The classic method is based on external control of the assumed result.
The classic method typically asks: How much?
The basic result of the classic method is one particular number.
The basic instructions for work in classic method is: note the number (don’t think and wait), note the equation sign and the number, note the result (don’t think and wait for verification of the result).
Example: 16+8=? (22 or 23 or 24…)
The Abaku method is based on motivation towards internal verification of the possible solutions.
The Abaku method typically asks: How?
The basic result of Abaku method are possible appropriate numbers.
The basic instructions for work in Abaku method is: find, suggest and identify possible mathematical relationships in the given group of numbers.
Example: 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 (12-4=8, 4×2=8, 16:2=8, 6-2=8, 16+8=24,…)
Our methodology is based on the so-called Abaku equality – that is equality between an expression that contains one equation and its value (result) – for example 1+1=2.
The Abaku methodology uses addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, squares and cubes and their roots.
Our methodology is exceptional because it works without using mathematical signs. Children just imagine them and the signs show only when the equations are rated or used according to Abaku methodology.
After a while children can recognise equations in a random group of numbers. That leads to development of self-education skills and subsequently to improvement of mental and practical work with numbers.
It is similar as development of reading skills – when a child learns letters and the principle of their composition in words, it automatically gains a tool for further development.
Children are motivated to create such combinations that contain several equations at once. For example, the numbers 24832 contain these equations: 24+8=32, 24÷8=3, 4×8=32, 2×4=8 and 22=4.
This leads to strengthening and fixation of the learnt rules of arithmetic.
Abaku methodology is based on playful approach that significantly affects the child’s motivation and transforms its attitude to math as such.
The aim of the methodology is not to find talents among children but to bring together the whole group. The wide range of various levels of difficulty is beneficial both for the stronger and the weaker children.
Abaku methodology aims to teach children to do mental calculations. Therefore, it is fully compatible with any other teaching methodology for elementary schools.
The fast and thorough improvement of arithmetical skills, showing shortly after children start to work with Abaku, is positively projected in other fields of math education such as algebra, geometry and so on.
The largest benefit of Abaku method is that it bravely enters a realm today considered almost taboo – the realm of mathematics.
Abaku supports natural playfulness and helps to develop mathematical skills. It doesn’t teach you to solve equations or construct geometric figures but it will help you to retain calculating skills. It completely replaces drill with a game.
Arithmetic is crucial for mastering the whole math.
Math is like building a house. A house cannot stand properly if there are missing parts. You cannot build another floor if you haven’t finished the previous one.
Abaku helps to reinforce the foundations. It teaches children to calculate in natural numbers and allows them to gain skills that make it easier to learn advanced information. By practising simple arithmetic, you can mechanise your basic mathematical skills so that when you see a number you
know right away ho to multiply or divide it etc.
One doesn’t become a good football player just because he/she has talent. His/her shape is mainly a result of training and thorough exercise. Abaku is like a training. We don’t teach children to play a whole match, we practice scoring from various angles.
I witnessed children leaving my class, saying with satisfaction that it was a great math class today because they didn’t have to learn anything, just played with Abaku.
We don’t have to tell them that they calculated dozens, maybe hundreds of equations during the class, that they developed their logical thinking, combination skills, persistence, and sense for math.
We know it.
We don’t have to tell them that their attitude to math has changed; that they are enjoying the classes and looking forward to them.
They know it.
We have been using Abaku since the very beginning when Abaku was launched online. First, I had to learn the game myself and because I don’t like to read instructions it took me a long time and I proceeded by trial-and- error method. I needed to get the feel of it and my initial impressions were
not exactly positive.
After six month of hesitations I decided to introduce Abaku to children in my computer science classes. Together with more skilled arithmeticians we gradually uncovered various tricks and started to sink into it. And it was at that moment when I finally decided to read the instructions.
As my skills improved so did the skills of my pupils and some of them even exceeded me because they played Abaku every day.
But what surprised me the most was the fact that even children that had never excelled before were now doing well. They were also surprised and motivated even more than those who were “accustomed” to success. I could not assess the effect of Abaku on their results in math because I don’t teach math but I could see their improvements in the game.
Last year I have started to teach math in two classes so I am able to observe changes with the children now. I used various playful methods including Abaku, once a week. I proceeded according to the recommended methodology. I can see an obvious improvement, almost a leap. Most of the children have no trouble with arithmetic now and enjoy the classes. They simply like math and look forward to each and every lesson.
But I spend most of the time with my daughter whom I taught Abaku last year when she had troubles with multiplication table. With the help of Abaku she gradually learnt how to multiply, first single-digit and later double-digit numbers. She even managed to get into the Abaku final in Prague last year and she beat three opponents. The impact of Abaku on my daughter is significant; she’s improved in math, she gained more confidence and is more motivated to learn in other subjects, too.
And I am very happy about it.
Abaku Education is an excellent tool helping children to get closer to math and not to be afraid of it.
It makes math fun. It also consolidates their arithmetic as well as combinatory, strategic, and logical skills. Which then shows in classic math lessons. Children are able to understand new things and cooperate with the teacher more easily. Children playing Abaku also get better grades in math.
All math clubs at our school are full, almost one quarter of children is attending them, which is an indication how popular Abaku is.
I can see an improvement of the above mentioned skills in myself; I can see progress in my teaching abilities, I feel closer to the children and I am happy that they enjoy math.
I can only recommend my colleagues to try Abaku in their classes!