Embracing Change Teaching techniques with a broader purpose by Charles Mak Japanese approach to learning can help students make an academic breakthrough In 1958, Toru Kumon, a high school teacher in Japan, came up with an unconventional set of teaching materials to help his son to study. What he created soon became known as the Kumon Method and, before long, was recognised as highly effective and was quickly adopted by schools throughout Japan. Three decades later, the method was introduced to Hong Kong, when the first local Kumon centre was established to offer learning materials in Japanese, English and mathematics for the increasing number of children of Japanese families. We are a business but operate with the mindset of an educator Nowadays, there are over 124 registered centres offering Chinese, English and maths, and 99 per cent of the pupils are local Chinese. Kinichiro Yoshida, managing director of Kumon Hong Kong Co Ltd says that the shift in language is only natural. "Japanese parents in Hong Kong understand and believe in Kumon," he says. "The aim in switching languages was to allow more children in the local community to benefit." Around the world, approximately 3.8 million students in 44 countries and regions now use the method and Kumon's goal is to become a worldwide educator. "The method is basically the same for different cultures," Mr Yoshida says. "It only takes a pencil and an eraser." He emphasises, though, that the quality of teaching depends on the instructor's passion and aspirations. "We have a vision to create world peace through education," he says. "Therefore, our instructors must have a liking for children and the spirit to contribute to world peace." Educator's mindset For this reason, the company is looking for recruits who can help to diversify and maximise the benefits Kumon can bring. Besides running their own centres, they have also brought in franchisees in recent years. "We are a business but operate with the mindset of an educator," says Mr Yoshida. "We don't just offer the licence, but also provide training, guidance, instruction and many opportunities to exchange teaching experiences. If we only operated our own centres, expansion would be slower, so we are looking for people with the same educator's mindset to be partners." In Mr Yoshida's view, each Kumon teacher or member of staff can have the ability to contribute to the wellness of society. This can be by helping to nurture the leaders of tomorrow or shaping the future in other ways. To motivate employees, the organisation takes an egalitarian approach and expects all staff to work happily as part of the same team. "The teaching materials and our staff are the most important elements, but we can't guarantee that students will learn without any difficulties," says Mr Yoshida. "Our instructors play a crucial role, since they understand how well the children are progressing and can create the best learning environment for them." Progressive learning Education in Hong Kong has a reputation for concentrating too much on passing exams and not encouraging creative thinking. Kumon takes a different approach, and anyone wanting to enroll has to take a diagnostic test which is used to decide the best starting point for the pupil. The method can often work minor miracles, with some children showing progress after only 30 minutes in the classroom. "Our material offers progressive education and students learn according to their ability," Mr Yoshida stresses. Specifically, students reinforce their foundation skills in listening, speaking, reading, writing and calculation. With these skills, it becomes easier to improve their results in mathematics, English and Chinese, and they also advance in terms of analytical and logical thinking, which makes it easier to master other academic subjects at school. The key to success in using the method is self-motivation and regular practice. "We don't teach pupils what they should learn to get ahead of others or to get a university place, but we guide them to learn on their own and at their own pace," says Mr Yoshida. "By practising and working on tasks specially designed to arouse interest and offer satisfaction, pupils are encouraged to learn beyond their current academic levels and discover their potential." Although Kumon has enjoyed steady development, Mr Yoshida concedes they are still a long way from their ultimate goal. "Our target is to set up 260 centres in Hong Kong by 2008 and for Hong Kong people to recognise the benefits of the method. We hope they will think of Kumon whenever their children encounter learning difficulties, so that it becomes a part of their education." Then and now Before First centre opened in Hong Kong in 1988 to offer Japanese, English and mathematics learning materials for the children of Japanese families in Hong Kong After Operates 124 registered centres and offers learning materials in Chinese 99 per cent of students in Hong Kong are local Chinese Became a registered educational institution Provided franchise opportunities for like-minded educators Learning materials regularly updated in line with children's educational needs Taken from Career Times 4 November 2005 Your comments are welcome at [email protected]