Abacus representation of base-10 numerals
Language plays an important role in learning numbers and arithmetic. Compared with Asian languages, English words for numbers are not organized in a decimal (base-10) structure completely. For example, Chinese word for 11 is “ten-one” literally, 12 is “ten-two,” both are based on ten. The English words eleven and twelve provide no clear clue to ten. Its linguistic irregularity in numbers masks the base-10 structure, hinders children in numerical and arithmetic development.
How do we overcome the linguistic hinderance? Abacus is a non-linguistic remedy, it converts numbers into image of beads on rods. It visually conceptualizes base-10 structure, not linguistically. It’s success has been replicated in the West and reported in CBC news.
California State University Channel Islands presents a 2-hour Taste of Abacus at Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at 10am on Nov. 7, 2017. The registration information is available at OLLI.
How do we overcome the linguistic hinderance? Abacus is a non-linguistic remedy, it converts numbers into image of beads on rods. It visually conceptualizes base-10 structure, not linguistically. It’s success has been replicated in the West and reported in CBC news.
California State University Channel Islands presents a 2-hour Taste of Abacus at Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at 10am on Nov. 7, 2017. The registration information is available at OLLI.
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