Using a blended O2O learning model with the online Fast ForWord® and Reading Assistant™ programs from Scientific Learning Corp., BrainMaps helps children ages 5-16 quickly achieve English proficiency
9/21/17
Media Contact:
Hallie Smith
Director of Marketing
Scientific Learning Corporation
(619) 888-0887
hsmith@scilearn.com
Oakland, Calif. — Sept. 21, 2017 — With growth in 2017 expected to reach 80 English language learning centers in operation or under construction — and with dozens more in the pipeline — BrainMaps is expected to double its learning center presence for the third year in a row, once again illustrating why it was chosen as a Star Franchise in China by Entrepreneur magazine. A key factor driving this growth is the success of BrainMaps’ O2O blended learning approach, which includes the online Fast ForWord and Reading Assistant programs from Scientific Learning Corp. (OTC PINK:SCIL), instruction from local Chinese teachers who speak English, and live performance and public speaking activities.
Since January, BrainMaps Learning Centers have expanded from 13 to 24 cities across China. At the core of this learning center model are the online neuroscience-based Fast ForWord and Reading Assistant programs, which address three critical steps for English language proficiency. The programs prepare the brain to “hear” the sounds of English, provide intensive practice on English language and reading skills, and use speech verification technology to support and listen to students as they read aloud. To further develop their skills, BrainMaps students also work offline with local English-speaking teachers in the centers, which provides a cost-effective alternative to hiring native English speakers from other countries.
Using the Fast ForWord and Reading Assistant programs in conjunction with project-based learning, guided reading, storytelling and public speaking experiences, and performance recitals, BrainMaps students are able to achieve high levels of English proficiency in as little as three years. This approach, which also includes learning experiences outside of the centers, helps students build their confidence and motivates them to broaden and deepen their English usage in a variety of real-life settings.
Among the outside learning experiences that BrainMaps has sponsored this year are events in Beijing, Shenzhen, and Changshu. Students from the BrainMaps Sanlitun Center presented an adaptation of “Swan Lake” at the National Conference Centre of Beijing. The Tianli Center in Shenzhen invited children and their parents to shop and bargain for goods “sold” by their English teachers in an English-only environment. Children could also deliver speeches to earn extra money and take part in a live auction. To celebrate the Spring Festival of China, children from the Changshu Center performed a play in English during the Lunar New Year Show on TV. In the summer, the center also cooperated with the Poly Theatre to present several local performances.
“These events help BrainMaps centers distinguish themselves as places where students build English skills, but more importantly, build the confidence to use those skills daily,” said Rick Lee, CEO of BrainMaps. “Combining Scientific Learning’s online programs with BrainMaps’ classroom activities and performance opportunities gives students an edge in gaining English skills fast — and in a highly motivating and enduring way.”
For more information, visit www.scientificlearning.com.
###
Safe Harbor Statement: The information posted in this release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding expected future growth in the number of BrainMaps centers. You can identify these statements by use of the words "may," "will," "should," "plans," "explores," "expects," "anticipates," "continue," "estimate," "project," "intend," and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or anticipated. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, general economic and business conditions, effects of potential geopolitical unrest and regional conflicts, competition, changes in technology and methods of marketing, and various other factors beyond the Company's control. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can provide no assurance that such expectations will prove to have been correct. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements.
