Work Shop on Speed (mental) mathematics

Ground reality In this age of calculators and computers further marred by the current system of education, mathematics in schools is taught solely with the purpose of mechanically solving the monotonous exercises given at the end of every chapter of the prescribed text book in a routine way rather than giving a foundation of mathematical concepts required for the study of advanced mathematics and relevant subjects like physics, chemistry etc. when the children go to higher classes. No importance is given to the relevance of mathematics in day to day life, its role as the language of nature, the fun and useful aspects of this beautiful subject. Consequently, now a days most of the children by the time they reach the IXth standard, start perceiving maths as a difficult , boring and useless subject and develop a fear and dislike for it. They are unable to perform simple arithmetic calculations without a calculator mentally. Some of them even develop dyscalculia, a disease very common in USA. With growing competition, parental pressure and time crunch the situation is worsening day by day. Our innocent children do not deserve this. Parents are often worried that their children are not doing well in maths. Most of them arrange tuition as the only known way out to them. Some children improve their grades and become complacent only to realize later that though they have obtained good grades in school, they are not comfortable with competitive exams which are their ultimate goal. And in higher classes, most of the parents are not even able to assess the helpless situation. It is too late for a root cause analysis and a subsequent remedy then.

The fact of the matter is in most of the competitive exams like AIEEE; CAT (IIM, management entrance test), aptitude tests, children are not allowed to use calculator or any other gadgets. Time is ripe that we develop and encourage the children to be able to perform arithmetic calculations without the help of pen, paper, or calculator etc., mentally, fast and accurately, a prerequisite not only for developing mathematical concepts but also for competitive exams. Proposal It is proposed, to conduct, a workshop on speed mathematics. The purpose of this workshop is, to develop childrens arithmetic skills conceptually and not with mechanical aids like ABACUS and restore their confidence and lost interest in this useful, beautiful game of numbers and patterns and put them in the track of self learning. To begin with, a 5 day workshop of 3 hours daily seems appropriate. This can be conducted at varous clubs /schools or any other suitable premises. Based on the response and number of children, groups can be formed on following lines for homogeneity and better results. (i) IXth Xth and XIth standard one group (ii) VIth to VIIIth another group Prerequisites: 1. Children should refresh multiplication table up to 10. In case possible, up to 20. 2. Should brush up with simple addition and subtraction of one and two digit numbers. 3. Should bring a calculator, a note book and pencil. 4. Should be disciplined and come with a positive frame of mind. 5. Should be prepared to do homework for one hour daily.

After the workshop Children shall develop a number sense. They would be able to multiply two and three digit numbers in less than a minute. Shall be able to find the square of two and three digit numbers easily and mentally. Shall be able to recognize number patterns and come up with their own short cut methods. Shall be able to check quickly calculation mistakes if any. Shall learn to enjoy maths as fun. Shall learn some mathemagic. Shall learn to relate basics of arithmetic, algebra, geometry and other topics and world around them. . Shall get into a self learning phase. Shall develop self confidence and interest in mathematics. Shall learn to study maths (not simply do maths) in the right manner. This would go a long way in learning other subjects with ease. Have a feel of role of maths in nature and everyday life.
Mathematics is about shortcuts but there is no shortcut to learning mathematics

Amarnath Murthy 09426614129 Amarnath.1960@gmail.com