Intro: Since its inception in 1954, Kumon has become one of the most famous brands in the world of mathematics-based early childhood education. It is a widely-accepted system of education and discipline.
On the other hand, the use of the abacus has been around for centuries as a way of teaching children arithmetic, as well as supporting them with mental calculation. In this article, we will compare and contrast Kumon vs Abacus and figure out which one is better for children.
What is Kumon?
Kumon is an after-school mathematics and reading program created by Japanese educator Toru Kumon in 195 It uses a variety of instructional techniques, including drills and worksheets, to develop students’ self-directed learning and teaching skills.
The program works on the basis of incremental learning which gradually exposes students to new information and tasks in a systematic way. The goal of Kumon is for students to become self-learners who can excel in any subject. Kumon is one of the most popular supplemental education programs in the world, with more than four million students enrolled in 4,200 Kumon Centres in 50 countries.
The program is based on a concept of incremental learning, in which children move at their own pace, mastering the material one step at a time.
What is Abacus?
An abacus is an ancient tool used for arithmetic calculations. It is a device comprised of a series of thin bars attached to a frame, on which beads are moved to help solve problems in addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and more. The abacus is used in many schools and countries, particularly in East Asian countries such as China, Japan, and Korea.
In East Asian countries, the abacus is often referred to as tatalu, suan pan, and soroban, respectively. The abacus has been in use for centuries to help students learn arithmetic.
In its simplest form, it is a wooden frame with beads that can be manipulated to represent numbers and calculations. It is believed to be the precursor to the modern-day calculator, as students can use the abacus to easily add, subtract, multiply, and divide.
The abacus provides a visual representation of mathematical calculations, which helps students to understand the concepts involved in those calculations.
What Are the Benefits of Using Kumon?
The main benefit of the Kumon program is its structured approach. The program starts with simple concepts such as counting and moves onto more advanced topics, such as algebra and geometry.
Each level builds upon the one before it, allowing students to gradually increase their knowledge and confidence. This approach encourages students to take ownership of their learning as they progress through the program. Another benefit of Kumon is that it helps students to develop their problem-solving skills.
As students progress through the program, they are presented with increasingly challenging problems. This encourages students to think independently, build their confidence, and develop creative solutions. Kumon also helps students to develop important higher-order thinking skills such as analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.
As students work through more difficult problems, they are required to think critically and use their higher-level thinking skills to reach a solution.
What Are the Benefits of Abacus?
The main benefit of using an abacus is that it helps to improve math skills, such as counting and basic arithmetic. Because the abacus provides a visual representation of a mathematical calculation, it helps students to understand the underlying concepts of the problem. This can help to increase comprehension and reinforce basic concepts in mathematics.
The abacus can help students develop their concentration and focus. Because the student must move the beads to complete the calculation, they must concentrate on the task, requiring them to focus and develop better recall skills.
The abacus also helps students to practice mental calculation. As students move the beads, they are also doing the calculations in their head. This helps to develop their mental math skills and encourages them to think independently.
Which Is Better For Kids: Kumon or Abacus?
Both the Kumon and Abacus methods of teaching can be beneficial for kids, depending on the individual student. Since each method has its own benefits, it is important to evaluate which one best suits the student’s needs. The following sections will compare and contrast Kumon vs Abacus and provide some guidance on how to decide which one is best for your child.
Kumon is a structured program that uses a variety of instructional methods to help students develop their self-directed learning and problem-solving skills. Abacus, on the other hand, provides a visual representation of mathematical concepts, helping students to understand the underlying concepts and practice mental calculations.
If your child needs help with basic math skills, such as counting and arithmetic, then the abacus could be a better option as it provides a visual representation of calculations. However, if your child is struggling with more advanced topics, such as algebra and geometry, then the Kumon program may be more suitable as it provides a structured approach to mastering these topics.
Ultimately, it is important to consider your child’s individual needs when deciding which is better for them. If your child needs help with both basic math skills and advanced concepts, then combining both Kumon and Abacus could be the best option.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both Kumon and Abacus can be beneficial for children, depending on their individual needs. While Kumon is a structured program that helps students develop self-directed learning and problem-solving skills, Abacus can help with basic math skills, such as counting and basic arithmetic.
Ultimately, it is important to consider your child’s individual needs when deciding which one is best for them. Combining both Kumon and Abacus can potentially be the best solution for those students who need help with both basic and advanced concepts.