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Draft:ALOHA Mental Arithmetic

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ALOHA Mental Arithmetic
Company typePrivate
IndustryEducation
FoundedApril 1993
FounderLoh Mun Sung
HeadquartersIpoh, Malaysia (Global HQ); Toluca, México (Latin America HQ)
Number of locations
40+ countries (2023)
Key people
  • Loh Mun Sung (Founder & President)
  • Kiran Motwani (International Director)
ProductsALOHA Method, ALOHA GL (varies by country)
Websitewww.alohama.com

ALOHA Mental Arithmetic is an international educational organization that provides mathematics and cognitive development programs for children.[1][2] Founded in 1993, the organization specializes in teaching mental arithmetic through abacus-based methodology. [3] Its curriculum, called the 'ALOHA method', combines traditional abacus calculation techniques with modern educational methods, focusing on developing mathematical proficiency and cognitive skills in students aged 4 to 13.[4][5]

The organization has received recognition from several educational bodies, including the Spanish Society of Pedagogy[6][7] and Mexico's Secretariat of Public Education[8], and its methodology has been validated through academic research showing improvements in cognitive abilities.[2] Operating in more than 40 countries across five continents as of 2023, ALOHA Mental Arithmetic hosts an annual international competition that draws hundreds of participants from around the world. [9]

History

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1993 - 1995: Early growth

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ALOHA Mental Arithmetic is a Malaysian educational organization founded in 1993 by Loh Mun Sung. The name is an acronym for Abacus Learning Of Higher Arithmetic.[10] Loh's initial objective was to introduce to benefit children aged 5 to 13 in Malaysia.[11] Within one month of opening its first center in Ipoh, ALOHA launched a national franchise program in Malaysia.

ALOHA Mental Arithmetic representatives meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad at the Prime Minister's Office, March 17, 1995

In March 1995, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, the Malaysian Prime Minister, invited representatives from ALOHA for an audience.[12] This meeting reportedly led to discussions about integrating mental arithmetic techniques into the national mathematics curriculum.

1995 - 1999: Expansion in Southeast Asia

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ALOHA made its first international expansion to Singapore in 1995. Between 1995 and 1999, the company expanded to multiple countries in the Southeast Asia region, opening in Thailand, the Philippines, and Indonesia.[12]

2000 - present: Global expansion

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World map showing ALOHA Mental Arithmetic's global presence across 40+ countries as of 2024

ALOHA Mental Arithmetic began its international expansion beyond Asia in 2000, establishing its first Oceania presence with a franchise in Sydney, Australia. The organization entered the North American market in 2005 with its launch in the United States. In 2008, ALOHA expanded simultaneously into two new continents, launching operations in Nigeria, marking its entry into Africa, and Spain, establishing its presence in Europe. The program's expansion into South America began in 2012 with the opening of franchises in Venezuela.[12]

In 2013, ALOHA Mental Arithmetic redesigned its educational materials, replacing written instructions with a standardized iconographic system. The transition from text-based to symbol-based instruction allowed the learning materials to be used across different language regions without requiring translation of instructional content.[13]

In 2020, the global COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted ALOHA Mental Arithmetic's operations, forcing the organization to adapt its programs and events. For the first time in its history, ALOHA cancelled its annual international competition. The cancellation was a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of participants, staff, and attendees amid worldwide travel restrictions and health concerns.[14] In response to the global lockdown, ALOHA Mental Arithmetic transitioned its traditional in-person instruction to online learning platforms.[15]

As of 2023, ALOHA Mental Arithmetic operates in more than 40 countries across five continents.[9]

ALOHA Method

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Teaching methodology

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ALOHA Mental Arithmetic's educational methodology is based on findings from psychology and neurophysiology, particularly focusing on two key neurological concepts: synaptogenesis (the process of creating neural connections in the brain) and the specialized functions of brain hemispheres.[16]

ALOHA's teaching method is based on mental arithmetic using an abacus. The program starts by training children to use a physical abacus for calculations, then progresses to performing mental calculations without the physical abacus.[17] This approach is designed to improve a child's ability to visualize the representation of numbers on the abacus, focus, and calculate quickly and accurately without relying on calculators or pen and paper.

It combined traditional abacus-based mental arithmetic training with engaging activities, games and exercises to develop several cognitive abilities, including concentration, creativity, imagination, visualization, listening skills, spatial orientation, logical thinking, photographic memory, observational skills and speed and precision in calculations.[18]

A key pedagogical principle of the program is fostering students' sense of confidence and competency.[16] ALOHA Mental Arithmetic also incorporates breathing exercises and visualization activities into its regular curriculum to enhance focus and well-being.[19]

Program structure

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ALOHA Mental Arithmetic offers two structured itineraries:

The Tiny Tots program caters to children ages 4 to 7, consisting of ten sequential levels that focus on fundamental arithmetic operations using abacus and mental calculation techniques.

