Many things in life work together in sync, rather quietly in the background. You’d never know the effect one thing has over the other unless you really want to find a connection.
The Universe works on such meaningful coincidences all the time.
Here is one such mind-boggling connection that is sure to change your perspective.
Many believe that a person’s IQ remains constant all their life, however, the truth is IQ scores keep changing with age and with the information and skills one is exposed to.
If someone told you that your child’s IQ could improve with consistent use of a tool, would you believe it? We will give you all the reasons to believe us.
Let’s see if there’s a connection between Abacus learning and increased IQ.
So, first, let’s understand what IQ is.
What is Intelligence Quotient?
IQ – Short for Intelligence Quotient, is a measure that is designed to assess an Individual’s human Intelligence. There is a range of tests that evaluate a person’s cognitive abilities.
These abilities include: –
- Memory
- Mental Maths
- Logical reasoning
- Problem-solving
- Spatial visualization
- Verbal comprehension.
IQ tests begin to assess by measuring short-term and long-term memory. They also measure speed and accuracy through puzzles.
Some of the most widely used IQ tests include:
- Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-V)
- Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Adults (WAIS)
- Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale
- Differential Ability Scales (DAS)
- Peabody Individual Achievement Test
The tests are carried out by licensed psychologists. They are usually composed of several parts. The Wechsler Intelligence Scale, for example, contains 15 subtests.
Each subtest measures a different aspect of IQ, such as Arithmetic, Mental math, language, reasoning, memory, and information-processing speed.
The results are then combined into one score called the IQ.
Some categories of IQ tests don’t measure knowledge at all. They focus on skills such as a person’s ability to use Logic and Reasoning to solve a problem.
Let’s find out more about the benefits of Abacus and how it affects our brain.
What is an Abacus?
The abacus is an ancient calculation tool. it’s effective in stimulating mathematical skills in children, as it offers a sensory learning experience that connects abstract calculation with visual and motor processing.
Abacus learning significantly improves the skills of:
- Concentration
- Observation
- Memorization
- Imagination
- Creativity
Effects of Abacus use on a Child’s Brain development.
- Internalization – An abacus encourages the development of mental calculation strategies.
- Concentration & Focus – Using the abacus demands and reciprocates high levels of concentration and focus.
- Visualization– One of the key skills Abacus develops is visualization. It unlocks the visual cortex using the imaging techniques of the abacus.
- Listening & Memory– A lot of practice is done by listening to numbers being called out. It improves the Listening skills and visual memory of the child, which in turn helps retain information faster.
- Bilateral Brain Use– Abacus use stimulates both hemispheres of the Brain, the Right Brain which is Creative & the Left Brain which is Logical.
Abacus benefits for Students.
Some studies have revealed that constant use of the abacus strengthens areas of the brain related to numerical processing and working memory, which has a positive impact on students’ ability to solve complex problems and carry out tasks that require sustained concentration.
Furthermore, it has been suggested that children who practice mental maths using the abacus develop greater creativity and cognitive flexibility when faced with calculation situations that stimulate alternative thinking and problem-solving.
This type of multisensory learning can significantly improve children’s ability to perform mental calculations and develop spatial and concentration skills.
How can Abacus Coaching result in a higher IQ?
IQ Tests assess cognitive Skills under the categories of –
- Arithmetic Skills
- Working Memory
- Processing Speed
- Spatial Reasoning
These cognitive skills are a gift from the Abacus syllabus.
A 2016 study in Educational Psychology Review found abacus-trained kids outperformed peers in mental math and problem-solving, skills that correlate with IQ sub scores.
Several other studies have reported that working memory was significantly better in abacus-trained children in comparison to children who have never used an Abacus.
Research conducted by Irwing (2008) and fellow researchers reported that children trained to use an abacus scored approximately 7 points higher on IQ tests than children who were not.
To sum it up, knowing how to use an Abacus is a skill. However, the use and application of this tool enriches many cognitive abilities of the brain, which is an unparalleled takeaway for students.
This method of learning activates many regions of the Brain at the same time, the regions responsible for cognition, Mathematical, Audio and Visual Skills, Kinaesthetic and Spatial Skill.
IQ tests evaluate all these skills, which are scientifically proven to be higher in students learning Abacus.
Today, learning Abacus is easier than ever, with abacus classes online and offline, you can tap into your brain faster than you think.