The Taptana or indigenous counter as a learning strategy in basic mathematical operations

Abstract

The learning of Mathematics manifests itself as a problem that needs to be observed, studied and approached from multiple perspectives in order to understand the phenomenon and act on it. From diverse educational theories, the use of didactic materials is proposed to promote an optimal level in the understanding of mathematical processes and the acquisition of the fundamental concepts of this science.

The Taptana or indigenous accountant refers to the pre-Hispanic cultural heritage of the ancient inhabitants of the current territory of Ecuador. Its origin possibly goes back to the Cañari culture, Tacalzhapa phase, 500 B.C., (Uhle, 1922). In the 80's, the Research Center for Indigenous Education (CIEI) recreated this artifact, resulting in innovative didactic material used especially in what until a few years ago was known as the Intercultural Bilingual Education System.

The present study investigates the effectiveness of the Taptana, as a mathematical instrument for the teaching-learning of basic mathematical operations. We worked with students from two parallel, A and B, belonging to the fourth year of Basic General Education of the José María Velasco Ibarra Educational Unit, a fiscal institution located in the northern center of the city of Quito. The qualitative methodological research was developed in the months of September, October and November 2019.

The effectiveness of the Taptana was demonstrated. It is concluded that it improves the understanding and learning of the decimal system and basic mathematical operations.