HOW ABACUS AFFECTS HUMAN BRAIN
As we all know, the human brain is one of the most complex creations of nature, which, when trained and used effectively can be better than the best computers of this day and age. From ancient times, various civilizations developed various mechanisms to train the human mind with the help of various tools and practices to make superhuman calculations possible. The abacus method of mental math is one such method that originated from the east and has gained a lot of prominence in many of the oriental cultures due to the proven track record and the various research which has confirmed the effectiveness of abacus training on brain development.
The brain is divided into 2 parts i.e., the left and the right part. The left part provides analytical information and controls reading, writing, calculation, and logical thinking, etc and the right part controls three-dimensional sense, creativity, and artistic senses. Abacus is a simple tool used in these calculations. Regular practice helps the students to visualize the image of the tool using the right brain and help do complicated calculations using the left brain. In addition, it helps convert numbers to images in the right part of the brain leading to faster recall, improved memory & increased concentration of the child.
Due to such proven brain development benefits of the abacus, in many Asian countries, the abacus programme is taught as part of the mathematics curriculum at primary schools. While other students struggle with tedious math calculations on paper, Abacus students mentally calculate and finish homework, tests, and assignments earlier and more accurately. Abacus mental math training has the longest record of success for early math mastery that leads to a sustained positive attitude and a greater level of self-confidence throughout life. It is also easy to learn, cost-effective, and research proves it enhances many different areas of the brain. Apart from Mathematics, Abacus enables the child to acquire the skills of concentration, listening, speed, accuracy imagination, innovation, creativity, comprehension photographic memory, and problem-solving capacity thereby, enhancing the child’s overall learning ability.