I was around 10 when I started liking Math a lot. After seeing my enthusiasm for Mathematics, my parents insisted I go to extra classes where I can do calculations in an easier way. I was interested so I went for it. It was then, that I was introduced to Abacus. Abacus learning is a unique skill which is helpful for doing mathematical calculations. Abacus is a tool where it is used to visualize while doing the calculations on it. It is also very helpful in learning skills, visualization skills, being more focused and concentrated and gaining accuracy. It consists of 10 levels and each level takes about 3-4 months to be proficient. As each level increased, the difficulty also increased. 

It was very confusing at the beginning, but I thought I could easily get a hold of it as it was related to Math. Gradually, the classes started, and I tried to understand them, but I was not able to cope with the lessons. I also took some tests to get to know my ability in Abacus, but I failed most of the time. For this reason, I slowly started hating math unknowingly. So, after a few months, I told my parents that I didn’t want to learn abacus and I would prefer not to go to the classes. They insisted on me trying one more time and I did. But I went to a private tutor this time. She asked me to explain my problem and promised to get me out of it. I thought this would go on the same road too. But it was the opposite this time. She used different and creative approaches to teaching Abacus, and soon enough I was able to understand it. Little by little, I started enjoying it and so was the Math. I became proficient. I started doing calculations faster than a calculator. Many people were amazed. I went to many Abacus competitions and won many medals. I was very happy and satisfied by the results it awarded me. I am, still, thankful for my teacher who changed my perspective on learning things. And that is when I got to know there are different approaches to learning anything. And if related to the video “Backwards bicycle”, that is how I understood that knowledge and understanding are totally different. It was one of the though learning experiences I had but also was the best one.

References:

  • Why abacus. AbacusMaster. (n.d.). Retrieved May 24, 2022, from https://www.abacusmaster.com/why-abacus.aspx 
  • says:, M. J. D. (2019, May 15). Teaching children the ancient “Mental abacus” technique boosted their maths abilities more than normal extra tuition. Research Digest. Retrieved May 25, 2022, from https://digest.bps.org.uk/2016/04/26/teaching-children-the-ancient-mental-abacus-technique-boosted-their-maths-abilities-more-than-normal-extra-tuition/