The Ripple Effects of Abacus Training

Abacus is a technique used by Chinese, Japanese and Koreans to enhance arithmetical skills. This program has now made a way into our nation. The enhancement in arithmetical abilities is said to be due to a synchronized performance of both right and left brain. As learning and memory in any area is achieved by managing and analyzing the different sensory inputs, whether an abacus student would also enhance the short-term memory as a whole was analyzed in our study.

 

Here we talk about the ripple effects in the improvement of numerical memory. This can be demonstrated by asking students to remember three to nine digits and to recite them on the basis of memory items orally. Abacus students are found to be excellent in the accuracy of their mind and the variety of numbers they are able to remember in comparison of non-abacus students of the same age. This is because abacus students place figures on the abacus image and calculate the same mentally through imagination. Using the visualization skill of the abacus enables students to even memorize numbers backwards.

 

If we talk about progress in solving general arithmetic problems which are taught in elementary school, it was proved during a research with third grade students that a year of study at an abacus school enabled the learners to score higher than non-abacus learners on certain arithmetical problems. Let’s move forward with higher level or advanced abacus learners, they were found to have received even more desirable effects in arithmetic problems which contain comparison of size of numbers, calculation with multiple choices, word problems along with fractions.

 

In research, both the groups were evaluated in various aspects such as audio memory, image memory, memory retention and many other skills. Research suggests that abacus learners will perform better in their surroundings or in their studies other than mathematics, which requires concentration of audio and visual inputs.

 

In such ways and considering the above points, we can say that the introduction of Abacus education is very important for children to enhance the performance and mental stamina.

Vedic Mathematics

The Sanskrit word Veda means to know without limit. The same is applicable in the field of knowledge and education. The more you know, the less you feel you know about any particular subject or thing. The Veda is a storage area of all knowledge, incredible as it is dug deeper. The same was done by Swami Bharti Krishna Tirth, former Jagadguru Shankaracharya of Puri collected a set of 16 sutras and 13 sub – sutras from the Atharva Veda. He developed methods and techniques for strengthening the principles of mathematics and called it Vedic Mathematics.

 

The sutras and sub sutras discovered by him cover almost every branch of Mathematics. They apply even to complex problems involving a large number of mathematical operations and at times these solutions seem magic. The applications of sutra are very logical and rational in comparison to the formal methods which are vogue. Application of these Sutras to particular problems involves balanced thinking, which helps to improve instinct that is the ground rule of the mastery of the mathematical legends of the past and the present such as Aryabhatta, Bhaskaracharya, Srinivasa Ramanujan, etc.

 

Why Vedic Mathematics?

 

It is observed in many Indian schools; students consider mathematics as a difficult subject. In this case, the difficulties may vary from student to student. Some of them can face the problem in basic arithmetic operations and some of them can have issues with manipulation with symbols and equations. If we look as third person prospect only, then we can reach to conclusion that the problem is the lack of abstract and logical reasoning. As this is very basic problem, what Vedic Mathematics training can do or why a student can go for Vedic Mathematics. Here are the reasons:

 

• Vedic Mathematics, derived from Veda provides one line solution and mental calculation along with very quick cross checking methods.

• Vedic Mathematics introduces mathematics in a different format in which this subject became playful and students can learn while enjoying.

• The approach to study mathematics was redesigned, which is totally based on pattern recognition and same was found to be easier to learn.

• In this system, for any problem, there is always one general technique related to all cases and also a number of special pattern problems. The ingredient of choice and flexibility at each stage keeps the mind active and attentive to develop clarity of thoughts.

• Vedic Mathematics not only facilitates the students to solve specific mathematical problems; this also helps for brain development in the student.

 

After considering all the observations, we can say that the Vedic Mathematics as discovered or given by Shri Bharti Krishna Tirthaji has a very important role in the education of the child. Vedic Mathematics should be added as a syllabus in schools and Vedic Mathematics training must be compulsory for each and every student.