Kumon method
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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| Type | Private |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1958 |
| Headquarters | Osaka, Japan (Global HQ), Teaneck, NJ (North America HQ) |
| Industry | Education, Tutoring |
| Products | Kumon Math, Kumon Reading, Jr. Kumon |
| Website | www.kumon.com |
The Kumon method, developed by educator Toru Kumon, is the largest mathematics and language educational system in the world.[1] As of 2009, over 4 million students were studying under the Kumon Method at more than 26,000 Kumon Centers in 46 countries.[2]
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[edit] History
In 1954, Toru Kumon, a Japanese mathematics teacher, began to teach his eldest son due to his problems in mathematics at school. Kumon developed the Kumon Method. This method was regarded as so successful that his son was able to do calculus by the end of grade six. In 1956, Kumon opened the first Kumon Centre in Osaka, Japan with the help of parents that were very interested in the Method. In 1958, he founded the Kumon Institute of Education, after which Kumon Centres began to open around the world. Since 1956, some 20 million students were enrolled in Kumon. Today, there are around 4 million Kumon students worldwide. At present there are 1500 Kumon Centres in the USA, and there are a total of 26,000 Kumon Centers in 44 countries. This list of countries includes USA, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, India and more.
[edit] The programs
Kumon is a math and reading enrichment program. Students do not work together as a class, but progress through the curriculum at their own pace, moving on to the next level when they have achieved mastery of the previous level. Mastery is defined as speed (using a standard completion time) and accuracy.[3] They take an achievement test at the end of each level.
[edit] Company Worth
The Kumon family, led by his wife Teiko, own 60% of the company. Due to a estimation by Forbes in 2009, the entire company is worth over $1 billion.[4]
[edit] Mathematics curriculum
X is an elective level; Also, there are no tests available yet on this level.
XT Triangles XV Vectors XM Matrices XP Probability XS Statistics
O Differential and integral calculus, differential equations. This is the final level in the main sequence, after which students are considered to be "graduated", but may still do level X.
N Loci, Limits of Functions, Sequences.
M Trigonometry, Straight Lines, Equation of Circles.
L Logarithms, Limits, Derivatives, Maxima, Minima, Basic Differential and Integral Calculus.
K Functions-Quadratic, Fractional, Irrational, Exponential.
J Advanced Algebra
I Factorization, Square Roots, Quadratic Equations, The Pythagorean Theorem.
H Linear/Simultaneous Equations, Inequalities, Functions and Graphs.
G Positive/Negative Numbers, Introduction to Algebra.
F Four Operations of Fractions, Decimals.
E Fractions.
D Long Multiplication, Long Division, Introduction to Fractions.
C Multiplication, Division.
B Vertical Addition and Subtraction.
A Horizontal Addition and Subtraction of Larger Numbers.
2A Adding with Numbers up to 10, Subtracting with Numbers up to 9.
3A Adding with Numbers up to 5.
4A Reciting and Writing Numbers to 220.
5A Line Drawing, Number Puzzles to 50.
6A Counting to 30.
7A Counting to 10.
[edit] Variation of programs throughout the world
The Kumon language program varies regionally. For example, the Chinese reading program in Taiwan is different from the Chinese reading programs in Hong Kong and Singapore, and the English program in the U.S., Canada, and the Philippines varies from the English program in the United Kingdom. Additionally, Kumon Korea has other subjects, such as science, calligraphy, Korean, and Chinese characters, which are not available elsewhere.[6]
[edit] The Thinking Face Logo
The Kumon logo is known as the "Thinking Face", embodied into its design as the letter “O.” This “Thinking Face” symbolizes not only the face of a child, but also that of an adult.
The Kumon logo projects itself as a consummate symbol of all of us to meet challenges and evolve over time through hard thinking. Kumon’s corporate colour is sky blue which represents human intellect, integrity and earnestness. It signifies Kumon as a global organization under the sky that links the world as one.[7]
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[edit] External links
- Kumon's official site in the US
- Kumon's official site in the UK
- Kumon's official site in the Philippines
- Kumon's official site in Japan
[edit] References
- ^ "Around the World in 80 ideas". http://www.adamsmith.org/80ideas/idea/56.htm. Retrieved on 2009-07-07.
- ^ "Entrepreneur ranks Kumon No. 1 for eighth year". http://www.franchisekey.com/franchise-franchising/Article/ID/52/Session/1-pSpF5i47-0-IP/guidObject/012092-20090211-094632-01/Entrepreneur_ranks_Kumon_No_1_for_eighth_year.htm. Retrieved on 2009-07-07.
- ^ Emily Yoffe: I'm a math moron. No, really, you don't understand - I'm a math moron.. Slate, November 4, 2006
- ^ Remedial Math, Forbes.com, March 2, 2009, retrieved 2009-07-07
- ^ Kumon Math, retrieved 2009-07-07
- ^ 구몬학습: 상품안내
- ^ Kumon - What is Kumon? - Kumon Logo
