The documentary Most Likely to Succeed was very thought provoking. I was surprised and enlightened, and it made me have questions about the future of our students. I will use the jam board we created in class and reflect on four categories: what I learned, what surprised me, what problems and opportunities I identified, and what questions I still have after watching the film.
The film was full of new facts that I never knew before. I had no idea that the model put forth in the industrial revolution for purposes that benefited factory owners is the same model we use today in the education system. The bells, blocks of time, and separating subjects was a novel idea at the time and we take for granted that this is the only way an education system can be run. I learned that a high school in the US called High Tech High has taken the age old model and turned it on its head where subjects are combined, no bells are used, and teachers can teach whatever they want.
I was surprised that more school districts haven’t adopted this new model like High Tech High. As discussed in the film, todays jobs are much different that the jobs 130 years ago. Computers are making middle class jobs obsolete. Jobs that do not require creative thinking, such as assembly line jobs, are being taken over by machines. I was also surprised that soft skills such as collaboration, confidence, and creative thinking are so important. These qualities are really focused on and enhanced with this new model. I was surprised that they talked about the traditional model of teaching, which focuses on memorization and standardized tests, does not allow for as much retention versus the project/exhibition model. The students were so engaged and were in charge of the content of their projects. I was amazed at the change in some of the students from the beginning of the film compared to the end of the film. The confidence and assertiveness was in the students was apparent and it was clear how these would be valuable job assets.
I saw several opportunities and problems in the film. One problem is, if schools across the world keep going with the teaching model of yesterday, are students going to have the skills needed to compete in the job market of the future? There is an opportunity to change how material is taught and what material is relevant in today’s rapidly advancing technological explosion! Graduates of college are not guaranteed a job anymore with a degree, which used to be the case. I think there is a great opportunity for schools across the globe to change the method and material that is taught to be more relevant to the needs of future graduates.
After the movie was over I still had a few questions. I really wanted to know how to get all schools on board with this new innovative way of teaching students if this is going to prepare them for the jobs of the future. I also questioned if this was the right way to go. Should we get rid of the old system of standardized tests? Would that solve the problem of information retention? How are middle class people going to survive as computers and machines are making most jobs obsolete? Is there a solution to this problem?
This film opened my eyes to problems and opportunities that I didn’t even know existed. It also ignited a curiosity about how and why certain curriculums are taught. It has made me rethink the school system altogether and has made me reflect on how I will teach future students. I will want to encourage collaboration, creative thinking, student driven projects and exhibition. I will take into consideration that all students learn differently and that standardized tests are not the only way of measuring a students success. I am also aware of the importance of soft skills in the classroom and students must be aware of their importance in the workplace. Overall, this film was a game changer for the way I think of education.
