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How has the pandemic changed the role of teachers?

Two crucial factors have shifted due to the pandemic. First, peda- gogical adaptations have proven to be pivotal as the traditional lecturing in-person models do not translate to a remote learning environment. No matter the type of channel used (radio, TV, mobile, online platforms, etc.) teachers need to adapt their practices and be creative to keep students engaged as every household has become a classroom - more often than not without an environment that supports learning. Some countries are supporting teachers with this. In Sierra Leone, where the main remote learning channel is radio, a “live” and toll-free phone line is open for students to call teachers with questions and schedules of radio lessons allow time for children to help their families with daily chores.

Second, the pandemic has recalibrated how teachers divide their time between teaching, engaging with students, and administrative tasks. In Brazil according to a survey conducted by Instituto Peninsula, 83% of teachers did not consider being prepared to teach remotely, 67% were anxious, 38% felt tired, and less than 10% were happy or satisfied. The pandemic has highlighted the need for flexibility and more time for student-teacher interactions. For example, in Estonia teachers were given autonomy to adjust the curriculum, lesson plans, and their time allocation.

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It wasn’t the first attempt to deter foreign students, but it could have been the most disruptive. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency sought to bar visas for international students at colleges that offer only virtual instruction. Students on existing visas would have had to transfer to a school that offers at least some in-person teaching if they wanted to remain in the U.S.

The policy swiftly brought together a broad coalition of colleges, states and businesses that opposed it. “The overwhelming negative reaction to this proposal in a very short period of time shows that the administration really struck a nerve with this,” says Terry Hartle, from the American Council on Education. “It’s unprecedented for that many colleges and universities to file suit against the federal government.”

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The image depicts a nearly naked man amid a vast area of rainforest, spear pointed at the helicopter hovering above him – a man defending his territory and people from outside influence. This very scene made front-page news some years ago in the UK. It instantly highlighted the loss of ancestral homelands some tribal communities round the world face.

Bad news has a way of dominating the headlines, so we're of the opinion that all indigenous communities and their culture are in decline – and that's not true. But the allure of propagating the "disappearing tribe" narrative is strong. It’s frustrating to see journalists who go on assignment with a set story in mind and then seek out quotes, experiences or interviews to fit their predetermined angle.

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The bundle of sticks

A father had a family of sons who were always fighting among themselves. When he failed to end their disputes by his warnings, he determined to give them a practical illustration of the evils of disunion; and for this purpose he one day told them to bring him a bundle of sticks.

When they had done so, he placed the bundle into the hands of each of them in succession, and ordered them to break it in pieces. They tried with all their strength, and were not able to do it.

He next opened the bundle, took the sticks separately, one by one, and again put them into his sons’ hands, upon which they broke them easily.

He then addressed them in these words: “My sons, if you are of one mind, and unite to assist each other, you will be as this bundle, unhurt by all the attempts of your enemies; but if you are divided among yourselves, you will be broken as easily as these sticks.”

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Why smelling good could come with a cost to health

About 4,000 chemicals are currently used to scent products, but you won’t find any of them listed on a label. Fragrance formulations are considered a “trade secret” and therefore protected from disclosure – even to regulators or manufacturers. Instead, one word, fragrance, appears on ingredients lists for countless cosmetics, personal care and cleaning products. A single scent may contain anywhere from 50 to 300 distinct chemicals.

Three-quarters of the toxic chemicals detected in a test of 140 products came from fragrance, reported a 2018 BCPP study of personal care and cleaning brands. The chemicals identified were linked to chronic health issues, including cancer.

Besides common reactions to fragrance – about 35% of people report migraines or respiratory problems because of fragrance. More than 1,200 fragrance chemicals currently in use have been flagged as potential or known “chemicals of concern”. These include seven carcinogens, 15 chemicals prohibited from use in cosmetics in the EU and others cited in various international warning lists. Endocrine disrupters, which mimic human hormones, are of particular concern to many researchers and advocates, as they can have effects in the tiniest doses.

Trying to avoid fragrance chemicals is perhaps one of the trickiest modern consumer challenges. Even products labeled as unscented could have some fragrance to mask the smell of other chemicals. Watchdogs also caution that even products claiming to be “natural” or “organic” could still be harboring harmful fragrances.

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The Brazilian culture is one of the world’s most varied and diverse. This is due to its being a melting pot of nationalities, (I) ________________ a result of centuries of European domination (II) _________________ slavery, which brought hordes of African migrants across Brazil’s borders to live in and influence the local cultures with their ancient customs and ideas. The European settlers also brought ideas, innovations (III) ___________ belief systems with them, shaping the local societies significantly. All of these different influences have meant that the modern-day Brazilian culture is unique and very complex.

At present, Brazil has a population of about 190 million people. Of these, more than half are white (IV)________________ includes Portuguese, Italian, Polish etc... individuals), just fewer than 40% are mixed black and white and less than 10% are black.

