SPARK Magazine | PILOT 2017
20 KUMON STUDIES
Levels E-F
In general, students with strong mental calculation skills tend to do minimal intermediate steps. By developing students’ mental calculation skills in Levels 3A-D, students can begin developing their calculation efficiency in Levels E and F. While studying Levels E and F, students use their previously developed four operations and reduction skills to acquire the ability to use the four operations on fractions. We should aim for all students to calculate efficiently in the following ways.
The LCM should be used as the common denominator when adding and subtracting fractions.
From set E 41, make sure students use the LCM to find the common denominator. If the LCM is difficult to find, advise students to derive the LCM by doubling, tripling, or quadrupling the larger number. Encourage students to find the LCM mentally. They will continue to use the LCM in Level F:
Figure 1 Figure 2
Figure 1 shows a student who did not use the LCM. The calculations are not efficient. There are more steps in reduction.
Figure 2 shows a student who used the LCM. The intermediate steps are simpler and there is less chance for errors.
When multiplying and dividing fractions, students should reduce while multiplying.
Figure 3 Figure 4
When adding and subtracting fractions, mixed numbers are to be used as they are; students should not rewrite mixed numbers as improper fractions.
Figure 5 Figure 6
Figure 5 shows a student who rewrote the mixed numbers as improper fractions. Because of this,( 2) has large numerators in the intermediate steps.
Figure 6 shows a student who did not rewrite the mixed numbers as improper fractions. The intermediate steps are simpler and there is less chance for errors.
BASIC SKILLS IN MATH
The greatest strength of the Kumon Math worksheets is that they are for self-learning. The worksheets incorporate methods for introducing new content in a way that enables students to understand it independently, even after they exceed school grade level.
UPIM, 1.2
In order for math students to develop the skills and mindset for self-learning, Instructors need to train them on basic skills in each level. By developing basic skills, students can study the Kumon Math worksheets more smoothly through self-learning.
Instructors can reference the worksheet guides in this article to students who need assistance, and gradually students will begin to reference these guides on their own. It is important to know the worksheets and observe students as they approach new sections and new types of guides.
Figure 3 shows a student who did not reduce while multiplying. As a result, the calculations in the intermediate steps are more complex.
Figure 4 shows a student who reduced while multiplying. This student ' s calculations are simple and efficient.