Mental Computations Through the history of mathematical education, it has long been a subject of debate, whether mental math or pencil-and-paper methods, should be studied. In different countries, this problem was resolved in different ways. In Russia, for example, mental computations make up a large part of math, and have been this way for over 200 years. In the United States the majority of math is solved through pencil-and-paper methods.
With the invention of computers, and eventually micro-calculators, it was suggested that mental math should be abolished completely. Gradually, this idea was overlooked; the need for mental math began to grow and teachers began to bring it into play more and more. One reason for this act was that calculators are not always easily accessible. More importantly, however, is the role of mental computations in the development of the mind, creativity, memory, attention, situational problem solving, and even in subjects other than math. It is also impossible to ignore the importance of mental math in solving diverse practical problems out of school: at home, in the store, while playing sports, etc.
Unfortunately, a teacher will not always have the ability to formulate drills and practices for mental math. This is because mental math is not constantly required in textbooks. Parents are worried about their child’s preparedness in this field and will often look to a teacher or help. A teacher’s advice, though, will not often help the parent, as they might not be specialists in this area, and wouldn’t be able to teach their children properly.
Seeing how schools do not allow the development of good skills in mental math, we have come to the conclusion that students require extracurricular preparation. For this kind of education, there are different options: tutoring (private/group) and books for test preparation. These options both have their shortcomings, however. Tutors may not have the proper qualifications or may be too expensive. Transportation to tutoring also will cost extra and waste time. Not everyone will have the correct test preparation books, and the parents might not have the ability to make full use of them. Due to this, doing exercises for mental problems with a parent will have poor results, and commonly cause nerve-wracking stress for both parties.
Taking this into consideration, we have decided to make an online program devoted to mental computations. This program will have greater benefits including:
• The fact that a professional of high rank with much experience will create the program.
• Parents will only be required to pay the minimum amount for these lessons.
• There is no need for travel, only access to a computer.
• Parents and students may choose whatever time they like to study and take these lessons.
• Students may be more comfortable working with a computer, rather than a textbook.
• Constant adult supervision is unnecessary.
• Most students get very tired of repetitive drills, this program will offer a variety of problems to avoid monotony.
Our program is made for students of elementary school grades (1-5).
The author of this program, Ninel Vapnyar, creates the majority of our math problems. In rare cases, the problem may be taken from published Russian or American books. |
