From Mathematics to Darts — EMATICS
The word mathematics, for many, is nothing less than their worst nightmare. Addition, subtraction or any other thing that involves numbers and their mathematical use is equivalent to a bunch of lurching zombies for many. However, there are ways through which
this trauma and the complications related to it can easily be addressed and resolved.
How? Through the game of darts. Yes, seriously with the help of darts.
The game of darts helps you in enhancing your mathematical skills and abilities to unprecedented levels.
According to statistics, 14.9 million adults in countries like United States lack mathematical skills which are expected from 11-year-olds. It is further interesting to note that out of these 14.9 million people, up to seven million describe themselves as
being regular darts’ players.
Hence, this verifies the hypothesis of the negligence people have regarding the ways in which the game of darts can actually benefit them in boosting their mathematical and calculative abilities.
A major reason behind this is their sheer lack of understanding, regarding the role mathematics play in their everyday life. If they are only able to realise this, they would be able to brush up their mathematical skills with the help of darts and hit the
magical point 180.
Prominent English darts’ player, Bobby George, is of the view that darts is the most effective way to teach mathematics to children.
He believes that on a dart board the process of conducting calculations or other simple mathematical functions are much easier and convenient in terms of understanding rather than using a blackboard for the same purpose.
"The game of darts is 33 per cent maths, if cannot count you cannot win."
Another research conducted by the National Research and Development Centre (NRDC) reveals that students who are not well-versed in mathematical skills will eventually have to face difficulty in getting jobs, whereas the ones proficient in this particular
subject can earn up to $80,000 per annum or even more.
A question arises, what tangible efforts are being streamlined to connect the variables of mathematical understanding with the game of darts?
The government of UK has already initiated the process of taking concrete measures through which it can use the game of darts to uplift the mathematical skills of youngsters and at the same time, pave way for a better and secure future for them.
In this context, it is important to highlight the role of the “Get On Campaign”, conducted in collaboration with the British Darts Organization (BDO).
The core objective of the campaign is to improve adult mathematical skills and in concomitant to this, ensure that they get good employment.
Members of the campaign are trying to incorporate this new culture of arithmetic learning by sending equipment based on the game of darts to hundreds of colleges since 2005, when the campaign was first launched.
In UK alone, it has been estimated that 6.8 million face complications in getting good grades in the subject of mathematics.
The game of darts and the cooperation of darts’ players, coupled with the joint venture of BDO, would help in establishing unconventional benchmarks in this sport and the ways through which these can be used.
Therefore, if mathematics is freaking you out or haunting you in your dreams, pick up a few darts and perform some quick calculations to reassure yourself that you are no more afraid of mathematical nightmares.
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