One subject in particular is Abacus, I must admit, I did some cheatings whenever possible. I would try to compute with pen and paper just to elude using the abacus.
I remembered being in awe while watching a mathematical competition back in those days, participants would use different medium for solving: Calculator, Pen/Paper, Abacus, etc. but it was the participant who’s using the abacus who won, besting even the one using a calculator.
I recently came across with Aloha Philippines, Aloha Mental Arithmetic utilizes the abacus as a fundamental learning element, for their versatility and easy handling for children of all ages. Children start to do math operations with the help of the abacus and gradually visualize the abacus in their brain doing math operations mentally.
With due diligence in achieving different levels in the program, children are able to perform math operations (additions, subtraction, multiplications, divisions, squares, square roots, and a combination of all above operations) with outstanding speed and accuracy, without the abacus, calculator or pencil and paper.
Researching on this, I found out that by using this process, the right hemisphere of the brain is stimulated (memory, imagination, concentration, abstraction, etc.), which contributes to the development of the brain.
According to Aloha Philippines, Lifetime abilities gained through mental arithmetic are:
· Solving math operations with speed and accuracy
· Ability to concentrate and pay attention.
· Creativity and visualization capacity.
· Listening and observational skills.
· Photographic memory and spatial orientation.
· Self-confidence.
· Heightened Analytical skills.
Incidentally, Aloha Philippines will be conducting their 2015 ALOHA International Competition here in the Philippines. It will be held at Glorietta Activity Center on July 26, 2015 from 9am to 5pm and registrations will be accepted until May 26, 2015.
You may register online thru:
http://www.alohaphilippines.com/wp-content/uploads/Student-Registration-Form.pdf one.