What Is Feedback?

We aim for children to study with a goal in mind. We want Kumon to be a happy journey for each student where he can set goals for himself and study with motivation knowing his progress is based on the efforts he puts into his study.

Feedback is the essential link that helps maximize the features of the Kumon Method together and makes them work for the benefit of each child.

Feedback refers to the activity wherein the instructor discusses with the student the goal he should meet when doing his assigned work, the result of his work, and whether he will need to review if he doesn't meet the goal or he will be able to progress to the next set of worksheets if he meets the goal set earlier.

The main components of Feedback are:

• Criteria – The instructor and student discuss and agree on a goal in terms of the number of minutes for the student to complete it and the number of perfect pages or allowable number of mistakes. Sometimes, an instructor may include other forms of criteria other than speed and accuracy such as handwriting, ability to self-learn or good correction skills. Usually, the goal is written on the first page of the worksheet set or in the child's record book. This serves as the basis for reviewing the same set or progressing to the next one.
• Evaluation – After the student finishes his work and has them marked, he goes to his instructor in order for his work to be evaluated? How many minutes did you do your work? How many perfect pages did you get? How many mistakes did you commit? These are just some of the questions that can be asked by the instructor. Through this, the child is able to understand whether he met his goal or not. He also becomes fully aware of where he had a hard time and where he needs improvement.
• Reason – The next step is discussed with the child based on his performance on the work he just finished. If he did not meet his speed and accuracy goal (and other criteria), he will have to review his work by repeating the same set of worksheets. If he met his goal, he will be able to progress to the next set of work.

Feedback is meaningful communication between the instructor and the student. With this practice in the center, the child goes through Kumon with enough motivation because he realizes that his effort translates to his progress and that he is becoming an independent and confident learner.

Feedback has produced many smiles, good relationships between instructor and student, and a motivated child who is excited about his progress and serious about meeting his goals.