“Teaching and Learning the English Language in Brazil: Challenges and Opportunities”, report compiled by the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Brazil in partnership with the startup ChatClass
In addition to the mandatory school curriculum, knowing English is now a fundamental skill for the job market. To better understand the status of teaching this language in schools, the Regional English Language Office (RELO) of the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Brazil, together with the startup ChatClass, which democratizes teaching through technologies, conducted an extensive research report called “Teaching and Learning English Language in Brazil: Challenges and Opportunities”.
The result of the largest survey ever conducted in the country on the subject will be presented on May 19, at 18h (Brasilia time), by the link: https://youtu.be/1IARYAjQwY8
Data were collected from 18,304 parents and guardians, 4,143 teachers and 137,015 middle and high school students, who also took a language knowledge test. About 76% of these students are from public institutions. The region with the highest participation was the Northeast (49%), followed by the Southeast (25%), North (11%), South (9%) and Midwest (6%).
According to Jennifer Uhler, Director of RELO, “This report is a snapshot of the current reality and points out several of the aspects already mentioned and discussed by experts and professionals working in the area in Brazil, but with a great differential: through the data collected during the English Olympics, including aspects pointed out by various experts and educators, we were able to observe, analyze and highlight the need for language learning effectively, with the encouragement and involvement of all”.
When asked about the greatest challenges to learn, 50% of the students answered that the largest of them was “exposure to the English language”. For ChatClass CEO and founder Jan Krutzinna, this is clearly a wake-up call. “This shows us that students face challenges for greater exposure, defined here as opportunities to interact, learn and practice English”, he says. Also included in the report are technology and family support as two important pillars for increasing this exposure.
Regarding the question “If a smartphone app, focused on teaching English, was implemented in the regular school, would this motivate you to learn the language?”, 91% answered yes.
In relation to guardians of participating students, 46% reported not participating in the English studies of their dependents. In the overall result, only 5% stated that they speak English with young people, and, in the group of students who scored best, there is an increase to 18% of parents in this practice.
As for teachers, one data point attention was highlighted: 96% said that incorporating smartphones into class would encourage students. In addition, 93% answered “yes” when asked if gamification in class would have a positive effect.
“One way to use English is over the internet and unfortunately only 57% of them claimed to have any kind of network access during classes. In addition, in relation to this percentage, it is interpreted that almost half of teachers only use the internet at home”, comments the CEO of ChatClass.
A total of 71% claimed to have received technology training. However, many teachers said that this preparation was not based on the practical work of these technologies and they had trouble attending the courses. The main reasons for not attending training were: lack of funds (45%); time conflicts (32%); and distance (17%).
Based on these and other data from the study, recommendations better use of English teaching and learning are identified in the full report.
According to Jennifer, “These recommendations meet the pressing needs for learning the English language, despite the participation of family members and guardians, as well as teachers and students, all key pieces for the teaching/learning process to take place properly. Providing resources and opportunities for professional improvement are fundamental aspects. Motivated and engaged students: our first step to success”.
To read the full report,visit: http://olimpiadadeingles.com/relatorio-ingles-2020
Service:
Presentation of the Results of the Research “Teaching and Learning of English Language in Brazil: Challenges and Opportunities”.
Date: 5/19, Wednesday
Time: 18h (Brasilia time)
Link: https://youtu.be/1IARYAjQwY8
About ChatClass:
Startup conceived by German entrepreneur Jan Krutzinna, a two-time Harvard graduate, aims to democratize teaching through technologies already inserted in the daily lives of students. Developed its Artificial Intelligence that works via WhatsApp, an application that reaches 99% of smartphones in the country and has impacted more than 500,000 students from the public and private system throughout Brazil, in addition to having its solutions paid ChatClass Plus and ChatClass Premium. It has already been selected for programs such as Facebook Hack Station and Google for Startups, as well as receiving investments from Canary and Graph Ventures. More information at: https://www.chatclass.com.br/.
About the English Language Teaching Office of the U.S. Embassy and Consulates:
The Regional English Language Office (RELO) of the U.S. Embassy and Consulates strengthens the U.S.-Brazil strategic partnership by training teachers and students in learning U.S. language and culture throughout Brazil. Located at the U.S. Embassy in Brasilia, RELO relates to the Ministry and State and Municipal Departments of Education, associations of English teachers, public and private universities, as well as other partners to offer opportunities for professional and educational training, as well as exchange programs and materials for English teachers and students. For more information, visit https://br.usembassy.gov/education-culture/english-teaching-learning/.
