Results of smart device based arithmetic competition in Blue Nile State, Sudan, in Hindi-Arabic script

摘要

Sudanese primary and secondary level school education is conducted in the Arabic language. Mathematics education is conducted in Hindi-Arabic numerals (???) until university level where it is subsequently conducted in Arabic numerals (1234567890). According to UNESCO's 2010/2011 World Data on Education report, Sudan's scheme of basic primary education puts more weighting on religion, Arabic, and English than on science and mathematics. As such, levels of achievement in mathematics in primary schools in Sudan is very low compared to achievement in religion and language. This paper describes research in using mobile applications in Hindi-Arabic script to encourage pupils in lower primary grades to practice arithmetic calculations. The results of this research is very positive. Not only have post-tests shown an increase in scores compared to pre-tests, teachers have reported that pupils who have used mobile arithmetic application in Hindi-Arabic script are also more interested in other subjects at school. Unrest in the world today has created a huge population of refugees who use Hindi-Arabic script in their number systems including children whose education is often disrupted. The use of such an application as described in this research could help younger children learn and/or maintain their arithmetical skills while fleeing unrest.