Pedagogy at PE

A universal mindset: the why

We believe meaningful learning is active, not passive. It’s about asking questions, experimenting, and iterating. It’s about embracing curiosity and finding the confidence to face uncertainty, knowing that the process itself is where growth happens.

This mindset isn’t tied to a specific field or skill—it’s universal. Whether designing, coding, building, or solving, the principles are the same:

• Listen: Gather information and understand the context.
• Explore: Try, fail, iterate, and reflect.
• Collaborate: Learn from the perspectives and experiences of others.

We don’t teach “answers”; we create an environment where participants can explore their own questions and uncover their unique path forward.

Human-centered and holistic learning

We believe in focusing on both the individual and the larger world around them.

Our approach is human-centered in that we prioritize helping participants reconnect with themselves, their interests, and their creative potential. We emphasize holistic learning, which considers how our actions, designs, and choices affect everything and everyone around us.

Learning with us means understanding that what we create defines the world we live in. It’s about striving for equilibrium rather than endless “progress” and recognizing that thriving doesn’t come from doing more—it comes from doing meaningful, thoughtful work that benefits both individuals and communities.

Through this lens, participants are encouraged to slow down, reflect, and engage with the world around them. We aim to inspire deep thought and remind people of the sacred responsibility of creating and designing for a healthier, more balanced world.

Collaboration

Collaboration is at the heart of how we learn because humans grow faster and stronger together than they ever could alone.

They say there’s no shortcut—but we know there’s a long way, and by choosing to work as a team, you can make the most of every step.

When people work on the same problem together, they don’t just bring their own perspectives—they gain access to everyone else’s experiences, approaches, and insights. One person’s trials and successes become shared knowledge, multiplying what each participant can learn in the same amount of time. Working alone, or relying on anonymous forums where people bark out quick answers, just can’t compare. True collaboration creates real connections, deeper understanding, and a richer, more meaningful learning experience.

This collective effort expands your surface area for growth, exposing you to more challenges, solutions, and perspectives than you could ever encounter on your own. Collaboration doesn’t just accelerate learning—it builds connection, adaptability, and a deeper understanding of the world around you.

Techniques and Tools

We’re not tied to any specific type of learning or teaching method. Instead, we use a flexible,
student-centered approach driven by active feedback loops and real-world results.

• Accessible Content: We use videos to distill complex topics, allowing
  participants to rewind, rewatch, and follow along with subtitles. We also provide a robust
  library of articles and resources to support diverse learning styles.
• Exercises and Projects: From small exercises to larger, portfolio-worthy
  projects, everything we do is designed to build real skills. The quality of the work speaks for itself.
• Practical Tools: While we sometimes use tests for fun or run sprints to teach
  time management and time-boxing, participants aren’t judged by rigid standards. Instead,
  they create new standards, pushing boundaries and defining success based on their own goals.

This adaptable approach ensures that every participant has the tools they need to learn and grow in a way that works best for them—without being limited by outdated or overly standardized methods.

Guides, not teachers

We don’t lecture or provide pre-packaged solutions. Instead, we act as guides, creating the conditions for exploration and growth.

Our role is to:

• Set the stage: We curate an environment where participants feel safe experimenting, making mistakes, and trying again.
• Facilitate connections: We pair participants, projects, and feedback opportunities to spark growth.
• Step in at the right moments: Guides intervene when participants hit roadblocks or ask the right questions, helping them reflect, refine, and move forward.

This approach ensures that learning is participant-driven, and outcomes are unique to each individual.

The power of long-term relationships

We believe growth takes time, and we’re committed to fostering relationships that support participants over the long term.

By working with participants over months or years, we get to know their strengths, challenges, and goals. This allows us to:

• Align their efforts: Help participants focus on what matters most to them.
• Anticipate their needs: Guide participants toward meaningful next steps.
• Build trust: Create continuity that amplifies the learning experience.

The relationships participants build—with both guides and peers—become a professional network that supports and inspires them long after the program ends.

Sacred Responsibility and Meaningful Design

Design isn’t just a skill—it’s a responsibility. Everything we create shapes the world we live in, and we want participants to approach their work with thoughtfulness and care.

We encourage them to see design as a sacred act, one that has the power to impact not just the designer but the entire ecosystem. Through reflection and real-world projects, participants learn to balance human needs, natural systems, and practical considerations in their work.

We inspire participants to see beyond product and progress, embracing creativity, experimentation, and the beauty of the unknown.

A testbed for innovation

Perpetual Education isn’t just a place for learning—it’s also a place for experimentation.

We constantly refine our methods, taking insights from participants, real-world feedback, and our own research to improve how we teach. We encourage participants to actively shape the curriculum, offering their perspectives and helping us discover better ways to create meaningful learning experiences.

This collaborative process ensures that our programs remain dynamic, relevant, and human-centered—built not just for today but for the future of education.

A perpetual commitment

We believe learning is a journey of discovery, connection, and growth. By fostering curiosity, collaboration, and a sense of responsibility, we create an environment where participants can thrive—not just as professionals but as thoughtful, empowered individuals ready to shape the world.

One thing that sets us apart is that we’re small and accessible. You can actually talk to us. We’re public, transparent, and willing to fail in public because we walk the walk. We’re actively working in the industry while teaching every day, bringing real-world insights directly to our participants.