According to the Annual Status of Education Report, ASER 2014, Only 2 out of 10 children in rural India in Std V can solve a 3 digit division sum according to Pratham ASER Report. 46.5 per cent of rural children in Class V could not solve a two-digit subtraction problem without seeking help. This numeracy problem is not limited to India.- It is estimated that 17 million adults living in the UK have the mathematics capabilities of an 11-year-old or younger.
- In the United States, elementary and middle school students continue to lag behind several East Asian and European nations in maths.
- In India in 2012, 46.5 per cent of rural children in Class V could not solve a two-digit subtraction problem without seeking help.
- South Africa ranks second to last in the world for education in mathematics.
Such is the havoc that maths has created across countries. Our children can’t do math. This problem of numeracy makes our children math-phobic which globally results in the numeracy levels in decline. This is a fact that should give everyone involved in maths education grave cause for concern.
One of the solutions to this numeracy problem could be the implementation of Vedic Mathematics. The Indian system of Vedic Mathematics could help make maths a more engaging subject. Vedic Mathematics is a method of speed calculation developed by the Indian Saint Shri Bharti Krishna Tirthaji in the early 20th Century. The methods are short and simple, which makes maths more appealing for children. Using the system, complex multiplications such as 98x97 can be solved in less than five seconds flat!
And it doesn’t finish there; Vedic Mathematics can be used to solve both simple equations and more difficult problems, including fractions, squares, algebra and even some trigonometry. The system works using 16 word formulas known as “Sutras”: short sayings that have various meanings and applications.
The practicality of a speed mathematics system such as Vedic Mathematics in the age of calculators could be debated. However, as part of a Government drive to boost standards, calculators have recently been banned in the UK English primary school maths exams; this demonstrates that there is still a place for mental arithmetic within the school system.
Prime Minister Modi also wants to give boost to Vedic maths and Says that they will make Vedic Maths an export.
“The ASER report has clearly mentioned and brought out the facts with respect to the decline in Maths levels in India. Vedic Maths can help student overcome challenges of maths education and can make it fun and engaging. We must support the initiative of Mr. Smriti Irani, HRD Minister, to introduce Vedic Maths in Curriculum.” Says Gaurav Tekriwal, President, Vedic Maths Forum India.
'Globally too Maths levels are on a serious decline and we have countries in Africa in worse condition than ours who are enjoying the Vedic Maths system. We must support our ministers who can help raise India's numeracy levels and also help raise its exports in the field.' - Tekriwal says.
Gaurav Tekriwal's organization Vedic Maths Forum India has already taken this system to over five countries and is currently in expansion mode in Africa. Mr. Tekriwal who recently won the Indiafrica Young Visionaries Fellowship in 2014, sponsored by the Ministry of External Affairs in India.
One of the solutions to this numeracy problem could be the implementation of Vedic Mathematics. The Indian system of Vedic Mathematics could help make maths a more engaging subject. Vedic Mathematics is a method of speed calculation developed by the Indian Saint Shri Bharti Krishna Tirthaji in the early 20th Century. The methods are short and simple, which makes maths more appealing for children. Using the system, complex multiplications such as 98x97 can be solved in less than five seconds flat!
And it doesn’t finish there; Vedic Mathematics can be used to solve both simple equations and more difficult problems, including fractions, squares, algebra and even some trigonometry. The system works using 16 word formulas known as “Sutras”: short sayings that have various meanings and applications.
The practicality of a speed mathematics system such as Vedic Mathematics in the age of calculators could be debated. However, as part of a Government drive to boost standards, calculators have recently been banned in the UK English primary school maths exams; this demonstrates that there is still a place for mental arithmetic within the school system.
Prime Minister Modi also wants to give boost to Vedic maths and Says that they will make Vedic Maths an export.
“The ASER report has clearly mentioned and brought out the facts with respect to the decline in Maths levels in India. Vedic Maths can help student overcome challenges of maths education and can make it fun and engaging. We must support the initiative of Mr. Smriti Irani, HRD Minister, to introduce Vedic Maths in Curriculum.” Says Gaurav Tekriwal, President, Vedic Maths Forum India.
'Globally too Maths levels are on a serious decline and we have countries in Africa in worse condition than ours who are enjoying the Vedic Maths system. We must support our ministers who can help raise India's numeracy levels and also help raise its exports in the field.' - Tekriwal says.
Gaurav Tekriwal's organization Vedic Maths Forum India has already taken this system to over five countries and is currently in expansion mode in Africa. Mr. Tekriwal who recently won the Indiafrica Young Visionaries Fellowship in 2014, sponsored by the Ministry of External Affairs in India.