Advanced Overseas Research in Brazil (Danilo Dalmon)

I went to Brazil in February 2023, to conduct my field research to collect primary qualitative data for my dissertation. My research uses mixed methods, so during the first year, I conducted my quantitative analysis and prepared for the field research. I was able to travel for the overseas research with support from the Kobe University Social Science Alumni Association.

During my stay in Brazil, I travelled to four different states and visited eight municipalities, two in each state. In each municipality, I interviewed the head of the municipal department of education and education advisors, and I visited one or two schools to interview the school principal. I spent one day collecting data in each municipality, and because distances are long in Brazil, I usually spent one day travelling from one municipality to the other, usually by bus. For the furthest trips, I took planes. The municipalities I visited were small, so the distances to the schools were small.

The data collected involves the practices implemented by the municipal departments of education to support schools in improving student achievement. All interviewees signed the informed consent form and were really kind in providing rich information about their work and the context they work on. This data is essential to understand what makes some municipalities more effective than others in improving student achievement, which is the overarching goal of my research.

I would like to thank Professor Ogawa for supervising my research and supporting this advanced overseas research, and the Kobe University Social Science Alumni Association for the financial support. I would like also to thank the heads of municipal departments I visited for receiving me and providing me the data. It was such an invaluable experience for me.

Authored by Danilo Dalmon (Docotral Student)