Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Why Asian Kids are Smart in Math?
We all, as parents, wish our kids are smart in Math. Pretty much like the Asian kids. Today's world has acknowledged the superiority and ingeniousity of the math skills of Asian kids. We as parents or teachers always indulge in the discussions of rote memorizing the times tables which results in dull boring way to tutor our children. Asians on the other hand have been using age old technique of Abacus education.
Abacus education fits right in this modern world. Abacus as a tool is used in many Asian schools, public and private, to teach children aged 3 through 8 the basic of mathematics. Abacus allows children to learn numbers and calculations with fun. When a child uses his/her finger to move the beads on the abacus, the collaboration between finger movements and brain creates a pictorial memory in the child's mind. When using the abacus the child makes use of both his hands and this movement spurs both parts of the brain the left and the right part together and initiates development of the cells. Abacus nurtures the minds of children making them quicker and more accurate. Abacus mental math is that wherein the child visualizes the image of the abacus in his mind and then calculates accordingly.
The abacus is the perfect way to make your child understand number systems. The abacus can adopt itself to any base system and allows you to quickly perform calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division – even with decimal places. If you want your child to realize his potential and utilize it too then you need to put them on correct path of learning to be able to facilitate this. Math can be pretty daunting but if your child is able to master it then his confidence will grow manifold.
Obviously you don't envisage a future for your child totally dependent on the electronic calculator even for the smallest calculation. The present education scenario is fast leading to that. That is why many schools in Asia and elsewhere too have adopted the abacus formally for teaching mathematics.
Using the abacus also:
- Fosters a greater sense of numbers.
- Helps develop an intuitive understanding of numbers through their concrete representation.
- Fosters one's trust in the process of calculation by enabling one to observe it in action.
- Manifests the concept of decimal places and the progression of units by tens physically.
- Instantly accomplishes addition and subtraction when numbers are placed on the abacus.
- Improves understanding of compounded numbers (through the use of supplementary numbers for 5 and 10).
- Helps in developing the beneficial qualities of concentration, patience, and endurance.
- Fosters one's confidence in calculation.
- Uses a left to right calculation method, which makes quick estimation and rounding off possible.
- Works on the decimal rather than fractional system, an easy progression to digital systems.
- Develops mental calculation, which is the ultimate resource.
- Develops the right brain tremendously.
- Leads to greater mental capacity.
- Expresses large numbers simply and easily.
- Provides a sense of achievement as one's proficiency improves.
Performing activities based upon the abacus will not only improve the mathematical skills of your child but each successfully done task will boost the confidence of the child. The problem solving capability will be gradually built in him rather than being forced to cultivate it. You can ensure a bright future for your child as many other parents have done that already with these books and the abacus. And you can assure your child the confidence, endurance when it comes to performing math calculations.
