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 .