Kumon: An innovative approach to self-learning
Kumon introduces students to a Japanese method of mathematics and reading. Basically, it is a method of self-learning through one's own instructions and worksheets, whereby students who put in the most effort, initially receive a full score. They are then encouraged to learn at their own pace and explore their full potential. On the Kumon worksheets, children begin with easy problems and then move on to complex ones. They learn how to calculate quickly and accurately, and advance with a real sense of their improvement. They think for themselves and correct their mistakes on the worksheets on their own, learning from examples independently. Through Kumon, at any time with maximum effort, students can make progress on their own without being specifically taught anything by instructors. It ensures that students are provided with a learner-friendly environment and a learning method that is suitable to their skills.
The first Kumon center was established in Osaka, Japan, in 1985. By the end of 2014, over 4 million students in more than 30,000 Kumon centres across 48 countries became a part of the programme. Kumon made its way into Bangladesh through the BRAC-KUMON initiative, which was launched at the BRAC Center on September 18, 2017. The BRAC- KUMON initiative conducts math programmes for children between the ages of 4 to 14. They plan to offer Kumon English programmes as well.
Instead of feeding the material to the students, teachers of Kumon keep an eye on whether the students are working to the best of their abilities. It is their responsibility to not just motivate the students and prepare them for bigger challenges, but also to try and bring out the students' maximum potential. Some may find the approach of Kumon to be artistic or futuristic, but we can all agree that it is an effective way to make students have fun with and appreciate learning.
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