‘Abacus, mathematical solution for slow learners’

The Executive Director, Princeton Schools, Surulere, Lagos, Mrs. Dolapo Bankole, has described Abacus as a mathematical solution for slow and average pupils.

Bankole stated this just as she noted that using the mathematical device would help in rescuing the falling standard of education in the country.

She spoke at an Abacus presentation seminar organised by the Edutrend Services Nigeria Limited, alongside the Edusoft Associates Limited on Thursday in Lagos.

She said, “The introduction of Abacus Learning System in primary schools curriculum is a way forward in rescuing the fallen standard of education in the country. Abacus makes mathematical operations physical and real. It represents via beads what we call numbers, so that pupils can then see, touch, and play with them while learning at the same time.

“The goal of education is to make it interesting and real for children. What pupils do now is cramming without having the objective of the subjects but Abacus makes Mathematics easy, real, and practical for both brilliant and slow-learning pupils. Even playful pupils will learn with the use of Abacus.”

The educationist added that the introduction of the device in the school had impacted positively on the pupils.

She noted, “Abacus has made a difference in their performance in Mathematics. In fact, those who do not understand the device will just think that its users are merely having fun, but in actual sense, they are learning. After one year of using the Abacus device, the pupils would not need it again; then Abacus will be like computer in their head.”

The Chief Executive Officer of Edutrend Services Nigeria Limited, Mr. Napoleon Omiunu, stressed that the device served as not only a mathematical tool but also an instrument of creativity.

Omiunu added, “Abacus helps to develop the right brain of any child. It gives them the needed ability to do calculations with speed and accuracy, using mental power that surpasses the speed of a calculator.”

The Marketing Manager, Edusoft Associates Limited, Mr. Anindya Bhanja, said Abacus developed the mental capability of pupils.

He said, “Abacus makes Mathematics tangible and uses pictures. So, pupils using it calculate faster, without the use of calculator.