Wednesday, November 07, 2012

Learning Can Be Fun~

Mango Learning


My nephew, Neel had nudged me towards some links on game-based education recently. With trepidation I discovered that these ‘game-based education’ tools were primarily on Mathematics! Oh, dear! My nemesis….. Even now, distanced from the torture, I still feel a shiver down my spine when I think of Maths! This atavism had finally led me to write my school-leaving examination with Home-science, Economics (sans, you know what)…J

Anyway, with circumspect and a little bit of hesitation, as I started looking at the links one by one,  I got hooked on, not least because of the total absence of mathematical numbers and symbols, but it actually set me thinking….one of the ‘crowning’ ideas behind most of what we did in school was  spending many years of memorizing a lot of dull facts. Most children got so fed up that they quit maths before they could do anything interesting with them and I was a pioneer in that endeavor.

Mathematics is not only learning from books, memorizing some facts, but it is learning to think clearly. Getting into the depths of the mind-blowing numbers/figures can get very engaging and insightful with simple, straightforward learning processes, if used consistently. …. Fear is what prevents the flowering of the mind, and then the flowering of knowledge. 'Mango Game'-based mobile learning tries to address this particular area. It attempts to sharpen the ‘basics’ and apply these for problem solving through spontaneous recall. What could be more simple and straightforward than having fun while learning?

We are lucky to have unlimited supports available online in the modern era. … How I wish, such learning methods were available in our days. Alas, there were nothing like i-pads, tablet, mobile, android, Google et all when we grew up…Educators can now get fun, Award-Winning Math Apps for their i Pads  i Phones and iPod touch.

Although I have not used the module, but, I would like to thank ‘Mango’ for the gifts their wise and sagacious learning is going to bequeath children in the long run.  And by giving myself to this column, I hope I have carried part of the torch by showcasing  a bit of what Mango Learning is all about for the present mothers and teachers. I share this material with an earnest hope that this project would facilitate a layer of love for maths to kids and young people.

Check the following links for details....

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mangolearning/game-based-immersive-math-learning-on-tablets-smar
http://www.mangolearning.com/
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MANGO MANIA

 I saw a poster in 'Giggles' shop in Park Street with the following caption....
'Please excuse the mess, my children are busy learning'

Recently I was reading an interesting article written by Ben Johnson, an education consultant, online teacher and learning coach. The word, 'Mango-learning' triggered me to write on this alternate version of ‘ mango- learning’(though, this has nothing to do with the above module). Teachers use various strategies to assist kids in the act of learning. According to Ben Johnson, 'learning with a mess is a great sign...". He writes, "learning with fun' is like eating delicious mangoes...as you eat the mangoes, you cannot help but become irrevocably invested in the mango-eating process because it gets all over your face and it drips all over your hands and clothes. Though messy, yet each bite is heavenly, and certainly worth it..." 


Grasping concepts, when it can be tied around something that is fascinating for a child, makes learning definitely fun and playful.  This results in better retention, positive reinforcement, and a love of learning.








58 comments:

  1. Well! I always loved mathematics, puzzles & calculations always attract me. But, I don't love mango (very) much. :(
    Anyways, it's really a good initiative to make children learn with fun. Nice one! :)

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    1. Jeez Gayatri....! That's SOME combination...! We come together 'cuz opposites attract !! I love mangoes and hate mathematics!!:))LOL..
      Thanks for coming by...:))

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  2. kids today definitely have a wider array of tools when it comes to learning...and we indulgent parents will go any mile to see they have the best...the internet is choc-a-bloc with such interactive and fun games that i use for my little ones too! this mango thing looks like fun, i had a look at the link, let me see what the judges, aka. my sons have to say!!

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    1. Princess....I am sure there must be plenty...but, I am only worried about the effectiveness of these available tools. I am waiting for the experts to give their verdicts :D
      Do share...please!
      Thanks...

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  3. i too felt scary about maths... but you are right now there are a lot of fun way to learn..my kids too enjoy them and I am happy...learning is more fun.

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    1. Sreeja...Internet is a great learning tool and source of information for all ages when used correctly....good to know your kids are already using the tools..:)
      Pleasure to have you here...always!

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  4. Well I have always loved maths - and now my job (well I am an investment banker) tests my mathematical ability every day in a new manner and I am not complaining at all :)

    And mangoes...ah! I looovve them and yes you can actually use these lines on Me too

    "learning with fun' is like eating delicious mangoes...as you eat the mangoes, you cannot help but become irrevocably invested in the mango-eating process because it gets all over your face and it drips all over your hands and clothes. Though messy, yet each bite is heavenly, and certainly worth it..."

    As I love my mango eating sessions to be all messy...dripping on hands..clothes :D

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    1. ME!!Awesome is the first word that came to mind after reading your delicious comment. Aaah, I love mangoes too !! So, you are an investment Banker.. this reinforces your love for figures... Ouch!
      But, I like thinking people around me....:D:D
      Thanks!

