The Use of Abacus Contests to Increase Interest in Mathematics

In: Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, Volume 65, Issue 2, p. 41-48

Abstract

□ A visually handicapped student must take advantage of all the mathematical tools at his disposal. It is not for us to say that one tool is better than another. There are times when a student should use the braillewriter, slate, or some other device. The use of these and the abacus should be an individual matter. We do feel that the abacus offers a more rapid means of computation that most other devices. It does not supplant these others, however, but supplements them in the mathematics program. It has been found that contests stimulate learning in mathematics. Abacus contests were helpful in encouraging students to practice the use of the abacus and in creating more interest in it. The abacus bee was especially valuable because each student was involved on a team basis, and yet was allowed to compete on his own level. This meant that he not only had a good chance to win first place, but that whatever his performance he could usually earn points for his team.