Personal Insights on Kumon: A Comprehensive Review

Kumon is a widely recognized after-school program designed to help students with their math and English skills. However, there are differing opinions on this program. Some people believe it overworks children and drains their energy, while others think it is essential for their academic growth. This article explores various perspectives on Kumon and offers detailed insights based on personal experience and observations.

Positive Aspects of Kumon

Many students like to join Kumon because it provides a structured and comprehensive curriculum that helps them excel in their studies. For instance, students can advance to the highest levels in parallel with their regular school program. The individualized learning plans and regular assessments make it easier for students to track their progress and identify areas for improvement. In my own experience, I started at Level N in math and found the program to be highly beneficial.

For those who enjoy math, Kumon can push students to achieve great heights. I progress quickly to the highest math level, including Calculus. The program is designed to complete Calculus, which is equivalent to O level, by the age of 8. For students interested in furthering their math skills, I suggest moving on to advanced texts such as Boaz—Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences or the possibility of a private tutor.

Personal Opinion:

I think it is something all children should try but some students will hate it. Those who hate it should try some other path. Those who like it should continue with Math and English to the highest level in parallel with a regular school program. Students like me, who excel in math, would likely quickly progress to the highest math level, including Calculus.

Negative Aspects of Kumon

There are also valid criticisms of Kumon, particularly from a personal perspective. Some students find the program too demanding and stressful, leading to a feeling of being overworked and drained. One student even expressed a desire to quit life. These feelings can be attributed to the repetitive nature of some levels and the rigorous pacing of the curriculum.

Repetitive Topics and Suggested Improvements

One of the most challenging aspects of Kumon is the repetitive nature of some levels. For example, Level L in math is very similar to Level N and O but lacks most of the basic calculus information. This can be frustrating for students who are eager to progress and learn new concepts. It is important for the program to avoid repetition and provide fresh, engaging content.

Suggestions:

Cancel all Calculus topics from Level L and perhaps introduce Trigonometry instead. Level L already covers basic calculus, so adding more could be redundant. Provide more advanced topics in Complex Analysis, such as the Complex Plane and Polar Coordinates. The current coverage of complex numbers is limited and does not provide a comprehensive understanding.

These suggestions aim to address the concerns of students and ensure that the Kumon program remains effective and engaging.

Detrimental Impact on Education

While Kumon can be beneficial for some students, it is not without its drawbacks. For instance, the program can create a high-stakes, competitive environment similar to the ATAR system in Australia. This can cause excessive stress and pressure for many students. Some students feel overwhelmed by the rigorous daily assignments and feel it takes away from their social and personal life.

A Personal Experience:

Kumon can be a double-edged sword. For students who are bored at school and forced into a high-stakes, competitive system, Kumon can provide a much-needed alternative. However, for students who thrive in a more structured environment, Kumon may not be the best fit. It is essential to find the right balance and choose an approach that works best for each individual student.

It is important to acknowledge that while Kumon can be a valuable tool for academic growth, it is not the only option. Students who do not enjoy the program should explore other paths and consider distance education or advanced self-study to reach their full potential.

Conclusion:

Overall, Kumon can be a useful addition to a student’s academic life, but it is crucial to approach it with a balanced and open-minded perspective. Whether it is a worthy investment or not, personal opinions may vary. It is advisable for parents and students to carefully consider their goals and interests before committing to the program.