Most Likely to Succeed WA Chapter Viewing

On 9 March 2016, the Association for Learning Environments Australasia WA Chapter hosted a viewing of the documentary, Most Likely To Succeed to approximately 40 members and colleagues. Starting with the usual networking over refreshments, most of us were unsure what to expect of this ‘must see’ documentary which has been applauded by audiences at Sundance, Tribeca and the American Film Institute festivals.

Education is often a highly political topic and the system in the US has received little challenge and reform over the last Century. With more than half of America’s new college graduates unable to find employment, the Director Greg Whitely questions the relevance of the US education system in preparing children and young adults to become successful global citizens. Whitley believes the education system is the root of the issue not the current economy and the system is in desperate need to respond to the radical changes in the work place utilising technology and out sourcing labour in problem solving activities.

The documentary focuses on the shift in pedagogy for a Charter school in San Diego – High Tech High – and follows the course through the eyes of students, teachers and parents. There are no standardised tests, nor instructional teaching of compartmentalised subjects which are designed to make it easier for teachers to assess and parents to compare their child’s performance against others. The teachers are provocateurs and challenge the students to think for themselves through project based learning and a more independent student focused curriculum. The project work is summarised through an end of year exhibition which is organised and managed by the students. The journey the students (and their parents) make through the course is enlightening and the students’ outcomes are very real and also moving.

Everyone involved in education need to see this film. As teachers, to think about less prescriptive pedagogies; as educational facility designers and planners, creating spaces for flexible, unstructured, project based learning potentially resembling closer to contemporary workplaces; as parents and as general citizens. (Yes, that does cover everyone!).

The Association for Learning Environments Australasia WA Chapter in association with Scotch College will be showing the documentary again on Wednesday 27 April 6pm for a 6.15 start - Dickinson Centre, Scotch college (capacity 280)
map: http://www.scotch.wa.edu.au/upload/pages/campus-map/grounds-and-buildings-flyer.pdf

Book through the Association for Learning Environments Australasia WA Chapter website link : http://learningenvironments.wildapricot.org/widget/event-2216461

Paul Edwards
Events Committee Chair
WA Chapter