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  5. Thanks for the link, mam, education these days is far interesting and approachable that it earlier used to be...

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    1. Plaisir est pour moi, Meenakshi. My pleasure..:))
      Technology is rapidly changing the phase of education...I am happy for the present generation:)
      Thanks so much, re..

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  6. "Learning is fun" is something I always tell my students. Alas! they think "fun is what school is all about"!

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    1. Matheikal...Hahaha.. Your comment transported me to the years when I was in school..and your students are right!! Don't feel sad... :))
      Thanks for that wonderful comment!

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  7. Your post reminds me of a time when i started Algebra.Somehow i took a dislike to it & refused to grasp it.Every time i was asked to submit my home work i gave some excuse & was excused also because i had never done this before.Then came the exams.I still remember sitting in the school lawns & learning it from a friend---the whole syllabus.And i thought-wow this is so easy-why did i shirk it for so longg?

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    1. Indu...Now, algebra was still manageable, [as far as I remember]. But, manipulating the numbers and doing the basic arithmetic WAS Hard for me....:((
      But, I agree, simple, straightforward learning processes are the best !!Tough little people we turned out to be, didn't we...? :))))LOL..
      Thanks so much for your inputs :)

      Delete
  8. Math is a bhooth to me even now. I dread it. I just wish and hope my kids don't inherit my habits. Thank you for the link. Will definitely try it for my kid. Yes, internet is a boon. Hubby gives additional maths problems to him everyday from the net. :)

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    1. "Bhooth"??? HAHAHAHAA.....I love you, FIF ♥. You are so much like me :)))It was partly the teachers you know, they didn't do a phenomenal job in enhancing our learning. The fear is still instilled in our memories. Have heart :)))
      Thanks very much for making me feel better. Feel smug :)

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    2. Hahaha...love you back, didi... :)

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  9. I very much share your views on this, Ma'm. Always dreaded that word, "Maths" in school. While it was only about numbers, it was still fine but when the alphabets entered the fray that's when Math gave me sleepless nights. I mean like, why the hell should I find your "x" math? Go find it on your own. :D

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    1. LOL Akshay....I'm laughing so hard. Thank you! And you couldn't have said it better! Indeed, nothing can be more terrible than that world of "X"! I can only say that your words have brought warmth, comfort and solace to my heart....:D
      Thanks so much. I am still chuckling..:)))

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  10. Learning is really so much fun with all those computer games!! So jealous!! :P

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    1. Roshni...jealous...??? Not you....:D
      But, repressive teaching did skewer my inner compass rather permanently....:(((( LOL
      Thanks ))

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  11. Learning is not can be, It's always be fun for everyone.

    mere aise bahot sare mitra hai mere gow me jinke sath mai padh chuka hoon, rah chuka hoon jyadatar din ka samay mai apna unhia ke sath hi bitata hoon, Bahot sare mere mitra aaj majuri karte hai, koi thela chalata hai, koi gaw gaw ghumkar sabji bechata hai, koi purane bartan jama karne ka kam karta hai, mai aaj ye dekh ke hairan hoon aaj jo ye jis tarah se sochte hai ya fir bate karte hai, agar yahi wyawhar inka school ke samay me rahta to aaj inki jindagi kuch our hoti, To mere ek dost ne muzse kaha ki, Mai jab school me padhta tha tab gadha tha, aur jab se maine school chhoda hoon tab se muz me hoshiyari aa gayi hai

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    1. I agree, Lucky! A supportive and learning environment even at home can be a great boost for educational development.Feel sad for those boys :(

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  12. As a much younger person, a group of friends and I spent time working with slum children. When we tried to teach them the alphabets, we found a great deal of disconnect with the traditional A for Apple, or even A for Ajagar. After some thinking, we switched to A for Amitabh, B for Bacchan, and recreated the whole alphabet and teaching methods using cultural references that were real to them, but perhaps blasphemous to "civil" society. It worked. Learning not only needs to be fun for kids but also connected to the realities that they see around them, be it cultural or technological. Thanks for the link.

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    1. Subhorup... Your thoughts take the post an 'extra mile'.... I look forward to such inputs... loved this!!! So, concepts can be introduced by using simple names also as means of learning. It makes it easy for the child to comprehend...Interesting indeed:))
      Thanks a lot for coming by...

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  13. I totally agree learning & growing up are part & parcel of childhood. You gave so many eye-opening examples here in this post! If educationist & teachers think out of the box we can give rise to a whole new revolution in the education sector. :) :) The way games are put up for kids to get off there fears of different subjects & different methods appointed in some schools, I wish I had grown up in this time. Still as the generation grows so does the ideas :) :) Thanks for sharing Mam!

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    1. Tanya...
      Computers have become so important as a learning tool today. Our days were so different, teaching style used to be so dull n boring.Today the computer-aids boost involvement, curiosity in a child, since the designs can also be personalized, customized and are flexible...:) The changing of the turnings always catch people by surprise :)))
      Thanks a lot for being here :)

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  14. Loved the poster besides your wonderfully written post, Panchali!

