Most likely to succeed by Tony Wagner and Ted Dintersmith is an interesting film that captures the beauty of using a project based learning approach in a public school setting. Teachers have the freedom to teach with little to no guidelines. This often means more group projects and less standard examinations. This film captures how children take initiative of their own learning. In conclusion, the students come out each year happy and confidence with a strong skill set.

Its interesting to compare the difference between this environment and a “typical” classroom environment. Even when children “fail” at a project they still consider it a success because their mistakes are thought of as learning opportunities. As long as they work hard and put in effort, they come out of every learning experience a stronger student. Whereas a typical school would provide them with an F and go along with their day. As a teacher, this is difficult to hear because I wouldn’t want any student to give up or not have the confidence they deserve because they didn’t do something the way a teacher expected.

In contrast, I’m curious to how project based learners experience post secondary. If they are not required to complete standard examinations and written assignments, how will they handle a college or university course-load? I left this documentary having a stronger appreciation for project-based learning and am excited to try some of the techniques shown in my future practice.