he
Soroban/Abacus, which is the traditional Japanese ‘natural calculating device’
- has unique advantages in the digital age. The Soroban/Abacus is increasingly
being seen as a valuable mathematical tool in a technological age.
t
is now certain that Soroban/Abacus teaching helps children to develop an active
approach to learning, and greatly increased their powers of mental calculation.
The development of logical thought processes and powers of concentration
flow from the pleasurable disciplines involved in Soroban/Abacus study.
oroban
is a recognized term and now you are able to look up this word in the
dictionary. So in this home page, we would like to introduce you to a
part of Japanese culture, and at the same time to enhance Soroban/Abacus education
all over the world.
e
also believe that this page will provide a greater understanding between
Japan and your country.
hen
you study how to use the Soroban/Abacus, you will gain a great deal in your
mathematical understanding. Many educators and school teachers point
out the merits of the Soroban/Abacus displaying the numbers the same way as
in the decimal system in the following ways.
It is easy to understand
the basic number system, base-ten and place values.
Although the abacus is a concrete tool, the number as shown
on the abacus is a visual representation of the decimal system. This
linkage with both the concrete and visual helps children to understand
the concept of place value and the base ten system more easily.
It is easier to understand
the concepts of carrying and borrowing in arithmetic.
It is easier to understand
the combinations of five and ten and their complementary numbers.
It is easier for
Children to understand for themselves the calculation process step by
step.
It is easier to visualize
the close relationship between concrete numbers and abstract numerals.
Using a physical
calculating device motivates the children to have a positive attitude
toward their study.
The children really enjoy using the Soroban/Abacus, and they like
to move the beads, they learn place value really effectively and they
pick up the techniques very quickly. They learn and understand the number
concepts better than just using paper and pencils where they just use
symbolic representations of the quantity.
Practicing the Soroban/Abacus
develops the children's ability for mental calculations.
