Street Smarts vs. School: A Study of Arithmetic Abilities in Indian Child Marketers
This study investigates the arithmetic abilities of children working in informal markets in India. Researchers designed experiments involving real-world market transactions to assess the calculation skills of children of different ages and educational backgrounds, comparing their performance across various contexts (abstract calculations, real transactions, hypothetical transactions). Results reveal that children working in markets demonstrate impressive mental calculation abilities, quickly and accurately computing prices and change even in complex transactions, contrasting with their school math performance. The study further explores the impact of different teaching methods and incentives on children's calculation abilities, providing valuable insights for improving math education.