Yupana Inka Tawa Pukllay arithmetic eye tracking analysis: novices

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Published: May 27, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.14786/flr.v13i3.1569
Keywords:
numerical cognition, , eye movement, , inca abacus, , artithmetic,, YITP method,, inca number system

Main Article Content

Rosario Guzman-Jimenez
University of Lima, Peru
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4550-7935
Dhavit Prem
University of Lima, Peru
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2353-6214
Alvaro Saldívar
University of Lima Peru
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4250-0794
Eduardo Alejandro Escotto-Córdova
National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1104-8195

Abstract

The concept of number emerges from the interaction of psychological, behavioral, and material elements of numerical cognition, collapsing the distinction between "abstract" and "concrete." This dual nature is evident in the Inca numerical system, where tools like the yupana integrate abstract numerical concepts with concrete materials. The Yupana Inka Tawa Pukllay (YITP), a Peruvian arithmetic method, enhances mathematical and visual-spatial skills through tile-based board games. While effective with children, its impact on university students is unexplored. This research used eye tracking to study gaze and attention during YITP operations, comparing novices and experts. Eight university students and two experts participated, with eye-tracking data and scatter plot (dispersion plot) analyses collected using Tobii Pro Glasses. The study introduced the Variation Ratio Tokens (VRT) metric to assess visual attention efficiency, showing significant improvements in VRT dispersion and attention during the arithmetic learning process. These findings suggest YITP's potential in higher education for improving cognitive processes and arithmetic performance, laying a foundation for future research and innovative educational practices. This work establishes a foundation for cross-cultural cognitive studies and innovative STEM education approaches leveraging ancestral knowledge systems.

Article Details

How to Cite
Guzman-Jimenez, R., Prem, D., Saldívar, A., & Escotto-Córdova, E. A. (2025). Yupana Inka Tawa Pukllay arithmetic eye tracking analysis: novices . Frontline Learning Research, 13(3), 29–52. https://doi.org/10.14786/flr.v13i3.1569
Issue
Vol. 13 No. 3 (2025): Frontline Learning Research
Section
Articles

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Author Biographies

Rosario Guzman-Jimenez, University of Lima, Peru

Ph.D. in Education from the Sacred Heart University for Women, a Master's degree in Systems Engineering from the University of Lima, and a Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering from the Catholic University of Santa María, Perú. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Engineering at the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, and works as a professor and researcher specialising in complex issues of technology in education and health, with the support of the Scientific Research Institute of the University of Lima.

 

Dhavit Prem, University of Lima, Peru

Master’s degree in philosophy with a focus on Epistemology from the National University of San Marcos, Peru. He is Systems Engineer from the University of Lima and the author of the Tawa Pukllay arithmetic of patterns method. As the director yachachiq of the Yupanki Association and an external scientific research advisor for the Scientific Research Institute of the University of Lima, he is engaged as an inventor, writer, lecturer, and independent scientist.

 

Alvaro Saldívar, University of Lima Peru

Graduated from Business Administration at the University of Lima, Peru. He is a co-author of the Tawa Pukllay method and serves as the coordinator yachachiq of the Yupanki Association. Additionally, he works as an external scientific research advisor for the Scientific Research Institute of the University of Lima, focusing on Andean sciences

 

Eduardo Alejandro Escotto-Córdova, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico

From the National Autonomous University of Mexico, holds a Doctorate and Master's in Humanities, specializing in linguistics, from the Metropolitan Autonomous University, Mexico. He obtained his Bachelor's in Psychology with master's studies in Psychobiology from the National Autonomous University of Mexico. Currently a full-time professor in the Psychology Department and at the Zaragoza Faculty of Higher Studies, he has authored significant works including "Qualitative Assessment in Neuropsychology" (2021) and "Semiotic Resources in Mathematics Education" (2018).

 

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