Education systems face challenges in student engagement and class sizes

Educational systems in Brazil and Portugal are facing diverse challenges and reflections regarding student engagement and infrastructure. In Brazil, research conducted by the Ministry of Education indicates that a sense of belonging is crucial for student retention. Data shows 66% of 6th and 7th graders feel welcomed by their schools, though this drops to 54% for 8th and 9th graders. Programs like Escolaí are being used to foster student protagonism and strengthen school bonds.

Simultaneously, an exhibition at Itaú Cultural in São Paulo honors the legacy of Anísio Teixeira, the patron of Brazilian public education. The showcase highlights his theories on integral education and democratic schooling, which remain central to contemporary pedagogical debates.

In Portugal, a crisis in school placements has led to a debate over class sizes. To address a shortage of vacancies in regions like Lisbon and Sintra, the Ministry of Education has directed the expansion of existing groups to 30 students per class. While officials argue this does not harm academic results, educators and psychologists warn of the ‘invisible impact’ on student-teacher relationships and the challenges of managing heterogeneous groups in aging infrastructures.