Approximately 80% of the population ascribes to the Roman Catholic faith. This is due to the intense Portuguese occupation of centuries ago. These European settlers taught the indigenous tribes Catholicism, built churches and established traditions and customs that originated in this church.

Also due to the mass Portuguese settlements during the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, this language is the official language of Brazil. There are small numbers of indigenous people and immigrants who still speak their own tongues, but these are certainly among the vast minority.

Brazilians, as a nation, focus much importance on the family structure and the values that are entrenched within that institution. Families are usually large, and even extended family members are close with one another, providing much-needed help and support to each other (V) _________________ and (VI) __________________ necessary.

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The ways homelessness affects people is considerable. Homelessness contributes to challenges regaining stability and getting to work and school, and can have a lifelong impact.

When you become homeless, you lose so much. You no longer have a place to sleep, store food, cook, and eat. There is nowhere to keep your clothes, or go to the bathroom and take a bath or shower. You may need to leave your neighbors and neighborhood and may have a harder time getting to school or work. Homelessness leads to increased feelings of uncertainty, vulnerability, and isolation.

Homeless people experience great physical and mental stress. This can result in health challenges while homeless and exacerbate pre-existing conditions and disabilities. Being homeless can lead to increased chances of having chronic pain; skin, foot, and dental problems; diseases and illnesses such as tuberculosis, hypertension, asthma, and diabetes.

Many homeless people do not have access to medicine or regular physical or mental health care treatment. They tend to be hospitalized more often than people with homes. Homeless people are more likely to die prematurely as a result of injuries, unintentional overdoses, and extreme weather.

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The Brazilian culture is one of the world’s most varied and diverse. This is due to its being a melting pot of nationalities, (I) ________________ a result of centuries of European domination (II) _________________ slavery, which brought hordes of African migrants across Brazil’s borders to live in and influence the local cultures with their ancient customs and ideas. The European settlers also brought ideas, innovations (III) ___________ belief systems with them, shaping the local societies significantly. All of these different influences have meant that the modern-day Brazilian culture is unique and very complex.

At present, Brazil has a population of about 190 million people. Of these, more than half are white (IV)________________ includes Portuguese, Italian, Polish etc... individuals), just fewer than 40% are mixed black and white and less than 10% are black.

Approximately 80% of the population ascribes to the Roman Catholic faith. This is due to the intense Portuguese occupation of centuries ago. These European settlers taught the indigenous tribes Catholicism, built churches and established traditions and customs that originated in this church.

Also due to the mass Portuguese settlements during the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, this language is the official language of Brazil. There are small numbers of indigenous people and immigrants who still speak their own tongues, but these are certainly among the vast minority.

Brazilians, as a nation, focus much importance on the family structure and the values that are entrenched within that institution. Families are usually large, and even extended family members are close with one another, providing much-needed help and support to each other (V) _________________ and (VI) __________________ necessary.

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‘The Terror of Blue John Gap’ is a short story written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, first published in 1912. He is best known as the creator of the great fictional detective, Sherlock Holmes. This story is set in the English county of Derbyshire, in the Peak District, near the village of Castleton. The main action takes place in the old, disused Blue John mines in the area. Blue John Stone is a rare, semi-precious mineral.

The story is as a series of diary entries, written by Dr James Hardcastle and found after his disappearance. Armitage, a local man, who introduces the story, describes Hardcastle as a rational and scientific man, “absolutely devoid of imagination, and most unlikely to invent any abnormal series of events”. Dr Hardcastle has been sent to the country to recover from tuberculosis. He is staying on a farm, near the town of Castleton. He spends his time walking in the hills, and he becomes interested in the old disused mines and caves under the hills. Armitage tells Dr Hardcastle the legend of Blue John Gap.

Local people say there is a monster that lives in the underground caves and comes out at night to steal sheep. Armitage says he has heard the monster. Dr Hardcastle is surprised by how superstitious the locals are, until he himself hears the strange noise, too. He decides to explore the cave when he is feeling stronger. Dr Hardcastle starts to explore the entrance of the cave, and wonders if it is possible that some kind of strange creature lives in the underground caves. While in the caves, his candle goes out and he is left in the dark. He hears strange noises and feels the presence of the monster. He immediately runs out of the caves, frightened by his experience, and then he decides to tell someone about what happened. He goes to visit a local doctor. The doctor refers him to a specialist, but Dr Hardcastle chooses not to talk to him. At the same time, sheep go missing on the hills near Blue John Gap. When Armitage also goes missing, Dr Hardcastle decides to tell the police about his experience and yet they laugh at him, so Dr Hardcastle decides to face the monster on his own. He buys a lantern and a rifle, and leaves a note in his bedroom, telling his hosts to look for him in Blue John Gap if he goes missing.