side of the spectrum of me, Julia Baca, there is an incredible mathematician by the name of Scott Flansburg. Flansburg today is considered the "Greatest Human Calculator" by the Guinness Book of World Records. He grabbed this title for being able to mentally calculate the same number in his head nearly 40 times in fifteen seconds. Based upon his video interviews with several worldwide talk-show hosts, Flansburg certainly isn't the most modest character, but he is so great with numbers, that's okay. When Scott Flansburg tries to verbally state what's going on in his head as he calculates numbers, his mouth can't even keep up with his train of thought. Flansburg is a strong believer that a digital calculator holds back those who are trying to learn math, because it leaves them no room for thought. With calculators, all we need to do is press buttons, but if we had to learn how to do somewhat complex calculations in our heads, we would be better at math all around, and understand the process of the calculations that occur before reaching your final answer.
For many years, Flansburg has been traveling around the globe to spread his knowledge and techniques for this laudable skill. Currently, Scott Flansburg lives in Scottsdale, AZ, and is still sharing his methods of math and his theories over how mental math in simple areas such as multiplication, addition, subtraction, and division, provides a wonderful foundation for the rest of one's math career, and ultimately, it will make you a better student.
The best part about being able to do calculations in your head, is being perceived as intelligent to your contemporaries.
Sources: Scott Flansburg, The Human Calculator.
scottflansburg.com
Coast to Coast A.M.
http://www.coasttocoastam.com/guest/flansburg-scott/5903
Scholastic
http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/contributor/scott-flansburg
