Math Monkey - Discussion

[candy02sweet]

hi all,


yeah i didn’t know that Math Monkey uses Vedic math that is from India… in anycase, mathmonkey dun have any indian teachers… all chinese… hahaha!!

so math monkey is an american program that is developed using this indian technique but with the american fun-element,
does anyone know about the other vedic math centre? their teachers all indian?

[June]

Hmm wondering how do they teach addition, subtraction?

[candy02sweet]

June:

Hmm wondering how do they teach addition, subtraction?

hihi,
from my understanding they teach the importance of base numbers, such as 10s, 20s, 30s like compliments of 10.. so that they have a strong understanding of number relationship which would build on when bigger numbers come into play. they let students solve addition and subtraction mentally even when there are carry and borrow involved which trains their memory and concentration skills.
I guess there is only that much u can do with addition and subtraction ba...

[June]

Thanks candy02sweet.


But if it is accordingly to the primary school syllabus eg; number bonds, addition using number bonds. How are they going to introduce that to the kids? Are the lesson conducted in English as I know most of the Abacus classes are conducted in chinese.

[candy02sweet]

June:

Thanks candy02sweet.


But if it is accordingly to the primary school syllabus eg; number bonds, addition using number bonds. How are they going to introduce that to the kids? Are the lesson conducted in English as I know most of the Abacus classes are conducted in chinese.

Hi June,

the lessons are conducted in English only. i see students of all races there, including angmos too!
well math monkey teaches mental math which is different from Abacus in the sense that abacus is still a form of \"calculator\" and hitting da beads to get the answer whereas mental math here seem to me is really \"solving\" the maths question and more about understanding the relationship etc rather than just quickly getting the answer by plugging the number into the abacus and read the answer off...
i'm not too sure if you can see the difference that i'm trying to highlight.. but to me i think there is a significant difference in them...
mathmonkey also told me that abacus can only do the 4 basic operations while their math can do all the way upto calculus, algebra blah blah...

[sumo22]

hi Candy,

Can update us on the progress of the Maths Monkey program? Thanks.

[candy02sweet]

Hi Sumo,


i’m not too sure what kind of updates i should provide, but i’d say that my kid is still loving it… funny that hes motivated to do all the centre’s homework but not too enthu when it comes to school work… maybe it’ll take a lil more time for the benefit to "flow" into school work… LOL
and for sure he’s more confident in doing calculations and i do see improvements!

[Mathematically Speaking]

Hi all,


I have practiced the methods used by Verdic. It is an advanced form of mental calculations. It is actually similar to the abacus, just presented in a different way. Vedic Math by itself, like the abacus, does not teach the concept of numbers. It only provides the answers.

If you like your child to possess such mental prowess, by all means go ahead. The ability for complex mental sums is while useful, is not essential.

The drawback of the Vedic method is that the child has to remember the particular situation to apply a particular rule. I am not convinced this results in less mental work then using the normal methods, at the primary level.

PSLE has shifted away from raw mental ability via the introduction of calculators at P5. While good number sense is important, it is no longer the standard for an A*.

[Mathematically Speaking]

Hi Candy,


I am glad to hear that your child is motivated to do the centre’s work and is learning well. Motivation comes from praises and physical incentives such as stickers and stars, which commercial centres are so good at, and schools so sorely need.

[candy02sweet]

Hi Mathematically Speaking,


Thanks for your input and altho i'm not an expert in Math, from what i read and know about vedic math, it seems very different from abacus?
yes abacus u're getting just the answer, whereas vedic math u're actually solving it in your mind?
altho i agree with you totally that MOE is moving away from the raw numerical ability as you have mentioned, i think vedic math trains the flexibility of the mind that u're able to think of how to solve questions in different ways, rather than knowing ONLY the MOE method.. i think this develops general problem solving skills that kids will require in life, and such skills are not attained by getting A* in exams.... i feel that today's kids are not gonna be successful just because they score A, but it is that creativity, flexibility and probem solving skills that are probably more important for them in their life & career.

just my humble opinion.

Cheers!

Mathematically Speaking:

Hi all,

I have practiced the methods used by Verdic. It is an advanced form of mental calculations. It is actually similar to the abacus, just presented in a different way. Vedic Math by itself, like the abacus, does not teach the concept of numbers. It only provides the answers.

If you like your child to possess such mental prowess, by all means go ahead. The ability for complex mental sums is while useful, is not essential.

The drawback of the Vedic method is that the child has to remember the particular situation to apply a particular rule. I am not convinced this results in less mental work then using the normal methods, at the primary level.

PSLE has shifted away from raw mental ability via the introduction of calculators at P5. While good number sense is important, it is no longer the standard for an A*.