Abacus in Mathematics Education

Abacus and mental abacus are methods not only for computation but also for cognitive training. In this chapter, we first discuss the history of Chinese abacus and abacus calculation. Then, the cognitive transfer effects of abacus training among Chinese participants are introduced. We separately examine the near-transfer effect and the far-transfer effect of abacus training. These findings were from learners of different ages, including kindergarteners, students from primary school, students from vocational schools/colleges, and adults outside of schools. Chinese abacus showed great potential in the educational field, and it might be utilized in the intervention of dyscalculia. Finally, the brain plasticity induced by abacus training is discussed. Brain regions that involve finger movements and visual-spatial processing could be shaped by abacus training.