Whenever anyone asks for an explanation of the educational shame in one of the world's great economic powers, the answer is that Brazil prefers the top of society rather than the base. We care more for our universities than for our elementary and secondary schools.
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True Words Cristovam written by Zico,
December 16, 2009
Your commentary on the state of education is good, as one would expect from a professor. I'm an American/Brazilian now living in Brazil. My girlfriend is college professor, and I also have done many "palestres" at local colleges.
One thing that fascinates me is the lack of respect, in the classroom, for the professors. The "students" frelly talk to each other, get up and go outside for a smoke, while the professor is teaching. It seems like these kids are just taking classes because it's easier than working for Daddy. The poorer kids in the room who want an education suffer from the chaos. During each of my palestres I have asked people to leave the room.
The vestibular process is also awefull. Kids are forced to pick a career prior to taking the test. How does a 17 year old know he wants to be an orthodontist, or a lawyer, for the rest of his life?
The US model, based on the SAT exam and high school grades, is much better. You can apply to any university for any degree based on your grades. You can change majors. And today, many universites (Notre Dame, for instance) do not let new student decide on a major until their 3rd year. Why? Because kids start a degree and often change their minds. But at least they have the freedom to do so.
As far as a Federal program ending fraud. What are the odds? In Brazil, "Federal Progam" = Fraud. Sadly.
+0
Zico written by João da Silva,
December 16, 2009
One thing that fascinates me is the lack of respect, in the classroom, for the professors.
Don´t be diplomatic & "puxa-saco". Replace "fascinates me" with "scares the s**t out of me".
During each of my palestres I have asked people to leave the room.
The day will come when the "people" will ask you to get the hell out of the class room.
The US model, based on the SAT exam and high school grades, is much better.
I am told by some scholarly educators (friends of mine) that ENEM is more or less close to SAT. Of course, the good Senator is not too happy about it.For that matter he is not happy about anything.
I suggest you behave yourself in the classroom during your palestras and not be too strict with your students unless you want to get black eyes.
Whenever anyone asks for an explanation of the educational shame in one of the world's great economic powers, the answer is that Brazil prefers the top of society rather than the base. We care more for our universities than for our elementary and secondary schools. 
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One thing that fascinates me is the lack of respect, in the classroom, for the professors. The "students" frelly talk to each other, get up and go outside for a smoke, while the professor is teaching. It seems like these kids are just taking classes because it's easier than working for Daddy. The poorer kids in the room who want an education suffer from the chaos. During each of my palestres I have asked people to leave the room.
The vestibular process is also awefull. Kids are forced to pick a career prior to taking the test. How does a 17 year old know he wants to be an orthodontist, or a lawyer, for the rest of his life?
The US model, based on the SAT exam and high school grades, is much better. You can apply to any university for any degree based on your grades. You can change majors. And today, many universites (Notre Dame, for instance) do not let new student decide on a major until their 3rd year. Why? Because kids start a degree and often change their minds. But at least they have the freedom to do so.
As far as a Federal program ending fraud. What are the odds? In Brazil, "Federal Progam" = Fraud. Sadly.