A Neuro-scientific Approach to Early Math Mastery

Posted by Alina Beths
3
Apr 6, 2020
432 Views
What is going on? Why has every attempt to redesign America’smath programs failed?  If girls are not as capable as boys when it comes to math, why do the girls in Singapore, the top scoring math country in the world, outscore the boys in two out of three age groups?  Is there a math program that really works?  Is there a way to increase math confidence, move elementary math from the abstract to the concrete, and create a capable math student that is able to mentally calculate at lightning-fast speeds?  Yes.  At Abacus Brain Gym, we took the time to examine math success around the world and we found thatone program was a real stand out--Abacus math training.  

Not only does abacus training build a solid math foundation for young students, but neuroscience imaging proves it increases lateralization, the use of both brain hemispheres. This lateralization is becoming more and more relevant as our knowledge and innovation based economy requires students to develop creativity and problem solving skills.  We know this is the expectation, but why do we continually accept our students’ failure in math?  

We are all wired for math.  The argument, “I just don’t get math,” or,“My child is like me, we just aren’t math people,” is no longer relevant.  We simply do not teach math in a way that is line with the natural wiring and abilities of the brain.  We do not build on concepts appropriately, and we send the wrong messages about math and sciences to our children.  Why not turn to a long standing, proven program that has worked since ancient times?  Why not turn to a program that works in line with the 268mph speed of the brain?  If our children’s brains can become supercomputers and master math, why not teach them this way?  Why not teach them in the same way millions of others around the world are taught? Students in China, India, Japan, Singapore, Indonesia, and others train this way.  

Why does abacus training work?  As students attend classes and practice problems on the computer, brain plasticity increases in areas involving math, visual-spatial abilities, and others needed for problem-solving. Once students have trained appropriately, they can transition to visualizing and imagining the abacus in their minds and then use it for mental calculation.  This does much for brain development and it increases math interest levels and confidence.  

Businesses predict 80% of all future jobs will require some level of math.  It is important we move to plan for our students’ future.  We are not doing enough to insure a smooth transition from academic studies to professional expectations.  Using programs that are proven is a start and focusing on areas we know are weak can change the future for many students, especially those who are struggling.  For more information and the results of theAbacus Brain Gym’s program, please visit www.abacusbraingym.com
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