More focus than gaming? The surprising effects of the abacus on the brain

Good morning, everyone.
Hello.
Good evening.

I am Paddle, a clinical psychologist and certified public psychologist.

Do you know what day it is today?

(Ready, set)

Abacus Day!!!

...Yes, so (laughs), today is apparently Abacus Day, because of the 'pachi-pachi' sound.

Therefore, from a psychologist's perspective, I would like to unravel the psychological and cognitive effects that the abacus has on children.

[Introduction]
I am sometimes surprised when people say, 'Oh, the abacus still exists!'

It is true that we rarely see them these days.

In this day and age, if you have a calculator or a smartphone, you rarely have trouble with numerical calculations.

However, precisely because we are in such a digital-dominated era, the analog tool known as the 'abacus' is quietly attracting attention.

The abacus is a regular in the rankings of extracurricular activities for elementary school students, and behind that lies a psychological benefit that goes beyond mere improvement in calculation skills.



[1. Training working memory]
When using an abacus, children think about the movement of the next bead while holding the calculation process in their heads.

This is a state where they are fully utilizing a brain function called 'working memory,' which temporarily holds and processes information.

Working memory is considered to be closely related to overall academic ability, and some studies have pointed out that it is related to learning disabilities and attention deficits.

The abacus serves as training to strengthen this working memory while having fun, and it has been reported to have a positive impact, especially on children who have challenges with attention and memory.

Indeed, unlike a calculator, the abacus requires more active calculation, doesn't it?

[2. Visuospatial cognitive training]
With an abacus, you move your fingertips accurately while visually grasping the positional relationship of the beads in front of you.

This is an activity that fosters 'visuospatial cognitive ability.'

Visuospatial cognition is an important skill involved in understanding shapes and maps, and in daily life, it relates to tidying up and understanding the placement of objects.

It shares common ground with play such as sand tray therapy and LEGO, which are used in developmental support settings, and it is useful for fostering a child's ability to 'feel and manipulate space.'

That is why LEGO is loved forever, I suppose.

It has been around since I was little.

[3. Nurturing the brain by moving the hands]

In the fields of psychology and brain science, the idea that 'using your hands activates the brain' is well known.

Because the abacus requires precise, fine movements of the fingertips, it is considered to provide very high stimulation to the brain.

Also, operating an abacus requires using both hands in a balanced way, which leads to activating both the right brain (imagery) and the left brain (logic).

This is an effect that promotes whole-brain development, which cannot be achieved through simple calculation practice alone.

[4. Fostering metacognition and concentration]

In mental arithmetic and abacus training, students are required to notice mistakes along the way and correct their own methods of solving problems.

This is directly linked to the development of 'metacognition' (the ability to monitor and control one's own cognition).

Furthermore, abacus schools provide time to practice while focusing quietly in a calm space.

Children naturally learn the cognitive and physical rhythm of 'focusing,' 'getting a little tired,' and 'doing it again.'

This also leads to the development of self-regulation skills.

Additionally, because the classroom is quiet, children think, 'I need to be quiet too,' which makes it a good environment.

[5. Increasing self-efficacy]

The abacus is a skill that is easy to step up in.

Starting from the 10th grade, as you move up through grades and levels, you gain a tangible sense of accomplishment.

This experience of achievement fosters a sense of 'self-efficacy'—the feeling that 'I can do it.'

Being able to feel that 'there is something I am good at,' separate from academic grades, is a major factor in increasing self-esteem.

The success experienced through the abacus often encourages the motivation to take on challenges in other areas as well.

[6. The power of the abacus in the digital age]
Today's children are a 'digital native generation' surrounded by smartphones and tablets from birth.

While they are certainly convenient and attractive, it is also true that they tend to be passive, and the experience of thinking using one's own body is decreasing.

The abacus provides an active learning environment that integrates 'thinking,' 'remembering,' and 'moving.'

Because it is analog, it enriches children's five senses and their thinking.

After all, the key is doing something yourself, isn't it?

[Conclusion]

More than just 'becoming able to calculate,' the abacus is a teaching tool that nurtures children's brains and hearts.

From a psychological perspective, the abacus supports essential skills for children to live their lives, such as working memory, visuospatial cognition, concentration, metacognition, and self-efficacy.

Wow, it's such an amazing tool for developing abilities, isn't it?

In today's increasingly digitized world, the value of 'daring to be analog' is becoming even higher.

I hope that the sound of abacus beads clicking will reach many parents and educators as a sound that nurtures the inner strength of children.

Thank you for reading today as well.

See you again!!!