Math & English need not be boring

“You cannot teach a man anything; you can only help him discover it in himself.” — Galileo Galilei 

Watching movies that talk about mathematics are entertaining and mentally-stimulating. give viewers a whole new perspective about the subject. In Proof, a fledgling mathematician (Jake Gyllenhaal) discovers his deceased professor’s (Anthony Hopkins) notebook which contains a proof of an important theorem but the professor’s daughter (Gwyneth Paltrow) claims she wrote it. Russell Crowe plays John Forbes Nash, mathematical genius and recipient of the 1994 Nobel Prize in Economics, who struggles with schizophrenia in A Beautiful Mind.

Matt Damon, this year’s Sexiest Man Alive by People Magazine, plays a janitor at Massachusetts Institute of Technology who can solve sophisticated mathematical theorems in Good Will Hunting. Walter Matthau is Albert Einstein in I.Q. He becomes matchmaker for his niece Catherine Boyd (Meg Ryan). There is a scene where Catherine attempts to explain to Ed Walters (Tim Robbins) why they cannot dance: She can only walk half the distance between them and then half again and half again and she will never reach him.

Mathematics is considered one of the most mentally-challenging subjects in school. The great misconception about mathematics is that the subject is all about formulas and cranking out complicated arithmetic computations. There is a perception that mathematics is only based on a set of rules and formulas students must memorize.

Today’s young generation cringes when asked to solve even simple mathematical equations like writing fractions, conversions and exponents. When the teacher asks, “What is the algebraic equation of 32 is twice a number increased by eight?” Some students meekly bow down their heads imploring for divine intervention so their names will not be called. I believe students must be encouraged and properly guided to develop a good study habit while they are still young. Learning should be an enjoyable experience because it opens vast new vistas of understanding that leads to other competencies.

The Galileo Enrichment Learning Program (GELP) provides a fun, exciting and meaningful after-school program for pre-school and grade school students. It aims to improve academic aptitude by cultivating a mastery of English and Math skills and to develop a genuine love for learning among children. It was established in 2004 by a group of educators who saw the need to reinforce school-based learning in today’s globally competitive environment. GELP already has 12 centers and continues to expand its network of learning centers through franchising.

GELP was named after the Tuscan mathematician Galileo Galilei who played a major role in the scientific revolution. Galileo’s fearless and adventurous pursuit of knowledge inspired GELP. Galileo’s brilliant and radical theories changed the landscape of academic history and most modern scientific theories are established on his discoveries.

 His passion for mathematics, measurement, and design led him to create ingenious inventions like compass, clock pendulum, thermometer and telescope.

GELP’s mission is to empower children by providing them opportunities for learning enrichment. Its core values LEAD stands for Love for Children (nurture and recognize the individual needs of each learner); Excellence (provide a learning environment that is unsurpassed in the industry); Accountability (put honesty and integrity above all dealing with others); and Dedication (commitment to apply all resources to further the learning needs of the child). 

The learning program strictly follows three major steps: Assessment, adaptation and advancement. These steps will enable the student to progress at his/her current school grade while reinforcing the areas that must be improved through a tailor-fit program. The program is based on an international curriculum from pre-school to Grade 6 levels in Math and English. Assessment is designed to determine the student’s prior knowledge, level of understanding, and area of needs. Adaptation is composed of print-based materials, tactile activities, and drills that are custom-based to each student. Advancement is about the student progressing to the next level armed with appropriate skills and positive attitude towards learning.

Enrolling kids at one of the learning centers has several benefits. It empowers them with self-learning skills; nurtures the development of the child; recreates the environment to allow fun while learning; improves school grades; contributes to nation-building; and helps develop critical thinking.  

GELP’s main office is located at Penthouse, Goodwill Corporate Center Building, 393 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City. For inquiries, call 895-8095 / 890-2509, or visit its website at www.galileoenrichment.com