Exploring New Horizons: Finnish-Brazilian Educational Collaboration visit between FIER ILE and PUC-Rio
In February 2024, our Innovative Learning Environments research team (ILE) made a multi-project visit to South-America, visiting various universities and schools in Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina. On 16th February 2024, our team researchers Matias Mäki-Kuutti and Orsolya Tuba met with Prof. Dr. Augusto César Pinheiro da Silva, Vice-Dean of Undergraduate Studies at the Department of Geography and Environment, and Timea Thomazy, a visiting professor and a PhD candidate at the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio) in Brazil.
In this meeting, we explored several important topics about education in both Finland and Brazil, looking into the potential collaborative projects and initiatives between PUC-Rio and the University of Jyväskyla, seeking to leverage their respective strengths for mutual benefit. Our team introduced the Finnish educational system, the international relations frameworks of JYU and FIER, fostering a deeper understanding of each institution's global outreach and collaboration strategies.
A focal point of the meeting was the exploration of disparities and similarities in teacher training methodologies between Finland and Brazil, which offered valuable insights into pedagogical approaches and educational practices. Our team agreed to create an online introductory speech and a question-and-answer lesson for PUC-Rio teacher students this spring.
Cross-cultural learning experiences for exchange students are also possible for both Ma and PhD, between Finland and Brazil, but they are mostly limited by the language capabilities of students, (Portugese for Finnish students, and English for Brazilian students). With language skills in check, JYU and PUC-Rio can facilitate cross-cultural learning experiences and broaden students' horizons overseas.
Our Ile crew also used this fantastic opportunity to share knowledge about our current projects in Uruguay, the FinnUruSteam project, and the MultiLED Uruguay project, as well as our ongoing Erasmus+ funded projects! Discussing opportunities for project cooperations and other means of research collaboration. We are honoured to have been able to visit you, and let's stay in touch!
