Os 3 I's na Educação | Tim Vieira | TEDxFigueiroDosVinhos

Tim Vieira's Vision for Education

• Tim Vieira, a dreamer and someone who likes to break down big problems into smaller parts, believes in making a gradual change.
• He acknowledges the need for a better education system, one that is more flexible, personalized, and relevant to the modern world.

The Flaws of the Traditional Education System

• Vieira believes that the traditional education model is broken and stagnant, having remained unchanged for 200 years.
• He argues that the old model, which focused on repetitive tasks and memorization, is no longer suitable for the changing world.
• The speaker argues that the current education system is outdated and inflexible, citing the historical reasons for long summer breaks (harvesting and the Black Death) as no longer relevant.
• He emphasizes that the system is resistant to change, comparing it to the difficulty of putting a man on Mars, as quoted by Elon Musk.
• The speaker criticizes the tendency to blame students for their struggles instead of acknowledging the flaws in the system itself.
• He highlights the need for a change in mindset, both from educators and parents, to address the issues within the system.
• The speaker emphasizes the urgency of the situation, stating that failing to adapt will continue to negatively impact children's potential.
• He concludes by reiterating that the education system is "sick" and needs to be addressed, citing the concerns of parents, teachers, government officials, and entrepreneurs.
• The speaker argues that continuing to use the same methods in education while expecting different results is foolish.

The Need for a More Engaging and Relevant Education

• He believes education should be relevant and engaging, captivating students.
• He encourages thinking outside the box, even discarding the box entirely, to create a more dynamic learning environment.
• The speaker is motivated by the students and the potential impact education can have on their lives.
• He shares a letter from a student who feels disconnected from the Portuguese education system, highlighting the need for change.
• The student expresses a desire to innovate and be recognized as an individual, rather than just a vessel for facts and figures.
• The speaker emphasizes the importance of teaching problem-solving and critical thinking skills, rather than relying solely on memorization and repetition.

The Brave Generation Academy (BGA)

• The speaker is discussing the Brave Generation Academy (BGA), which is a new type of educational institution that offers a different approach to learning.
• He believes that the BGA is a place where students can thrive and find their place.
• The speaker, Tim Vieira, is interested in learning more about the Brave Generation Academy's philosophy and approach to education.
• He believes that the current education system is stagnant and outdated, and that students would benefit from more freedom and flexibility in their learning.
• He suggests that homework should be voluntary and based on curiosity and exploration, rather than rigid deadlines and fixed tasks.
• He shares his personal experience of taking his children out of traditional school and enrolling them in the Brave Generation Academy.
• He explains that his children were initially excited about learning but quickly lost interest due to the pressure of homework and deadlines.
• He believes that the Brave Generation Academy's approach, which focuses on passion and exploration, is a more effective way to learn.
• BGA has agreements with 142 universities abroad, allowing students to start their bachelor's degrees at the age of 16 and finish by 18 or 19.
• BGA emphasizes experiential learning, teamwork, and proof of knowledge, which are skills that are highly valued in today's job market.
• BGA aims to be an ecosystem for education, offering courses for people of all ages, including those seeking reskilling or upskilling.
• BGA offers a unique program that allows students to study in different countries, such as Portugal, Bengal, and Mozambique.
• The speaker believes that BGA can help address the challenges of traditional education, such as the lack of space in universities and the need for more sustainable solutions.

The Brave Generation Academy's Learning Hubs

• Tim and his wife opened a small learning hub for 25 children.
• They implemented a platform-based learning system with 25-minute lessons that included reading, listening, watching videos, and taking quizzes.
• Children progressed at their own pace, allowing for different learning levels within the same group.
• The platform offered three different curriculums, all in English, with a Portuguese version in development.
• The hub operates year-round, with only two weeks closed for Christmas and one week for Easter.
• Parents can choose when their children take vacations, allowing for flexibility and reducing anxiety.
• The hub is open from 8 am to 6 pm, with children required to attend for 5 hours daily.
• Children can adjust their schedules to accommodate extracurricular activities.
• The hub implemented a system of three exams per year, encouraging children to learn from their mistakes and retake exams if needed.
• These changes, driven by the technology platform, demonstrated the potential for innovative learning approaches.
• The speaker discusses the creation of "hubs" in Portugal, which are learning spaces that cater to diverse needs. These hubs are located in both rural and urban areas, including Tabua, Fundão, Coimbra, and other locations.
• The hubs are designed to support children from diverse backgrounds, including those with immigrant parents who speak different languages.
• The hubs offer a flexible learning environment, allowing children to learn at their own pace and participate in various activities. They also provide access to resources like sports facilities, cafes, and coworking spaces.
• The speaker highlights the expansion of these hubs to other countries, including Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, the United States, and India.
• The hubs are designed to adapt to the changing needs of families, including those with divorced parents or those who travel frequently.
• The speaker emphasizes the importance of providing alternative learning options for children who may not thrive in traditional schools.
• The speaker mentions that the hubs are now being integrated into public schools in various countries, offering a more personalized learning experience.
• The speaker notes that the hubs have received positive feedback, including a voucher program in the United States that subsidizes the cost of attending a hub.
• The speaker concludes by mentioning that children who have attended the hubs have gone on to prestigious universities like Stanford and Berkeley.
• The speaker mentions that the Brave Generation Academy has expanded to 61 academies in 12 countries since its inception in 2020.