Integrating Digital Abacus Learning to Improve Numeracy and Verbal Skills in Young Learners

Abstract

This community service program is driven by the urgent need to improve the quality of primary education in rural areas, particularly at SDN 014686 Sidomulyo, North Sumatra, which faces significant challenges, including limited technological infrastructure, low numeracy and verbal skills among students, and a lack of innovation in teaching methods. This program aims to enhance students' cognitive and verbal abilities through the implementation of the abacus learning method combined with simple digital technology as an innovative and adaptive solution to these existing limitations. The activities were conducted using a descriptive qualitative approach, involving 60 second-grade students and two teachers. The program was carried out in five stages: socialization, training, technology implementation, mentoring, and evaluation, along with the sustainability of the program. Data were collected through observations, formative tests before and after the intervention, interviews with teachers and students, and activity documentation. Data analysis was conducted using the triangulation method to ensure the validity of findings from various sources. The results showed a significant improvement in students' numeracy skills, with an average score increase of 46.6% after three weeks of implementation. Additionally, students' verbal skills also demonstrated positive development, with average scores increasing from 2.4 to 4.0 on a five-point scale. Teachers reported improvements in pedagogical skills and began integrating digital tools into the teaching process. The use of a digital abacus application proved to enhance students' enthusiasm and active participation in mathematics learning. This program not only addresses existing academic challenges but also empowers teachers and creates an innovative learning model that can be replicated in other schools with similar conditions.