THE LEARNING JOURNEY (PART 2)

In our previous article, we discussed the importance of ensuring that children learn at a level that is “just right” for them. Let’s take a look at the key focus areas that our Kumon instructors look into as our children progress in this journey.

What do they observe and assess?

Kumon instructors observe each student’s study behaviour, worksheet progress and study records. Typically, a student’s ability is demonstrated through their capabilities in managing challenging questions / topics and mistakes. Self-correction is an important step to fully exercising the skill of self-learning.

The “just right” level is identified and maintained through these key factors, and ensures that students are not given learning materials that are too difficult nor too easy. This optimum level approach reduces risk of stress and anxiety towards a topic and motivates students to progress forward.

As parents, how can we help?

In this learning journey, parents play an important role together with the Instructor to ensure our child practices good study habits and effective time management for both study and play time. Open communication with the Instructor will also help the Instructor understand the child’s learning environment at home – time spent on worksheets, routine or schedule for revisions, distractions observed, as well as overall behaviour.

As they say, “It takes a village to raise a child”, both Instructor and parents play fundamental roles respectively, to create a positive learning environment in and out of classroom. More importantly, this also forms a strong support system where the child will feel comfortable to learn in, and motivated to persevere.