How Kumon Connect Helped Mikhail Take Ownership of His Learning

Mikhail Kim’s relationship with homework was anything but positive. Every evening brought the same challenge of homework that often ended in frustration. “For a parent, it was difficult to watch—knowing he was capable, but not seeing that confidence,” said Mikhail’s mother. That began to change after Mikhail enrolled in Kumon. Not all at once, but gradually, as his family built Kumon into their daily routine. Mikhail’s mother described it as “a new routine, a different way of practicing,” referring to the steady and daily learning Kumon instills in all students.

 When students first begin the program, they start at a just right level, designed to rebuild confidence and restore a sense of ease in learning. For Mikhail, this approach made homework feel doable again, rather than something that left him feeling defeated.

The biggest shift in Mikhail’s Kumon journey came when he switched to Kumon Connect. Learning was no longer tied to a specific place or time, giving him the flexibility to study “at his own pace, in his own space, with a sense of independence he had not felt before,” his mother shared. Kumon Connect, the tablet-based version of Kumon’s traditional worksheet program, made daily practice more accessible and helped Mikhail take ownership of his learning.

To better understand this shift, we asked Mikhail’s mother to share more about her decision to switch to Kumon Connect.

1. What made you decide to switch to Kumon Connect after being in the traditional paper program?
   • We switched to Kumon Connect because it offered more flexibility and convenience than the traditional paper program. Having assignments available on a tablet made it easier for Mikhail to stay organized, complete work while traveling, and submit assignments without carrying the worksheets. We also liked the fact that it’s easy to track all study records and our Instructor could review the work faster and provide feedback. 
2. Which features have made the biggest difference in maintaining Mikhail’s daily routine?
   • The biggest difference in maintaining Mikhail’s daily routine is the assignment tracking, the clear daily workload display, and the reminders to complete work. Being able to see exactly what needs to be done each day helps keep him consistent and reduces the need for constant supervision. 
3. How involved are you now compared to before? Has your role changed?
   • My role shifted more toward checking in on his progress, providing support when needed, and helping him stay motivated rather than constantly monitoring what needs to be done.
4. Did Kumon Connect help you trust Mikhail to work more independently? How?
   • Yes, Kumon Connect has definitely helped me trust Mikhail to work more independently. The platform gives him clear visibility into his daily assignments and progress, which allows him to take greater ownership of his work. Over time, I’ve seen him become more confident in managing his routine, and I’ve become more comfortable stepping back.
5. What was the first moment you noticed a shift in his confidence or attitude?
   • The first noticeable shift came when Mikhail started completing his daily work without needing frequent reminders or help getting started. As he became more comfortable using the platform and tracking his own assignments, he seemed more confident in taking responsibility for his work.
6. How did your Instructor guide you in making the switch to Kumon Connect? Was the transition smooth?
   • The Instructor and center assistants at Kumon of Willowbrook are amazing! They guided us through the transition by clearly explaining how Kumon Connect works and would be beneficial for Mikhail, helping us set up the app, and answering any questions we had along the way. They made sure both Mikhail and I understood how to access assignments, complete work, and track progress digitally.

Mikhail’s Kumon journey has transformed the way he sees learning. With the accessibility of Kumon Connect and the independence it helped him build, Mikhail has taken ownership of his learning and that ownership has grown into motivation that extends beyond academics. His mother shared, “Now, I see real results—not just in his improved skills, but in his mindset.” Once hesitant to take on challenging work, Mikhail is now more willing to try new things and stay resilient when difficulties arise. Learning, which once felt like something to avoid, has become something he takes pride in.

Today, he is studying math two years ahead of his grade level, a true testament to the confidence he has built through the program. For Mikhail, Kumon Connect helped turn daily practice into meaningful growth, building confidence that extends far beyond the classroom.