Here is some feedback from Brazilian students arising out of our visit in August 2007.
“It was
really good to know the limit of my brain, so I can be a better learner”.
“For sure it will help me at school from now on; my studies and my brain thank you, Phil”.
“I thought it was very interesting because it showed me a new way of learning”.
“ It is always good to be open to new learning tips. It was cool and helped me a lot, speacially my brain”.
“The lecture with Phil was very meaningful; in a
very relaxed way he taught us how we can use our power of concentration. We are
waiting for you to come again, Phil. August 2008. We have just returned from a visit to Uberlandia, Uberaba and Goiania in August 2008. Aprender was represented in a large Education Conference in Uberaba facilitated by the city authorities. We were able to run two workshops that ran for four hours. Approximately 300 teachers received training in each workshop. The feedback was excellent and has given us lots of ideas for next year. Ben Cole, our Media specialist who is Head of Technology at Heathside School, Weybridge, Surrey, ran a session on the partnership between school and business. This was also warmly received. We were then able to develop a close link with a school in Uberaba where we will be concentrating resources over the next 2 years. Classroom observations revealed that there is a lot of work to do. Passive learning and a workforce who are keen to improve but lack the vision and resourcing result in significant underachievement. Thirty percent of the students have to re-sit the year. How demoralising for both students and staff? We then set off for Goiania and spoke at a Business Conference hosted by 'Total University' - a scheme set up to reach poor communities with much needed skills and knowledge. We were then able to form a second strong link with a poor school who need a lot of help. Their classroom management and environment need significant investment. The classroom walls are made of sheet metal. Can you imagine what a class of 40 students feel like in 40 degree heat in such a setting?! Sal da Terra We were also able to formalise our link with Sal da Terra - a christian church with a wide network across Brazil and who have links with other countries. This is an excellent opportunity for us to work in partnership with a 'hands on' organisation who share our ethos and vision.