Why use personal bests instead of only comparing children with other children?
A personal best gives the child a reference point based on their own previous performance. It can make improvement visible without requiring social comparison.[1]
How Toku uses this
Toku can show a child their previous best for a sprint and invite them to improve on their own result.
What research shows
1
Monitoring and evaluating performance are central parts of self-regulated learning when they inform a learner’s next action.[1]
2
Formative information works best when it is used to modify future learning rather than simply record a judgement.[2]
Why this can matter for your child
The next goal becomes concrete: one more correct answer, fewer mistakes or a stronger result at the same level.
For parents
The score is most useful when it points your child back toward the skill and gives the next attempt a clear target.
Questions this helps answer
- personal best learning motivation
- should children compete with themselves
- goal setting maths practice
- progress tracking children
References
- Education Endowment Foundation (2026). Metacognition and self-regulation. Teaching and Learning Toolkit.
- Paul Black & Dylan Wiliam (1998). Assessment and classroom learning. Assessment in Education.