AA Academy

For more than 3,000 students in Jayanagar and Indiranagar, the “password for discovering the genius within” is AAA. AA Academy, the franchisee of UC MAS, pioneer in abacus mental arithmetic education, claims to be the first of its kind in Karnataka and the third in India to have designed special courses that “activate brainpower, sharpen concentration and comprehension skills, enhance listening skills” in children aged 4-12 years.

What is abacus mental arithmetic education and how does it help young children do their math faster and more accurately? Allirani, Director, AA Academy de-mystifies UC MAS for our young readers:

* What is the origin of the abacus method of teaching? How does it work?
AAA: The Abacus & Mental Arithmetic program of A.A. Academy is based on the Chinese Zushuan methodology and it aims at “total brain” development, with special emphasis on the right hemisphere of the brain. Stimulation of the lesser used right brain leads to reciprocal activation of the left brain leading to increased overall intelligence levels. The program is sans usage of any gadget, and is based on stimulation of the sensory nerve tissues through abundant usage of hands and fingers, particularly the thumb and index finger.

* How does it bring about a better perception of maths in the child?
AAA: The child develops the habit of careful observation, sound reasoning, analytical ability and possesses enhanced imaging skills or photographic memory, at the end of the program.
The wonderful aspect of this programme is that the child needs no cramming, needs to attend a session of 2 hours duration only once a week and complete 10 terms over a period of 30 months, practicing what is learnt for about 10 – 15 minutes every day, to gain proficiency.

* Why is abacus said to be best suited for children at a very young age?
AAA: The greatest growth of human brain is during 4 to 14 years old where during this period, the frequency of brain wave increases gradually from theta (relaxing stage) to Alpha level (relax but conscious). Children in Alpha level have plentiful imagination and quicker learning ability. As they grow older into their juvenile age (the Beta level, the sober period), thoughts will become more complicated and rational, and mainly think with left-brain.

* Why does U C MAS admit children only in the age group of 4 to 12 years?
AAA: It is scientifically proven that the growth of nerves and tissues are rapid only in this specific age group. Further it is also observed that 80- 85 % of the adult brain is developed in this period. The U C MAS Mental Arithmetic Program, which is designed for whole brain development, works extremely well for children in this age group. A child less than 4 years cannot be admitted because the program requires a student to be able to identify 1 to 9 objects. Similarly a 16-year child may not be able to appreciate the concept of thinking in pictures because he or she will be so used to looking at numbers the conventional way.

* Does the U C MAS program affect the school curriculum and schedules?
AAA: No, the U C MAS program, at all times, is designed to help the students. It, in no way, disturbs the school curriculum. A U C MAS child would be able to verify the answers using Mental Arithmetic. The program is conducted during after school hours and on the weekends and imparts the skill at a consistent and steady speed, which will ensure that the students can attend to their regular school schedule without any disturbance.

* Is there a crash course / summer course / correspondence course?
AAA: No, the key to this program lies in consistent and steady home practice. Though it is only one class per week, a student is expected to practice this everyday for about 10 to 15 minutes. This means the course can’t be completed in a shorter span or without the presence of a course inspector. Only trained and certified personnel can teach it, as the process of getting to the answers is the most important.

* How does the U C MAS Mental Arithmetic Program ensure the overall academic proficiency?
AAA: The result of the U C MAS Mental Arithmetic Program is not confined to arithmetic only. The concept of thinking in pictures leads to better understanding and enhanced memory, which is basic for all academic studies. Thus the result of this program can be witnessed in all subjects.

* How does this program help children to face competition?
AAA: The basis of any competition is on speed and accuracy. Our program helps the student to achieve consistent accuracy and once this is achieved through constant practice, the speed is improved. The accuracy and speed reflects on the memory of a child, which ensures that the child is accurate and fast in whatever he or she does with improved confidence.