Mike Petrich

Mike Petrich has dedicated two decades to revolutionizing experiential learning as a leader within the Tinkering Studio, bringing a unique perspective shaped by his diverse background in fine arts, filmmaking, and photography. His educational philosophy, grounded in a graduate degree in education design and technology, focuses on creating environments that foster self-directed learning and deep thinking. His approach combines careful observation skills from his artistic background with facilitation techniques that allow learners to develop their own unique understandings of the world. Over his 20-year career, he has worked with an remarkably diverse range of audiences, from museum visitors and primary school students to Tibetan monks and prison inmates, demonstrating the universal applicability of his learning methodology. His co-authorship of "The Art of Tinkering" reflects his commitment to creating spaces where people can explore, experiment, and develop their own understanding through hands-on experiences. Through his leadership role at the Tinkering Studio, he continues to design and implement innovative learning environments that encourage creative exploration and personal discovery