Kumon has been around since 1958 providing educational services to children and adults alike. It is known for its educational programme based in Maths and English, which is aimed to improve and sharpen the skills of the participants.
It attracts a lot of students, parents, teachers and for many reasons, such as issues related to individual learning preferences and issues related to classroom teaching. This article seeks to answer some pertinent questions related to why people choose to go to Kumon.
What is Kumon?
Kumon is an after-school and centre-based educational programme that focuses on developing the skills and competencies of students and adults. It was designed by the late Toru Kumon and is based on the Kumon Method of Learning.
The Kumon Method of Learning is a seminar-style approach that follows a systematic and comprehensive curriculum based in Maths and English concepts. The objective of the programme is to enable the students to progress at a level suitable to their individual abilities, pace and preference. The materials and resources of the Kumon Method of Learning are designed to foster creative thinking, critical thinking and problem solving.
What are the benefits of Kumon?
The main benefits of Kumon can be broken down into three parts: academic, psychological and social. Academically, by attending Kumon, students get an opportunity to be ahead of their classes and familiarise themselves with advanced topics in Maths and English, so that they are better prepared for the next school year and any assessments or examinations. Psychologically, the programme helps instill in the students a sense of independence, as well as the feeling that they can master any challenge.
Socially, the programme enables students to build relationships with other students, teachers and professionals.
Who can attend Kumon?
Kumon is open to both primary and secondary school students. There is no age limit, as learners can begin their Kumon journey at the age of four and can continue their participation the whole way till they complete secondary school.
What is the Kumon curriculum like?
Kumon is a comprehensive curriculum designed to stimulate and challenge the student so as to achieve learning objectives. The curriculum covers Maths and English topics through a series of seminar modules and activities across various difficulty levels. Each module begins with an introduction followed by a series of activities which vary in difficulty.
The curriculum encourages independent thought and problem solving by providing students ample opportunity to manipulate and apply the mathematics and language skills they are learning.
What materials do Kumon centres provide?
Kumon centres provide students with a number of resources to help them in understanding and mastering Maths and English. These include worksheets, textbooks, educational materials, learning aids and audio-visual aids. Instructors at the centres also provide advice and guidance to help students understand the material.
Do students attend Kumon workshops?
Kumon offers workshops on a regular basis to help students understand the material better. These workshops cover a variety of topics, such as developing problem-solving skills, increasing motivation, developing good study habits, and understanding and applying Maths and English topics.
What is the Kumon Approach?
The Kumon approach is based on the concept of learning by doing. This means that the student undertakes activities to help him/her understand the concepts, rather than just memorising them. As the student progresses through the curriculum, the difficulty level increases, thereby helping the student master the concepts better.
The Kumon approach also encourages students to use their own judgement, independent of the tutor or teacher, in solving problems.
What is the cost of Kumon classes?
The cost of Kumon classes varies from one centre to another and is dependent on factors such as the location, the level of the student, and the number of classes taken. Most centres also offer tuition packages, which offer discounts for students who enrol for a long period of time.
Is there an exam at the end of Kumon courses?
Kumon classes do not culminate in an exam, and there are no certificates or diplomas awarded at the end of the programme. However, the instructors regularly track the student’s progress and offer advice and guidance based on the student’s performance.
What is the difference between Kumon and classroom teaching?
Kumon offers an individualised approach to teaching, as each lesson is tailored to the individual’s learning preferences and abilities. Furthermore, the material is wide and varied, enabling the student to find an area they are most interested in. Classroom teaching, on the other hand, is based on a centrally-determined syllabus and may not foster independent thinking or problem-solving.
How long does it take to complete the Kumon programme?
The duration of the Kumon programme is individualised and depends on the speed and progress of the student. It could take anywhere between few months to one to two years to complete the Maths and English programme.
What happens after a student completes the Kumon programme?
Once a student completes the programme, they are encouraged to continue on further to enhance their understanding of the subject. Kumon also provides a wider range of activities and materials to help students who have completed the programme to perfect their skills.
Conclusion
Kumon is a unique educational programme that provides students with an individualised approach to learning Maths and English. The programme is tailored to the individual’s needs and caters to the different skills and preferences of students.
It is an excellent choice for students looking to enhance their competencies and problem-solving skills. With its holistic approach to education, it is no surprise that Kumon attracts so many students, parents and teachers.