Anyone has anything to share about Kumon? I would like to send my kid to the centre to learn mathematics... but not sure if their approach is right.... as I read about their booklet, they claimed that their approach is 'practice, practice and practice'.

I just wonder if it is really effective?

Firstly, the instructor will give diagnostic test to see the kid's ability. Diagnostic test will be given according to the kid's standard, e.g; if the kid is in standard 3, standard 3 test will be given. Level where the kid suppose to start will be determined from the diagnostic test result.
Instructor will guide the student and explain to them how to do the exercise given. Student will have to do the same worksheets twice or until the student can master the skill. In Kumon, exercises or worksheets will be given based on level. e.g; if they start with level A, they will learn addition. when they have completed the level, they will sit for achievement test. if they pass the test, they will proceed to the next level. if not, student will have to take the same level one more time.
Hope this info can help you.

care to tell me about what is kumon centre?

Visit this page to know more about Kumon centre.
http://www.kumon.com.my/

I did personally see the achievement thru my niece the other day... he is only std 1 and he just went to Kumon centre for 6 mths... I can see that he can complete his Kumon exercises about 100 questions in less than 10 mins. I reckon the need to practice and practice for maths... but wonder if the approach adopted by Kumon is good enough? My concern is the exercises they gave is rather systematic... in another word, following certain patterns... Will the children still able to do it if they are given 'mixed up' questions?

On the other hand, if their approach is by practicing and practicing... can't the parent buy exercise book for the kid to practice... I was surprise to be told that my niece went to the class just to complete the exercises only... and at home, he has to do about 2 booklets each day..

Niece but it is a he?

Well, my cousin worked part time before in one of the Kumon centres in my hometown and she was there to mark their exercises. She said everything is done systematically, thus those kids won't feel stressed up being hammered by excessive exercises.

Give it a try!

I went to kumon when I was in primary school, and the teacher just gave us loads of papers with questions to do. multiply, divide, plus & minus, as we get better, our questions will be upgraded to the tougher ones & we'll keep on practicing..if i'm not mistaken, we have a time limit to finish the set of questions while we're doing it

This post has been edited by Orion Pax: Sep 7 2007, 12:33 PM

That's what my concern here... the centre basically just give u lot of questions to practice and practice. Can't parent just do this similar practice at home, why must they send their kids there since the teacher there is basically marking rather than teaching the student.

answer is simple. because most parents don't have the time

I went to kumon last 4years ..i found that it is good but sometimes the homework are too easy..and doesnt suit for some age..

The difference between sending ur kids to Kumon and teaching them at home is,

1. Kumon teachers are more experienced and they can see the progress of ur child.
2. Child will be more focused in Kumon center.
3. If child hav any problems they can discuss with their teacher,
as the teachers knows how to teach them to solve problems in a simple n effective way.
4. Everything is more systematic, a worksheet a day. If ur lazy to do it today u have to do double tomoro so that's not a smart way to 'curi tulang'. And here is the parents turn to play a part. Watch over ur child and make sure he does his worksheet everyday.

And everyone knows it's just about practice and practice, why not buy a buku latihan and let him practice at home instead? Kumon's worksheets has variety of questions, do u think buying one buku lat is enough? Kumon covers all types of questions and they have their own strategy to make u master the maths.

Well the only bad part is, it's a little pricey. RM120 for 12 yrs and below while RM130 for 13 and above i think...

It's really no harm for u to send ur child to Kumon, u will really see improvement! And send him in as early as possible!

well, yea..it's a tad bit pricey..but i think it's worth it to invest in ur child's education. the kumon method of learning enables ur child to learn at their own pace. for example, if they're in standard 2, but they have yet to master what they're supposed to learn in standard 2, they will start from a level that is suitable for them. gradually, they would be able to catch up. the teachers are there to guide the child if they face any difficulties.also, a child can set a target for them to reach within a certain period of time.by having a target, the child is motivated to work harder. of course, parents would have to cooperate to make sure that the child does his/her homework everyday.
that's just my opinion.

mm only math available at Kumon ? are there other subjects?

kumon and mental arithmetic.. which is betteR?

i think kumon only good for child, younger child, not the older 1

kumon is good. i personally undergo training there n found it quite good but i quit becoz got part-time job during my holiday.

n i personally think that the young 1 should be sent to kumon. but the fees kinda expensive....RM120/month

I disagree with cherryblossom,
Kumon is not only for kids tho, there's even until college level!

Subjects like Math and English is available in Kumon.

i worked at one of malacca branch last year...next to kings hotel

it wont be so much benefit for college students.
i) it doesnt focus what college students desire which is to "understand" the concept of certain questions. a Math tuition center at least guide you along the way..... in the right way...
ii) most teachers there do not fit to teach high level math. they can point out simple mistakes in calculation involving subtraction, addition, bla bla but they go ga ga when it comes to logarithm. its in booklet I i think... i knew it cos i am working part time there.
iii) they provide math questions and requires the students to speak numerics in english but truth is, they are self development centre for kids. pusat perkembangan diri. They provides the necessary exercises for kids to develop, not providing tuition for high level math.... the math exercises can apply till form 3, form 4 onwards if you are struggling with add math or so, its time to find a proper math tuition center.

Just would like to share the good news.

Kumon Free Trial Campaign
17th - 30th June 2008

For a limited period, Kumon Malaysia is offering students FREE lessons for two weeks! Experience how the Kumon Method of Learning has cultivated the love to learn among thousands of Malaysian children.

For more information, visit www.kumon.com.my or call 1800 88 1010 to locate the nearest Kumon centre to you.