Kumon Tulsa - South Central Center

"GETTING THE MOST OUT OF KUMON"

By Dr. David E. Weischadle, Education Specialist

The results of the Third International Math and Science Study are in and the outcomes are generally mixed. Richard Riley, US Secretary of Education, commented on the results in The New York Times: "American children continue to learn, but their peers in other countries are learning at a higher rate." He further noted what many educators and parents already knew: "We need to work harder and better."

Clearly, all children would learn better if we could focus on clear outcomes. For example, many Kumon students have as their goal a fundamental principle of the Kumon Method — studying beyond grade level. Advanced Study, that is, going beyond grade level and reaching the highest achievement levels one can, is a powerful component of the Kumon Program.

Unlike other programs which help a student catch up and reach the average, Kumon helps the student develop a true belief in his or her own ability to be more than just average. Reaching grade level is great, but reaching above and beyond is even better. Four key words summarize how Kumon helps students "work harder and better" — competence, confidence, concentration, and challenge.

Truly, Kumon helps a student develop a great deal of skill and independence. Our method clearly enables a student to develop a COMPETENCE in math and reading. Knowing how to do math problems and understanding a story give a student the wherewithal to succeed in school. It gives each student a taste of success.

Kumon builds CONFIDENCE by developing in each student a sense that he or she can achieve difficult tasks and continue to tackle new ones. Successful use of the worksheets gives the student continuous feedback and support to continue achieving, not just satisfactory results, but results beyond their imagination.

As competence and confidence develop so does the student’s ability to focus and CONCENTRATE on learning. It is this ability to focus and develop thinking skills that enables the Kumon student to do better in all subjects. Thinking fast and accurately, and using his or her memory effectively, are only two ways in which Kumon succeeds.

But what the Kumon student really does well is to take on a CHALLENGE. For many Kumon students, it becomes a passion to turn challenge into opportunity, to make the difficult simply an avenue to further success.

Advanced Study means that the student has an academic headstart for high school. It clearly reduces the likelihood that high school study will be difficult. Advanced study means that neither age nor grade level will limit the potential of our children. The sky is the limit — it is also our goal.