The Kids program, designed for students age 8 and above, encompasses 8 levels of advanced mathematical operations, including:

  • Addition and subtraction
  • Multiple digit multiplication
  • Division
  • Decimal calculations
  • Fraction operations
  • Percentage computations
  • Square roots[16]

At the end of each level, students take an evaluation, and upon passing, they receive an ALOHA certificate.

Recognition and accreditation

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Certificate of endorsement from the Spanish Society of Pedagogy (Sociedad Española de Pedagogía) recognizing ALOHA Mental Arithmetic's educational methodology

The ALOHA mental development program has been endorsed by the Spanish Society of Pedagogy, receiving recognition for both its methodology and materials.[6][7]

The Croatian Education and Teacher Training Agency (Agencija za odgoj i obrazovanje), operating under the Croatian Ministry of Science and Education, issued a positive professional evaluation of ALOHA's mental arithmetic program.[20]

In 2018, ALOHA program received validation from Mexico's Secretariat of Public Education (Secretaría de Educación Pública, SEP) for integration into the national basic education curriculum framework.[8]

Scientific research

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The effectiveness of ALOHA method has been examined in academic research. A 2021 randomized controlled clinical trial studied the effects of abacus-based mental calculation training on cognitive abilities in primary school students aged 7-11 years. The study, which involved ALOHA Mental Arithmetic's program, found significant improvements in several cognitive parameters including concentration, memory, perceptive attitudes, and creativity after 8 weeks of training compared to a control group. The study noted that these cognitive improvements could have implications for academic performance, particularly in mathematics.[2]

ALOHA International Competition

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The ALOHA International Competition is an annual mental arithmetic championship for students enrolled in ALOHA Mental Arithmetic programs worldwide. Participants compete in a 5-minute round consisting of 70 arithmetic problems, with operations varying in complexity based on the contestant's program level and curriculum track.[21][22][23][24]

Since its establishment, the competition has been hosted in various countries, drawing participants from ALOHA centers globally. The following table presents the historical data of past competitions:

# Year Country Venue Participants Participating countries
23 Jul 20, 2024 Spain Parque de Atracciones de Madrid 600 20
22 Jul 30, 2023 Malaysia Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre, Kuala Lumpur 700 15
21 Oct 29, 2022 Mexico International Congress Center, Yucatan 500 8
20 Jul 20, 2019 China Marco Polo Hotel, Foshan 700 17
19 Jul 22, 2018 Russia World Trade Centre, Moscow 600 12
18 Jul 17, 2017 Malaysia Park Royal Hotel, Kuala Lumpur 600 12
17 Jul 24, 2016 Indonesia Sheraton Mustika Yogyakarta Resort, Yogyakarta 700 9
16 Jul 26, 2015 Philippines Fairmont Hotel, Manila — 6
15 Jun 8, 2014 China Dong Cheng Elementary School, Hangzhou 2000 8
14 May 25, 2013 Malaysia Equatorial Hotel, Cameron Highlands 400 —
13 Aug 5, 2012 Australia University of Technology Sydney, Sydney 300 7
12 May 26, 2012 Malaysia Kinta Riverfront Hotel and Suites, Ipoh 282 —
11 Apr 30, 2011 Malaysia Corus Hotel, Kuala Lumpur 350 8
10 Aug 8, 2010 Malaysia Ayer Keroh Country Resort, Malacca — —
9 Jun 20, 2010 China Zhejiang Hangzhou Railway Station Hotel, Hangzhou 1688 6
8 May 2, 2009 Malaysia Brisdale Hotel, Kuala Lumpur — —
7 May 3, 2008 Malaysia Hillcity Hotel, Ipoh — —
6 May 6, 2007 Malaysia Cititel Mid Valley, Kuala Lumpur — —
5 2006 China Hangzhou — —
4 Aug 21, 2005 Australia University of Technology Sydney, Sydney — —
3 Jul 31, 2005 Malaysia Cititel Mid Valley, Kuala Lumpur 400 —
2 May 1, 2005 Malaysia Hotel Excelsior, Ipoh — —
1 Aug 11, 2002 Malaysia Cititel Mid Valley, Kuala Lumpur 380 7

