Deep Learning to Change the World

Head teachers in the SLANT Project from the UK and Brazil

I was sorry to miss the first Deep Learning Day that my Deputy, Kate, and her teams have invested so much time in. My email sweeps are keeping me up to date with everything but there is no substitute for being there on the day. All I can offer is my own deep learning in this final Brazil blog.

I’ve learned that the Brazilians really value education- my kind of people then. One head asks me, in a moment of self doubt; ‘Do you really think we can change the world?’

‘No doubt about it,’ I tell her. ‘You already are.’ And it’s true. The projects in these schools on health education, particularly sexual health and on the environment are making a difference.
















Eight ways to change the world

In Recife, I’m told, there is a lot of violence. ‘What kind?’ I ask, innocently. ‘Well between twelve and fifteen murders a week.’ I gasp, making a mental note to avoid late night strolls on the beach.

But the school provides a safe haven for the youngsters, a place where they are given meals each day, cared for and taught. The senior and vocational school we visited today, despite the violence in the area, was inviting, purposeful, full of fun and warmth. The environment was attractive with plants and open areas- a rural feel within a very urban setting.

The project is much talked about over here. The wall posters and tea shirts have photos of our last visit, images everywhere. And we even made it onto national television on Saturday at lunchtime, following Globo TV interviews and recordings of our work the day before. I know, more TV appearances- but how could I say no?

I’ve learned that other countries value our educational thinking and that many of our ideas will transfer. The processes introduced in recent years in the UK and the South Dartmoor styles in particular are much admired. Our work on observation and teachers as learners is now getting the Brazilian make-over, ready for their visit over here in September.

I’ve seen again how impressive the human spirit can be in the face of poverty. We waited at three sets of red traffic lights yesterday and at each there were children, finding ways to earn money. At the first literally teams of youngsters with bottles of water and cloths began cleaning and polishing windscreens. But I didn’t see any money change hands as the lights turned green.

At the second set of lights, a young cyclist was clinging to the bendy bus in front, taking advantage of the free propulsion when it set off, as his bike was so laden with goods for sale. He didn’t let go.

At the third, a little boy emerged carrying a tray full of ripe tomatoes. He showed it to each car until one hooted and indicated he wanted to buy. But lights turned to green. Undaunted, the little boy raced across the road at the speed of the accelerating car to catch it on the other side, his face lit up with expectation of a sale. But the driver hooted again, waved his arms and drove off.

I’ve almost drunk from my last cocoa nut. It’s now my favourite drink. A new dessert today was made for us by the head teacher’s mother- manioc pudding with caramelised sugar on the top. And I quite like yams for breakfast.

The Brazilian sense of fun is what I like most. When I told a colleague that in England, on 29 February the woman can propose marriage to the man, his face broke into a broad smile as he began teasing the females in our group. ‘I’m expecting an offer,’ he said. My phone will be on till midnight.’

It’s been something of a campaign theme in the schools as we try to go below the surface and probe deeply. This project has huge expectations attached, both here and in South America as a whole. The British Council are doing a great job, though not helped by one of the UK heads having to leave in the middle because of OFSTED. You really would think that that organisation could show a little understanding and flexibility occasionally- or what about a dose of deep learning?

There are many ways to achieve deep learning and to change the world. I’ve been privileged to be a small contributor to one of them.