Exceptional computing prowess demonstrated by Kazakhstan's schoolchildren, smashing previous record with 200 calculations in a mere 10 seconds.
Unlocking Brains With Numbers: The UCMAS Phenomenon
Stepping into the vibrant festivities of International Children's Protection Day, Astana hosted the National Mental Arithmetic Olympiad, brought to life by the International Children's Academy UCMAS, in collaboration with the "AMANAT" party. Over 300 brilliant minds, aged 5 to 15, from every corner of the country, participated, displaying their remarkable calculation skills by completing an astonishing 200 arithmetic tasks in mere seconds. This incredible feat set a new record for Kazakhstan, as reported by Vechernyaya Astana.
This competition unfolded in three categories: visual, auditory, and mental arithmetic. Every move was watched carefully by an international observer, Dr. Chris Chew, the director of the General Staff of the International UCMAS Program.
Speaking on behalf of the "AMANAT" party, Sanira Zhusupova, the chairperson of the Yesil District branch, shared insight about UCMAS. Established in 1993, this innovative educational program has proven to be a powerful tool for nurturing young intellects and is currently active in 87 countries. Kicking off in Kazakhstan in 2011, UCMAS has transformed into a thriving platform for discovering countless young prodigies.
One of UCMAS's most laudable accomplishments is its inclusive approach to education, offering free access to children with disabilities. Zhanerke Nazrollaeva, a visually impaired student, serves as a shining example of UCMAS's success story. A regular winner of national and international competitions, Zhanerke was included in the Kazakhstan Book of Records as the absolute champion of the country in June 2020. In December, she represented Kazakhstan in international competitions in New Delhi, where she secured an admirable standing among 6000 participants.
The UCMAS Saga
UCMAS, short for Universal Concept of Mental Arithmetic System, is an educational program that uses mental arithmetic and an intricate abacus learning method to instill cognitive development in children. By focusing on this unique approach, UCMAS aims to boost not only their mathematical prowess but also their focus, concentration, and mental calculation abilities.
Researchers at prestigious institutes such as MIT, Harvard, Stanford, and the University of California, San Diego have researched UCMAS. With a strong presence in various countries like Malaysia, Nepal, and Guinea, it is often implemented in schools around the world.
UCMAS's Global Print
- Cognitive Development: UCMAS has made remarkable strides in nurturing children's cognitive development, bolstering their mathematical abilities, focus, and confidence.
- Competitions and Achievements: Regular national and international contests organized by UCMAS promote a healthy competitive spirit among students, effectively honing their mental mathematics skills. For instance, 500 students participated in the 13th National Level Abacus & Mental Math Competition in Nepal. Similarly, the Regent Residential School achieved incredible results in a UCMAS national championship.
- Inclusivity: Although specific information isn't readily available, UCMAS's abacus-based learning method could potentially be advantageous for students dealing with disabilities, offering a tailored approach that can accommodate diverse learning styles and needs. However, further data is necessary to fully assess its impact.
Sunrise of Hope for the Disabled
While extensive information regarding UCMAS's impact on children with disabilities is scarce, its abacus-based learning method holds promise, as it offers an alternative, engaging, and adaptable approach to math education. This tailored approach could help further the education of children with disabilities by breaking boundaries and adapting to their individual needs. But more research is needed to comprehensively understand the program's impact.
- The incorporation of UCMAS in education-and-self-development programs aims at fostering personal-growth by enhancing cognitive abilities, focusing on mathematics skills and concentration through mental arithmetic and abacus learning.
- As UCMAS veers towards inclusivity, learning opportunities are extended to children with disabilities, aiming for personal-growth and learning experiences tailored to their individual needs and cognitive development.