Planet in Focus International Environmental Film & Video Festival 2010

Have you ever been inspired by a teacher to do, say and make something different of the world? This is Québec’s answer to the 1967 film To Sir With Love in the form of Dominique Leduc, who doesn’t just see his elementary class as children, but rather as people who can make a difference to the future. Action Research is his method, and it is aimed at getting things accomplished. Leduc takes his Grade 6 class through a process of learning that identifies, analyzes and resolves a problem. He believes that children can be critical thinkers and his experimental teaching method and belief in the intelligence of children is going to have results. Hope Builders is a fascinating testament to alternative methods of creating change and inspires all of us to act consciously in the future. This is a must-see for every educator and parent. Kathleen Mullen