HOW IS KUMON DIFFERENT FROM TUTORING?
As an after-school mathematics and English education program for school-aged children, Kumon is often grouped with tutoring services. However, Kumon differs from traditional tuition in several key ways. Kumon and tutoring each play unique roles in supporting your child’s educational development, and understanding these differences can help you determine which option best suits your child’s needs.
WHAT DOES KUMON OFFER?
Kumon is an individualised, self-learning program that focuses on developing essential maths and reading skills. Students work through a series of worksheets that help build their calculation abilities and reading comprehension. This approach encourages students to develop the confidence and discipline needed to study independently. Kumon is more than just an educational program; it is a partnership between the student, the parent, and the Kumon Instructor. The goal is to maximise each child’s potential by fostering a love for learning and encouraging consistent progress at their own pace.
WHEN SHOULD YOU CONSIDER KUMON?
Kumon is an ideal choice for parents looking for a long-term educational program that fosters self-
learning, builds confidence, and develops essential academic skills. Whether your child is in school or
preschool, Kumon offers tailored worksheets that fill in gaps in mathematics and English while advancing their skills at a comfortable pace. For preschoolers, Kumon’s curriculum is specifically designed to prepare them for school and lifelong learning. In short, if you’re looking for a program that invests in your child’s long-term development, Kumon is an excellent fit, providing foundational skills that will serve them for years to come.
WHEN SHOULD YOU CONSIDER TUTORING?
Tutoring is best suited for students with short-term academic goals, such as preparing for exams. Unlike Kumon’s progressive curriculum, tutors can tailor their sessions to target specific areas of concern or immediate academic needs. If your child has a particular test or assessment on the horizon, a tutor can provide focused guidance to help them reach those goals.
KEY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN KUMON & TUTORING
While both Kumon and tutoring aim to support children’s learning, there are key differences in their approaches:
- Kumon is a globally established, individualised program that develops foundational skills in mathematics and reading, alongside confidence, study habits, and self-learning abilities. With over 67 years of experience worldwide and 41 years in Australia, Kumon has benefitted more than one million students in the country alone.
- Tutors, on the other hand, vary in their methods and goals. While some may focus on long-term academic development, most tutors are focused on short-term goals such as exam preparation. Tutors often rely on their own teaching methods and strategies to help guide the student toward academic achievement.
HOW CAN I TRY KUMON FOR MY CHILD?
Kumon helps students build a strong foundation in maths and reading before progressing to more advanced work. With this solid base, students gain the confidence they need to succeed in school and future learning endeavors.
To get started with Kumon, contact your nearest Kumon center to schedule a free assessment. During this assessment, the Kumon Instructor will evaluate your child’s abilities and create an individualised study plan. This plan will outline what your child will be learning in their first days at Kumon, as well as their predicted progress over the next 12 months. This assessment is free of charge and does not obligate you to enroll in the program.
To find your nearest Kumon centre, visit:
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