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    1. Amit..even I liked the caption of the poster. And after reading Ben Johnson's article, I liked it more :) Thanks!

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  15. I was a OUTSTANDING maths student , ohj yesssss ... I WAS .. you know why because I was always STANDING - OUT of the maths Class.. out standing indeed ...


    Bikram's

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    1. Awwweee...Bikram, that was sad. But, your comment made me laugh! Don't mind..please!This is the kind of comment my baby brain appreciates.!!!!!LOL

      Earlier it was perhaps a part of teaching management technique to throw wards out of the classrooms! I remember, our whole class was made to stand-out...Gawd, it was so humiliating....!Still, I have not forgotten that moment of embarrassment ...chee!
      Thanks for that witty comment :)

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  16. The concept of educating is surely changing!

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    1. Yes, Deepak....and it is changing for the better :)) Thanks so much for stopping by...

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  17. Hello Panchali!
    Very interesting, interesting post.
    I have to admit it but did not like the school for Mathematics. I did not like it.
    I cordially greet.
    Lucia

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    1. Lucja...Good to know that we belong to the same club--- Mathematics Hater Club!Glad you enjoyed, Maria.

      dzienkuje...:))

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  18. Heady combination Panchali

    MANGO and maths --YES how I wish thiswas available in our childhood---would have saved our parents so much trouble

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    1. Rajni...the subject matter is "heady" indeed! Wish we had such tools ....sulk..sulk...sulk!
      :))
      Thanks!

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  19. So many of these learning centers have come up now. Near my house there is EDGE, where they give set of papers on weekly basis which kid has to work out one page for day.

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    1. That's interesting, Rajesh. So, they are giving tutorials as well...!! May be, they are also part of some computer-learning center.
      Thanks so much for your input...

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  20. Fascinating post, the subject is of eternal interest to me. Thanks.

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    1. Dave...Really??? You have the soul of a poet... and the brain of a mathematician.. :)) WOW! :)
      Thank you.

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  21. Mathematics always fascinated me.. An interesting subject which always provides good nutrition for the hungry. Learning it in a different method almost helps its progress... Nice one and informative too.. The picture of that mangoes made me go crazy.. What a delicious fruit it is! The current and also the future generation are very well going to see things in a different perspective :) Hope these tools are well utilized...

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    1. Harikrishna,
      Sorry about the delay. Have been a tad busy with festivals et all..! A warm welcome to my space :))
      Indeed...with time, the educational tools and aids are changing; process of learning is getting simplified. I am sure, this will be good for posterity :) I have always hated maths, so these wonderful tools fascinate me :))
      Thanks for being here and for that lovely comment. Hope to see you more on these pages...

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  22. I am not fond of maths. In fact, even now I am afraid to open your link. i am glad you're relearning all over again and getting messy in the process :p

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    1. Ghaz...You can't do this to me...!!!!! You should have opened the link, my dear. You don't have to start 'relearning' to get all 'messy' as you said...!??!! Come ON..!!! LOL

      Thanks:)

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  23. I agree Panchali....In our country a student who can mug all the tables is supposed to be smarter than one who cannot....Maths can be indeed interesting....Thankfully the world has started approaching the whole thing differently!

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    1. Thanks Jayshree, Glad you agree with me. Today the learning methods are changing...and I am sure this would help the younger brigade:)
      Good to see you..always :))
      Thanks a ton!

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  24. Maths is just not my cup of tea too. For a while now, I was glad that Maths as a subject was left far behind. But then I'm a mom now and will soon have to help with homework :(.
    Looks like its going to be 'Mango to the rescue.' Thankoo!!!

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    1. Haha...good to know that I hav someone who sufffers from mathophobia...::-) thanx divya

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  25. I am an engineer who never had a liking for maths...but it was because of the teaching methods and the mugging up that was required that I never enjoyed the fun out of it.. Now when I do come across tricks and shortcuts.. I like it better.. So this one looks like quite informative and interesting space.. thanx for sharing..

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    1. Glad you agree manjulika...being an engineer you are definitely better than me. Shorter tricks make learni g interesting n simpler. And mango has such shortcutss..I recommend moms n teachers to use the tools.. hav been busy. I remember I hav to write for your prompt. Hope frm Monday things will get back to normal...thanks so much for your comments n visit....

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  26. learning it the mango way.. :)

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    1. :))) Mango...all the way :D Thanks Deep...!

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  27. The mango people has now really gone far, Panchali:) Agree learning now is more fun, so am enrolled a student for life into internet and apps:)

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    1. LOL...
      Rahul, I am still not sure about apps...but am hooked onto the internet for life :)))
      Thanks:)

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  28. Learning process is fun, also depends on what you are learning.
    Great post.

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    1. Oh yes, Indrani...excitement of learning especially after we've crossed the student's phase is always interesting...!!
      Thank you :)

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