SXSWedu 2019 Presents a Panel Discussion to Address Teaching Students How to Fail

MBA Blog / 5th March 2019

Margarita Geleske, Chief Evangelist of Uncharted Learning, NFP, will lead a panel discussion entitled “Are you Brave Enough to Let Your Students Fail?” at the SXSWedu 2019 Program in Austin, Texas, March 6, 2019. Uncharted Learning has developed experiential learning programs for students at the middle school and high school level that are offered throughout the U.S., Mexico and Japan. As a recognized leader in advancing student entrepreneurship programs, Margarita will be joined by three educators, Peter Hostrawser, an entrepreneurial change agent for traditional education systems and Chairperson of the Business Education Department for Glenbard East High School, Dana Jones, CPA and business and marketing INCubatoredu teacher at Leander ISD Vista Ridge High School and Joe Pulio, INCubatoredu teacher at Lake Forest High School round out the panel.

The panel discussion will focus on how high school entrepreneurship programs are ideally suited to teach students how to “get to failure fast,” a rallying cry among entrepreneurs but generally not educators. Entrepreneurs recognize that failures allow them to identify areas for improvement in their business model, and as such, are an essential component for success. Transferring this philosophy to the classroom is achieved by allowing students to work in teams to learn about all aspects of business as they create their own authentic business. Students learn to work through failure as an important part of the learning process, not the end. Furthermore, students learn critical life skills by utilizing a growth mindset that encourages creative problem-solving, collaboration, adaptability, communication and perseverance.

“Failure is perceived by most students and parents as a sign of weakness,” said Margarita Geleske. “Entrepreneurship students learn how to embrace set-backs or failures, pivot, learn from their mistakes and move forward. This builds self-confidence and resilience, the very life skills that are essential for personal and professional growth and success.”

The panel will discuss how to navigate school culture and dynamics to encourage students to work through failures and learn from those experiences. This session is open to all registered SXSWedu program participants and will be conducted March 6, from 2-3 p.m. at the Hilton Austin Downtown, 500 E. 4^th Street, Room 408, Austin, Texas.  For more information, contact https://schedule.sxswedu.com/2019/events/PP84983