ABENEARIO: A system for learning early maths with ABN

Abstract

ABN (Abierto Basado en Números—Open Calculation Based on Numbers) is a method for teaching basic arithmetic operations in primary education that has become popular in recent years and that is based on the decomposition of numbers through manipulative materials that encourage mental calculation. Currently there is limited number of tools that can be used to support the ABN method and so this article presents the design and development of two tools that facilitate learning with this method, a physical device, ABENEARIO-P, and a virtual device (web application), ABENEARIO-V, that complements the physical device. In addition, a study of the use of these tools was carried out with 80 learners (ages 7 and 9) and 9 teachers with a focus on ABENEARIO-V. The results of this study showed a positive evaluation of the tool by both learners and teachers, an adequate time to complete the mathematical operations assigned to learners and an improvement in performance as the tool was used. As a conclusion, it is important to provide adequate tools that can support teachers and learners in the practice with the ABN method as in the case of ABENEARIO-P and ABENEARIO-V. Limitations refer mainly to the context of the study, which was conducted at a time of severe social distance restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic on touching physical devices or being able to gather a larger number of learners in the classroom.