Kumon Malaysia - Martin's Experience Learning Mathematics

Ever had that feeling where you know your kid can do much better in his schooling with a little nudge, but don't know which avenue to look for help? Well, with Martin entering Standard 1 this year, we've started looking out for that extra help to nudge him ahead in his studies, particularly in Mathematics. We were introduced to Kumon Malaysia, a relatively new way of learning to me. Read on for our experience with the centre we chose.

Learn at the centre, bring back the worksheets and continue doing it, one worksheet a day at home

Kumon Malaysia is the largest and most established after-school enrichment programme in the world with over 4 million students currently enrolled across 51 countries and regions. When we were looking for a centre, it was pretty cool that they had one just nearby our area. We enrolled Martin at Kumon Bukit Rahman Putra, and I must say, it was a pretty good decision on our end.

Kumon Malaysia is the largest and most established after-school enrichment program in the world

First Day Assessment

Even before we enrolled our kid for the Mathematics program, I've heard some good things about Kumon. On our first day at the centre, the instructor gave an initial Diagnostic Test to assess Martin’s ability. This Diagnostic Test will be given based on the kid’s school grade, e.g; if the kid is in Standard 3, Standard 3 test or lower will be given. The test is aimed at identifying a level that is comfortable or as Kumon termed it as the ‘Just-right’ level for the kid to begin his or her Kumon journey.

On our first day at the centre, the instructor gave Martin an initial Diagnostic Test to assess his abilities

While my kid did his assessment, I had a chat with the instructor to understand further on what The Kumon Method is all about

About the Centre

The centre at Bukit Rahman Putra was pretty good, comfortable ambiance, complete with a reading corner which both my kids love! There were ample books, with nice pillows and carpeted floor for them to sit down and read their favourite book. My initial impression of the centre was a pretty good one. I was told this was one of the pioneer centres in Malaysia, and it was a popular one, judging from the number of students I see each time I drop Martin off for his lessons.

Kumon Centre

The instructors at Kumon were pretty friendly, and was patient in guiding Martin and explaining to him how to do the exercise given. The idea behind Kumon is based on these worksheets which has to be completed, in stages. Students will have to repeat the same worksheets twice or until they can master the level before progressing on to the next. Upon completion of a level, students will then sit for an Achievement Test. If they pass the test, they will proceed to the next level. Otherwise, the student will have to repeat the same level, till they pass. With repetition, comes mastery yes?

Martin beginning his Mathematics lessons in Kumon

Bringing the love for learning home

One of the delights that my kid has learnt to love, thanks to Kumon is the act of completing worksheets at home. Once a day, we allocate a time in the morning for him to do his homework. The cool thing about the worksheets is that it's really systematic. When your kid goes through each step, a worksheet a day, by the end of the week, they would have progressed significantly.

It's all about practice when we deal with Maths, and Kumon made it fun to follow just by completing the worksheets daily. After our experience with Kumon, I've come up with a couple of reasons why you should be sending your kid to the nearest Kumon Malaysia centre as well! Read on.

The kids absolutely loved this reading corner!

#1. Kumon fosters your child's Love of learning

At Kumon, the kid gets to learn in accordance with his or her ability, at their ‘just right’ level. When he or she begins to study from an easy starting point, without the pressure to excel based on their age or school grade, it enables them to truly experience the joy of learning and progress at their own pace.

All about progressing through the levels

#2. Develop your child's self-learning ability

It's all about self-learning at Kumon, and Martin did learn to study independently. It's almost autonomous, the way he does the worksheets diligently every day at home without any nudging from us. During his classes (which is twice a week) at the Kumon centre, it was pretty automatic as well.

Self learning at its best! That's Kumon for you

#3. Advancing beyond his/her school grade level

One thing I realise is that at Kumon, Martin can advance to higher-level study material through self-learning. This gives him the opportunity to progress further beyond his current school grade as well as excel in school. This not only helps his academic abilities, but self-learning also shapes him to be more confident and go beyond his potential, both in and out of the classroom.

Overall, it has been a good experience for us, and we would definitely recommend the Kumon Method of learning to any parents looking for a good learning system for their children. For more information on Kumon, do check out their website at www.kumonmalaysia.com. Check out the video below as well for a glimpse on what they have to offer.

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