References

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  1. ^ Anaya Pineda, José Roberto (2023). Análisis e implementación de la metodología ABN, una apuesta por el aprendizaje de algoritmos aritméticos que subsanen sus consecuencias negativas (masterThesis thesis). Tesis (M.C.)--Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del I.P.N. Departamento de Matemática Educativa.
  2. ^ a b c León, Samuel P.; Carcelén Fraile, María del Carmen; García-Martínez, Inmaculada (21 February 2021). "Development of Cognitive Abilities through the Abacus in Primary Education Students: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial". Education Sciences. 11 (2): 83. doi:10.3390/educsci11020083.
  3. ^ Lu, Brian James (1 September 2023). "Celebrating young Filipino minds: Triumph in int'l competitions". Philippine News Agency (PNA). Retrieved 26 October 2024.
  4. ^ Koto, Yukemi (9 October 2024). "Founder and President Aloha International Loh Mun Sung Lihat Langsung Siswa di Makassar". Harian Fajar (in Indonesian). Harian Fajar. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
  5. ^ Matías-Guiu, J. A.; Pérez-Martínez, D. A.; Matías-Guiu, J. (1 June 2016). "Estudio piloto de un nuevo método de estimulación aritmética empleando el ábaco en ancianos sanos y con trastorno cognitivo". Neurología. 31 (5): 326–331. doi:10.1016/j.nrl.2015.02.002. ISSN 0213-4853. PMID 25840607.
  6. ^ a b "Un niño español de 8 años, campeón del mundo de cálculo". La Vanguardia. 18 July 2017.
  7. ^ a b "Los campeones mundiales de cálculo mental, los hermanos Quintanero, también lo fueron de Toledo". ENCLM. 11 June 2019.
  8. ^ a b "propuestas_curriculares_clubescolar_18-19". SIGED. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
  9. ^ a b "Malaysia To Host ALOHA Mental Arithmetic International Competition 2023". BERNAMA. 10 May 2023. Retrieved 25 October 2024.
  10. ^ Mamurov, Bahodir; Akramova, Gulbahor; Qo’ldoshev, Rustambek; Jumaeva, Feruza (2024). "Mathematical modelling by using mental arithmetic as a method of teaching". E3S Web of Conferences. 538: 02025. Bibcode:2024E3SWC.53802025M. doi:10.1051/e3sconf/202453802025. ISSN 2267-1242.
  11. ^ "8-year-old croat winner in ALOHA Mental arithmetic international Competition". ABNAse. 31 July 2023.
  12. ^ a b c "Our History". ALOHA International. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
  13. ^ "NEWSLETTER ALOHA INTERNATIONAL March 2013" (PDF). ALOHA International. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
  14. ^ "Official announcement of cancellation". ALOHA International. 26 February 2020. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
  15. ^ "ALOHA International Online Class" (PDF). NEWSLETTER ALOHA INTERNATIONAL MAY 2020. ALOHA International. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
  16. ^ a b c Barišić, Antonia (2021). Razvoj matematičkih kompetencija djece rane i predškolske dobi (Thesis). Sveučilište u Zagrebu Učiteljski fakultet.
  17. ^ Abdel Majid, Marwa Ahmed Mohamed; Abdel-Hakim, Supervised By: Prof Shereen Salah; Adam, Supervised By: Prof Mervat Kamal; Hassan, Supervised By: Dr Hamida Abdel Khaleq (1 October 2021). "The Effect of Using Mental Mathematics Programs in Mathematics Teaching On Developing conducting Mathematical Calculations Skills among primary Stage Students". Educational Research and Innovation Journal. 1 (3): 61–84. doi:10.21608/erji.2021.203970. ISSN 2735-5918.
  18. ^ León, Samuel P.; Carcelén Fraile, María del Carmen; García-Martínez, Inmaculada (21 February 2021). "Development of Cognitive Abilities through the Abacus in Primary Education Students: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial". Education Sciences. 11 (2): 83. doi:10.3390/educsci11020083.
  19. ^ Rubčić, Viktorija; Kelam, Ivica (6 December 2021). "Applicability of Meditative Techniques in the Education Institutionss". Pannoniana. 5 (1): 185. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
  20. ^ Haluška, Josipa (6 July 2024). "Šestogodišnji Josip Kosmat državni prvak u mentalnoj aritmetici". Novosti. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
  21. ^ "Resolvieron más de 70 cálculos matemáticos: 13 niños ecuatorianos fueron premiados en el Campeonato Mundial de Aritmética". El Universo (in Spanish). 31 July 2024. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
  22. ^ admin_poslovnifm (23 July 2024). "poslovniFM". poslovniFM (in Croatian). Retrieved 22 October 2024.
  23. ^ "PH bags major titles in int'l math competition in Malaysia". News Philippines Online. 3 August 2023.
  24. ^ "Murid tahun dua juara pertandingan matematik di Rusia". www.utusanborneo.com.my (in Malay). 31 July 2018. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
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