Regional Article

Did you know that on average, we forget more than half the information within the first few days of learning? In 1885, German psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus conducted a series of tests and found that we retain only 40% of the information after a few days. This phenomenon is the “forgetting curve”. In separate studies studying the efficacy of learning, experts have also found that spaced repetition is superior to cramming to counter the forgetting curve. In one of the studies, researchers found that spacing was more effective for 90 per cent of the participants.

Space repetition makes use of studying the same material consistently at regular intervals to reinforce the knowledge to negate the forgetting curve. This consistency in learning is not just for studying just for information retention; doing a little every day is beneficial in the long run.

Like many professional sportsmen honing their skills and developing muscle memory through daily practice, our children do benefit through consistent daily practice. As our children work on their Kumon worksheets daily, with time they will develop discipline and habit, making daily study second nature to them.

Having a consistent routine allows our children to know when it is time to bring out their Kumon worksheets and school homework. Rather than having a power struggle with our children, having a consistent study schedule helps our children to know when it is time to put the toys away and pick up their pencils. Beyond studying, having a consistent schedule with time dedicated to various activities help our children get accustomed to the schedule and internalise it, making transitioning from one activity to another a smoother experience for both parents and our children. At the same time, our children feel a sense of accomplishment and confidence that they know what to do and are in charge of themselves.

Historically, our children return to school after a holiday at a significantly lower learning level than they were before the holiday – a phenomenon commonly referred to as summer learning loss. Summer learning loss has interested education researchers for more than a century and in 2021, a group of researchers found that students lost 17% –34% of the year’s learning gains during the following summer break. They also found that students who suffered summer learning loss are also more likely to continue to lose ground in subsequent summers. Not only do we lose ground on our learning progress, but it also sets us back from our learning goals and targets as well.

Our children who study consistently daily can reap many benefits, both on the academic front and in important life skills. Hence in Kumon, our children complete a set of assigned worksheets daily, instead of cramming a few days’ worth of worksheets at one go. Not only does doing so help students to manage their workload, but they also retain information better, develop discipline and good habits, the transition from one activity to another better, and during the holidays, consistent daily practice help negate summer learning loss, keeping our children on track with their learning goals.

Consistency yields more effective learning. It is not going to be a figurative walk in the park as our children will take time to get used to the new schedule. Look out as we discuss the 7 little tips to help our children get into a consistent routine in the Parenting Tips.

“In Kumon, children have to maintain the discipline to study daily. It is beneficial for them to have a scheduled time and a regular place away from distractions such as TV and other digital devices when doing homework. Parents can also partake by recognising their children’s progress, however tiny it may seem, and giving regular positive feedback to motivate them. Some children may require breaks in their study time until they develop the mental stamina to complete their work in one sitting. Allowing this flexibility helps them understand the importance of completing the work.

Jayme’s achievement is built on her discipline and consistency of work, which are essential skills children need to develop in today’s stressful world.

Mrs. Momin, Kumon Singapore

“The design of the Kumon programme starts students off on the right foot, with a low starting point to build self-confidence and the motivation to learn. As the Instructor, it’s important that I ensure students are progressing at their own pace, and the work is at their ‘just-right’ level, challenging yet not too difficult. With frequent communication to discuss barriers to progress, both students and parents can establish strategies to overcome them and consistently reach their goals.