Arithmetic Courseware Helps Pre-Schoolers Master The Basics Of Mathematics
The difficulty in understanding the Mathematics learning process, especially involving numbers as well as doing basic calculations such as addition and subtraction among new pupils, especially pre-schoolers, has prompted a group of Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) researchers to develop a courseware based on existing mental arithmetic techniques to facilitate the learning process.
Headed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ruzinoor Che Mat from the School of Creative Industry Management and Performing Arts (SCIMPA) together with Mr. Mohd Hafiz Mahayudin and Ms. Norani Nordin, a courseware called the Arithmetic Mental Visualisation Courseware for Pre-School Children was developed so that pre-schoolers can memorize numbers and mathematical concepts easily.
According to Dr. Ruzinoor, he had the idea of developing the courseware after witnessing first-hand the difficulties his own children faced when they were required to calculate arithmetic problems fast. Hence, he and his team developed the said courseware with the help of the latest technology.
He said mental arithmetic can be defined as the act of adding and multiplying number as well as other mathematical calculations in the mind without writing figures down on a piece of paper or using a calculator.
"Mental arithmetic technique can help children build cognitive thinking skills when they need to use their mind and fingers to do basic calculations. And with multimedia support, the imagination of pre-school students towards the mathematical concepts will be heightened.
"With the help of the evolution of computer technology, learning Mathematics amongst pre-school children can be improved with the help of multimedia tools. This is done to attract their attention and maintain their interest; in addition, these children have been exposed to computers at an early age.
"As such, we developed the arithmetic courseware using the Flash software and combined it with five multimedia elements namely text, animation, image, audio and video which is applicable to devices such as computers and tablet computers. It will certainly attract the pre-schoolers to learn Mathematics," he said.
He also added that the courseware will also help form the basis for pre-school children or pupils to identify and differentiate numbers as the courseware comes with introductory modules, tutorials, quizzes and games so they can easily understand mathematical concepts using mental arithmetic techniques.
"Utilizing this courseware will help improve their Mathematical skills and allow these pupils become more active and excited as a combination of multimedia elements are incorporated during the learning process.
"In addition, the interactions which take place between teacher and pupils and among the pupils themselves are also important to enhance the level of understanding of the content of this courseware," he said.
According to him, the project, which started in January 2018 and was completed in June 2018, received funds from Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) grants worth MYR5,000. The project was aimed at bringing about benefit to the community.
He said plans are underway to develop the courseware in the form of a mobile application which can be downloaded through smartphones so that the courseware will have wider user targets comprising primary school pupils. By doing so, the courseware can help more pupils improve their skills in Mathematics.
This innovative product was awarded the silver medal at the 2018 National Level, Teaching Innovation Competition (PIP) held in August of 2018.