Dubai: Riddhi Tilokani is five years old. In eight minutes flat, she can solve 65 single-digit sums in addition and subtraction. Three years older, Kareena Narain takes less than a minute to answer a sum of double digit numbers in five rows. Similarly, Ashwini Deepak, 13, is as effective with a five-row set of three-digit numbers.
Practice session
Part of a 1,500-strong group preparing for a national level maths competition at Al Nasr Leisureland in Dubai on November 6, these students are attending a practice session at a centre that teaches mental maths in Bur Dubai. The centre is one among 25 branches of the UCMAS or the Universal Concept of Mental Arithmetic System in the UAE. A modern representation of an ancient Chinese art, it is based on the premise that maths can be better mastered by thinking in terms of visuals and by employing tools like an abacus or flash card.
As Sridevi, course trainer, said, the image memory system not only helps in mathematics but also in enhancing creativity, concentration, listening skills, speed and accuracy among children.
Most students said they fared better in their maths exams at school after they joined UCMAS.
The once-a-week, two-hour course is conducted at eight levels over two years for children between four and 12 years of age. The cost: an initial registration fee of Dh300 plus Dh780 per level which spans three months.
"Eighty five per cent of the students at our centres are South Asians, mainly from India," he said.
Most students present at the session said they are faring better in their math exams at school after they joined UCMAS. The once-a-week, two-hour course is conducted at eight levels over two years for children between four and 12 years of age. The cost: an initial registration fee of Dh300 plus Dh780 per level which spans three months.
Desmond Goveas, whose two daughters Kimberley, 9, and Kyla, 6, attend the UCMAS classes, said: "My elder daughter has become independent in her studies and this encouraged me to enrol my younger one as well."
Akhila Sridhar, mother of 10-year-old Sainetra, said: "My daughter has always been a good student in math. But this course has made her more alert and confident."
According to Swarup Anand, Operations Manager at the centre, the system helps in activating the right side of the brain which corresponds with one's artistic capabilities as against the left side which deals with logical reasoning.
