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The Abacus, a simple learning instrument with rows of
beads in a frame used to count and calculate, was first
originated from China. Later on, Japanese made improvements
on the instrument and modernized with modifications,
which is prevalent now in all over the world. This educational
tool for calculation will contain 23 rods with 1+ 4
beads in each row. Calculation on the Abacus, using
the thumb and forefinger, makes the nerves to connect
directly with brain, helps to reach high speed, accuracy
and concentration.
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Six
Abilities Cultivated by Soroban Education
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Soroban
education enhances progress in various abilities. Scientific
analyses have demonstrated the effectiveness of Soroban training
by showing improvement in the following six abilities.
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Ability to concentrate
(Concentration)
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For
the Soroban official examination, you have to provide a certain
number of correct answers within the time limit of ten minutes.
For example, in the first grade examination for multiplication,
you have to move your fingers more than a hundred times to
operate the Soroban for multiplying a six-digit number by
a five-digit number. During the calculation, the multiplication
table is mentally recited thirty times. Then, an answer of
eleven digits is provided. Not a single mistake can be allowed
in this process. When a question such as this is repeated
twenty times, the examination is completed. Fingers move more
than 2000 times only for the multiplication test. We believe
you now understand that Soroban education develops concentration
through the training of finger movements.
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Ability
to visualize and to be inspired (Inspiration)
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Ms.
Kimiko Kawano at Nippon Medical School has demonstrated in
her research that Soroban users in high Dan (ranks) use their
right brain in the Soroban method of mental calculation. Inspiration,
such as problem solving and invention, is said to come from
the right brain. The brain power that enhances the shortest
route for the thought process needed for problem solving is
also developed there. In addition, Professor Toshio Hayashi
at Osaka Prefecture University emphasizes that the training
of finger movements encourages synapses to be entwined with
each other and constructs neuron networks. Inspiration creates
new concepts and is one of the brain powers that is required
in many fields.
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Ability
to memorize (Memorization)
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Mental
calculation can be classified into two groups. One is the
soroban method that uses the right brain. The other is the
mathematical method that uses the left-brain. In the soroban
method of mental calculation, the right brain memorizes the
patterns of answers processed. In this method, answers are
stored in the long-term memory as intuitive images. The memorization
method (which uses the left brain) that is commonly utilized
for examinations only uses the short-term memory. There seems
to be no wonder that 80% of the students at the University
of Tokyo and Kyoto University have learned the soroban. This
type of brainpower is acquired through mental calculation
training. People who start this training while still young
are more likely to acquire this brain power effectively.
Ability to Observe attentively (insight)
The ability to observe attentively is greatly improved through
Soroban training. You can learn to observe numbers attentively
by training to carefully monitor them. No mistakes are excused
in this process. You are considered successful when you are
able to discover the workings of numbers. This practice leads
to the ability to analyze various aspects with the use of
numbers.
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Ability
to process information (Information processing)
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A
tremendous amount of information is available nowadays. The
ability to rapidly process necessary information is one of
the most important abilities in the twenty-first century.
Training for information processing with numbers is realized
through the soroban method of mental calculation (anzan).
Numbers are read rapidly without any mistake and are processed
in the right brain. The information is then converted to accurate
numerical data.
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Ability
to listen and read quickly (Speed reading and listening)
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There
is a training component called mental calculation of figures
read out aloud (yomiageanzan). In this training, a problem
is read out aloud while the student promptly comprehends and
mentally processes it. It may seem like an outdated way of
learning, but it actually trains the brain power of listening
intently, or speed listening.
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SEMAS is scientifically
developed and highly structured program, which cultivates our children's
talent more and more.
A time-tested skill, results intangible. |
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