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Education, Online Learning, Resources
Mathnasium vs Kumon vs MathProject: Different Math Programs
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Finding the right math program can seem overwhelming! Your child’s math education and growth in their math skills are dependent on the supplemental learning they’re provided, so it’s crucial to find the right one that fits all their learning needs. However, the approach that after school math programs take to teach math varies. The level of standardization and customization also varies significantly. So, what exactly are the differences between MathProject vs Mathnasium vs Kumon?
Kumon: Learn Math by Repeated Practice
Kumon is a math program for children 3 to 16 years old, which focuses on building math skills through repetitive math problems. Children are assigned worksheets in every class and are expected to solve them independently. The Kumon Method believes extensive practice could improve self-learning skills, meaning children solve hundreds of questions of the same type until they move onto the next math topic.
In Kumon, students do not start with the math topics they are doing in school. The students’ results on Kumon’s placement test determine which math topic they will start with, increasing the possibility of not matching the school syllabus. In fact, Kumon’s philosophy does not commit to covering all topics of the school curriculum. While Kumon focuses on short, small, incremental assignments to help students master the basic math concepts, the repetitive, drill-type practice may not be as effective in implementing determination in children to strive for excellence. Kumon’s curriculum is often criticized for lacking high-level word problems that facilitate the development of critical thinking and problem solving skills.
While a teacher is present in a group classroom where students work on individual worksheets, the teacher acts as a facilitator who only gives relevant inputs to the students so that worksheet questions are solved correctly. These teachers are often high school students, and do not have proper training prior to teaching younger students.
Mathnasium: Restrictive In-Session Math Learning
Mathnasium provides math programs for elementary, middle, and high school students. Similar to Kumon, students are to complete worksheets during the sessions. Despite having smaller class sizes (1 to 5 students per instructor) than Kumon, Mathnasium’s students still lack the individual attention they would receive in a session with a smaller student-to-teacher ratio or one-to-one math tutoring.
The Mathnasium Method incorporates five facets into math learning: Mental, Verbal, Visual, Tactile, and Written. These ways are meant to accommodate all types of learners, often utilizing paper-and-pencil practices to solidify thought processes and concepts. However, all teaching takes place during the session and students are not allowed to take their learning material home. Mathnasium does not assign any homework due to limitations on accessing their curriculum from outside of their centres or LMS, restricting the growth of students’ math skills as they are unable to work independently at home. Unfortunately, Math does not come without practice. In fact, solving math in our daily life keeps children’s brains active and hence increases their memory power.
Frequent math practice strengthens children’s brains, enhancing cognitive skills, logical thinking, and decision-making abilities. As children trust their brain’s capacity through regular math exercises, their confidence grows. Without take-home practices, Mathnasium students are deprived of the opportunity to practice math frequently.
MathProject: Customized Math Learning Plans
MathProject offers K-12 math programs, with heavy emphasis on bridging any learning gaps in math, boosting a child’s motivation and confidence in math. The MathProject Standard focuses on concepts, thought-process and reasoning instead of pure memorization or drills. MathProject’s curriculum fosters problem-solving skills, encouraging students to think outside the box. Students are motivated to achieve success by aiming for an 85% passing score on assignments and tests.
MathProject’s teachers undergo a rigorous selection process, with many having a proven record of excellence in university-level math. They possess mentorship and leadership skills, making complex math concepts relatable to students.
MathProject’s K-8 curriculum is unique, proven and enriches the US and Canadian Common Core School Curriculum. Students may choose between one-to-one and group sessions. MathProject’s programs provide up 1.5 to 6 hours of instruction time per week, which by far exceeds what other math programs have to offer. In addition to weekly sessions, MathProject also provides free online drop-in sessions with teachers for homework help. With homework assignments to reinforce the material learned in their study sessions, parents have the option to choose the amount of homework assigned to their children on a weekly basis. The program also includes tests and assessments conducted throughout to solidify progress and skill retention.
MathProject also equips students who excel in math or have an interest in mathematics to participate in test-taking environments and national and international math contests, including Mathematica, Kangaroo, Gauss, Pascal, Euclid, AMC (American Mathematics Competition), International Mathematical Olympiad, and many more. Besides achieving milestones in these math contests, many MathProject students are also able to pass Advanced Placement Exams with flying colours.
Mathnasium vs Kumon vs MathProject
Practice is necessary for mastering math topics, but there are so many more essential factors to achieving math success and beyond. Practice without conceptual clarity and reasoning leads to students “memorizing” steps which can be detrimental to their math learning. While this may show positive effects in the short term, it will create problems in the later years due to weak foundation.
Math education is beyond in-session learning. After-class applications are equally important as in-class learning. An effective math program not only should help students with their academics, but also should change their attitude towards math. Boosting a child’s math performance in school is just a first step.
The math programs at MathProject vs Mathnasium vs Kumon differ in many areas, including the target age group, math topics covered in math lessons, math class size, math teachers, and core teaching philosophy:
MathProject | Mathnasium | Kumon | |
| Age Group | 4 to 18 years olds | 6 to 18 years olds | 3 to 16 years olds |
| Math Topics Covered | All topics covered by school, and beyond | All topics covered by school | Most topics that schools cover, but not all |
| Class Size | 1 to 3 students (or less) per instructor and 1-to-1 sessions also available | 1 to 5 students (or more) per instructor | Can get as large as a school class |
| Teachers | – Go through a rigorous selection process, and must have a proven record of excellence in math at university level – Well-trained for mentorship and leadership skills | Require to pass a rigorous math screening that tests mathematical thinking | Hire highschool students to teach younger students |
| Core Philosophy | Learn by reasoning, critical thinking and problem solving in class and beyond | Restrict math learning through repeated practice during sessions | Repeated practice on similar questions helps build mastery |
When comparing the math programs from MathProject vs Mathnasium vs Kumon, MathProject pushes past the regime of mindless repetition, instead implementing teaching methods that instill an attitude of excellence and math confidence in children. The program provides individualized, customized teaching plans tailored to each student’s learning needs. After joining MathProject’s program, 87% of the students reported significantly ahead of their math class in school. The program has received extremely high parent satisfaction, with 95% reporting signs of improved work organization, study habits, better time management, and increased work responsibility in their children. The Google reviews provided by parents and students can be the most influential testimony to the program’s effectiveness. Check out our Google reviews!
Do you think your kids need help to improve math? MathProject offers math tutoring programs in Katy, Richmond, Cypress, Sugar Land, Missouri City and/or Hillcroft, and even online. Contact us today at 1-844-628-4243 to book a free assessment!
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Citations:
Mathnasium vs Kumon – masterygenius.com
Kumon – kumon.com
Mathnasium – mathnasium.com
Benefits of Solving Maths / Mathematics | Mental Workout – mswebtutor.com
Cuemath Vs Kumon – cuemath.com
