Friday, May 16, 2008

MENTAL MATHS - FAQ



Q - What is a Smart League Basic Abacus program?
SMART LEAGUE basic program is based on a smart mix of CHISEN BOP, ABACUS and Vedic based Mental Maths Curriculum. The mental calculations are based, initially on Chisen Bop techniques and abacus techniques. Students from the beginning are taught to perform calculations on ‘Mental Abacus’. Our special techniques ensure better memory retention, efficiency and inculcation of competitive spirit in the students. Initially the program was designed for students of 7 – 13 years age group, how ever based on feed back from schools and centres, separate basic age specific programs have been developed, now for students of third and fourth grades there is a separate study material and for fifth to seventh graders there is a separate basic program.

Q - How does chisen bop, abacus and vedic based maths differ from the ‘mathematics’ traditionally taught in the schools?
Chisen Bop is a Korean technique where addition/subtraction of numbers up to 99 could be performed on fingers. In Abacus numbers are converted to beads and the resultant movements of beads represents arithmetic operations. At the end of the operation the relative position of the beads reconverted to numbers give out the correct solution. With practice and increase in proficiency, the physical abacus can be dispensed with and the said operations can be performed on ‘Mental Abacus’ thereby ensuring speedy solutions to arithmetic problems. Vedic mathematics simplifies the procedure for deriving the solution for mathematical computations. A combination of abacus and Vedic mathematics can significantly cut down the required time to derive at a solution for complex mathematical computations. Based on experience it has been observed by us that small percentage of students (approx 12-15%) find it difficult to visualise the beads in mind. In such cases, we have found that Mental maths with chisen bop and mental techniques developed in house by Smart League Education are quite useful and students are able to use these techniques and carry out up to six digits addition/subtraction problem with ease and at great speed. Due to these unique techniques our success rates is in schools is 90+%, which is quite high compared to other companies where the max success rates are generally limited to 60 to 65+%.

Q - Will this training conflict with the school’s method of teaching math?
Certainly not in our case. The traditional abacus techniques practised by most of the Abacus Programs have been found to deal with multiplications from left to right, where as in schools the students are taught to multiply from right to left. This contradiction of techniques some times result in a confused student and has been the major reason for growing resistance in the parents and education community towards abacus education. Smart League Education has developed techniques which conforms to the School methodology and removes contradiction of abacus techniques. This is one of the main reasons of popularity of Smart League Education Programs in Schools.

Q - Does my child require an abacus to calculate?
Yes, the abacus is the basic tool on which all the fundamental concepts are taught. Though as the students move into the advance levels, use of mental abacus is more at advance level. At the master’s level calculations are predominantly done on mental abacus.

Q - How Long Does It Take To Learn Abacus Based Maths?
The basic proficiency and imaging skill are developed in the SMART LEAGUE - BASIC COURSE, this course takes one year in private centre and two years in schools. The advanced course takes six months and master’s level takes another six months and one year each in when conducted in schools.

Q - If My Child Attends Only The Basic Course, Will He/She Get The Complete Advantages Listed In The Course.
The parents will start observing the benefits of the course after the second module itself. Concentration techniques, competitive skills, speed & focus are taught during basic course. Mathematically all four basic operations are taught on abacus as well as on mental abacus. In the advanced and masters course these skills are honed and perfected.

Q - How do you evaluate the performance of your students?
Performance evaluation and counselling to improve performance is an essential and important part of the program. At the end of every module the students are tested for their accuracy and speed, based on their accuracy, marks are awarded. Our module passing standards are very high, 70% and above is considered as passing percentage. However we aim at 80+%for our entire batch. Certificates are issued after completion of two modules.

Q - Can I attend the class with my child?
NO, the reason is purely psychological. It results in performance anxiety in the parents, and some times also adversely affects the performance of the child. However in all over private centres, all parents are most welcome to interact with our faculty or attend other student’s classes. In schools where our programs are conducted we have a policy that any parent need our advice can contact us anytime with permission from schools in addition we organise periodical parents-mentors meet to exchange notes on progress of our students.

Q - My child is not good in math at all. What kind of improvement can I expect?
Our training methodology and approach differs so greatly from that of conventional mathematics, that a lack of ability in conventional maths does not have any bearing on the learning ability of maths for this program. On the contrary, some of the most successful students have been those who have previously experienced difficulty in the subject. If a student is dedicated to the program, receives adequate parental support and encouragement, and persists through the initial training period, than dramatic results are guaranteed.

Q - My child is already excellent in maths. Is there any benefit for him to join ‘Smart League Basic Course’?
YES, definitely, Chisen Bop, Abacus and Maths are used only as a tool to train the child to learn the art of concentration, competitive spirit, self confidence and enhanced self image. The secret of this program lies in its ability to generate sufficient challenge for all the students. You will find that your child becomes extra efficient, a smart learner, with improved concentration & focus and a keen listener. This program has been designed to boost your child’s self esteem & self belief, which are an absolute requirement to be successful in life.

Q - Can I attend this course as a student?
Yes, any one can attend the course, but imaging skill proficiency will vary from individual to individual and decreases from the age of 15.

Q - Is imaging skills and mental arithmetic an inborn talent?
No, some people think that only intelligent kids can master mental maths and imaging skills. The ability to master this skill depends not on the child’s IQ but entirely on his persistence and perseverance, which are function of Emotional Quotient. The good thing about EQ is that a child can be trained to improve his EQ which is one of the major criteria for success.

Q - Why should my child learn mental maths using an abacus?
The regular practice of mental maths using an abacus will have distinctive advantages for your child.
- The smart skills learnt will enable your child to do calculation at amazing speed with accuracy.
- The Chisen Bop techniques stimulate both sides of the brain, and balance the brain function.
- Scientists have found that an average human being uses only 10% of his brain’s potential most of the time. SMART LEAGUE program helps students to tap the unlimited resources of the brain. It makes students smart learners.
- After attending our program, students will learn to acquire imaging skills, they will never hate maths again and will be able to solve the problems with tremendous confidence.
- The program also improves the child’s ability to retain and recall with efficiency and speed.
- With our well structured listening exercises, our students become keen listeners and this also benefits in their conventional classes for other subjects.
- Our proven techniques instil a high degree of competitiveness in the students.
- OUR AIM : Whole brain development & teach success strategies.

Q - With so many abacus based mental arithmetic courses, from india and abroad, what is the unique advantage of ‘Smart League Education’?
The difference lies in unique techniques developed by us which conform to the teaching methodology practised in International and Indian schools. Second difference is of our commitment to quality and sincerity towards achieving it. Third and the major difference is the variety of Mental Maths programs that we have to offer which has no parallel in the international or national ‘Mental Maths’ field.

Q - How can we join Smart League Education programs?
You can join the program in the following capacities.
(a) As Students
(b) As Faculty
(c) As Master Franchise
(d) As Unit Franchisee
(e) As promoterWe welcome all those who believe in progressive approach to education and work for continuous improvement of education system. You can request to join the Smart League Education programs in any one of the above capacities. Send your request with CV and details about your organisation and infrastructure as applicable to smartleague@gmail.com you can also contact us on mobile at +919342381849, +919394736306, +918065744111.

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