Japanese Multiplication is a cool trick that should be taught at school

ale5

I think it's more of a parlor trick. I do think it's cool and I haven't seen it before, but I don't think it warrants being taught at school.

WhyTrump

I would want to avoid to add more stuff to an already overloaded school curriculum.  If anything, I would rather add topics to the curriculum that will actually help kids with their career and getting a job later in life...like programming classes and Artificial Intelligence 

someone234

Chinese Abacus system is actually the best one.

WhyTrump

@someone234, whichever system is the best, lets pick one and learn that

someone234

WhyTrump said:

@someone234, whichever system is the best, lets pick one and learn that

You say that as if it's even close.

It's not.

someone234

someone234 said:

WhyTrump said:

@someone234, whichever system is the best, lets pick one and learn that

You say that as if it's even close.

It's not.

@WhyTrump that video is an introduction and calm explanation. Now see:
She does it all in her head no working out, she has physical muscle memory of abacus.

BaconToes

Yes, every student learns better in different ways. Some may learn better using different methods. In school, we should utilize as many strategies to students so they can learn which ones they prefer. 

MayCaesar

As flashy as this method looks, it seems to be much slower than the traditional multiplication methods. For example, consider 23 * 14. You would have to draw a lot of circles and lines for this method to work - while in my head I can quickly do this instead:

23 * 10 = 230
23 * 4  = 92
230 + 92 = 322

That said, while practically the usefulness of this method is questionable, it could be a good idea to teach kids it nonetheless, if only to improve their math intuition.