What is Mental Arithmetic and how is it done using Abacus as a base? / Why only Abacus is insisted for Developing Mental Arithmetic?
Mental Arithmetic is a form of calculation that is done solely by human mind using mental powers or performing calculations mentally without using any external tool such as a calculator, computer, scale, pen, paper, pencil or even the Abacus. Developing Mental Arithmetic using Abacus is an easy and achievable task. We need a medium as well as a set of rules for developing & practicing Mental Arithmetic. Abacus satisfies all pre-requisites! It’s used only as the ladder to Reach Mental Arithmetic. The Process: Initially the student is encouraged to learn bead movements and do the sums & solve problems with the student abacus. Consequently the student gains speed and accuracy in solving the problems & deriving the correct answer develops the confidence that abacus is simple to use & learn. It helps form an image of Abacus in his mind! Later on, for developing mental arithmetic, we remove the abacus tool because we don’t want to make the child dependent on it. They’re trained to think, ima
