Humanizing Education

Humanizing Education: How the Thinkering Collective Puts Learners at the Center

Education should be about more than grades—it should be about nurturing the whole human. At the Thinkering Collective, we believe that humanizing education means centering the learning experience on curiosity, creativity, and real-world impact rather than on test scores. To accomplish this, we’re rethinking every step of the educational journey through our Human Learning Model, which integrates fellowship, hands-on learning, research, and a global network of partners dedicated to fostering meaningful educational experiences.

What Humanizing Education Looks Like for Thinkering Collective
Our approach to humanizing education is built on four interconnected pillars:

Teacher Fellowship
Through our Teacher Fellowship, we identify and empower educators worldwide to become ambassadors of human-centered learning. Fellows participate in a collaborative network where they learn and develop new methods to engage students in authentic, impactful learning experiences. Each fellow is equipped with the tools and training needed to implement a humanized curriculum that centers on curiosity, relevance, and hands-on learning.

Educator and Student Capstone Experiences
Fellows bring these humanizing practices into their classrooms, guiding students through capstone projects that prioritize active engagement and practical application. This experiential learning gives students the freedom to explore real-world problems, fostering essential skills like critical thinking, teamwork, and adaptability. Research shows that 90% of students in project-based learning report improved collaboration skills, and 80% feel their learning is connected to real-life situations.

Research and Data Analysis
We believe that meaningful change requires evidence, which is why our research team closely analyzes the learning experiences created by fellows and students. This data provides valuable insights into how a human-centered approach impacts student engagement, creativity, and readiness for real-world challenges. These findings help us create actionable frameworks and refine our Human Learning Model, ensuring it remains relevant and effective.

Framework Distribution
Our ultimate goal is to scale this humanized approach, making it accessible to schools and educators worldwide. By distributing our research outcomes, offering training programs, and collaborating with partners, we aim to make human-centered education the norm rather than the exception. This vision includes recognizing impact as the true measure of learning—impact on the individual, on the community, and on the world.

Measuring What Matters
Our model for humanizing education challenges traditional metrics by valuing essential skills alongside academic knowledge. Through research-backed practices, we measure success by the transformation we inspire: a shift towards valuing skills that help students lead, create, and solve problems. Imagine a future where education focuses on engagement and community impact as much as on academic success—that’s what we’re striving for.

Be Part of the Change
Want to support a movement that prioritizes students’ curiosity and personal growth? Get involved with the Thinkering Collective! Sign up for our newsletter, explore our fellowship program, or follow us on social media to stay connected as we work to make education more meaningful, impactful, and human.