Why is Abacus so important for students?

by Bushra Shaikh Abacus and Vedic Maths

The abacus is an ancient counting tool that consists of rods or wires with beads that can be moved back and forth. It's an important educational tool, especially for students, due to several reasons:

• Strong Foundation in Numerical ideas: The abacus aids pupils in building a solid foundation in numerical ideas. They can better comprehend place value and the relationships between numbers by manipulating the abacus's beads.

• Visual and Tactile Learning: Moving the beads around on the abacus physically involves both the visual and tactile senses. This multimodal technique improves learning and comprehension and makes it simpler for pupils to understand complex mathematical ideas.

• Better Mental Calculation: Students who regularly use the abacus develop their ability to mentally compute calculations more quickly. They get a thorough understanding of numbers and mathematical procedures, which might help them perform daily calculations more quickly in their minds.

Using an abacus demands concentration and focus because students must maintain track of the locations of the beads and do precise computations. This ability also contributes to better attention in other academic topics.

• Confidence Boost: As children become proficient at using the abacus, their confidence in their mathematical knowledge grows. This self-assurance may have a favorable effect on how they approach learning and problem-solving in general.

• Foundation for Advanced Math: Using an abacus develops an awareness of place value, arithmetic operations, and numerical connections that paves the way for more complex mathematical ideas like algebra and calculus.

• Cultural and Historical Understanding: Students who learn to use an abacus are also exposed to the tradition and history of mathematics. They have a better understanding of how mathematical techniques and tools have changed over time.

• Support for Variable Learning Styles: Not every learner absorbs information in the same manner. The abacus offers an alternative to conventional teaching techniques for kinesthetic (those who learn best via physical activities) and visual learners.

• Early arithmetic Introduction: Even before children formally begin studying arithmetic in school, the abacus may be taught to them at an early age. Through early exposure, students may become more at ease with numbers as they advance in their schooling.

• Brain Development: According to several research, utilizing an abacus may promote brain growth, especially in regions associated with spatial reasoning, memory, and mathematical thought.

It's crucial to remember that, despite the abacus' many advantages, there are other methods for teaching mathematics. Depending on a student's learning preferences and goals, it can be a useful addition to conventional teaching techniques.