Design Thinking for Deeper Student Learning

Design Thinking for Deeper Student Learning is a 3-day immersive workshop designed to introduce educators from all disciplines to design thinking tools and methods they can use to create and facilitate powerful and equitable learning experiences for their students and colleagues. Early Bird Discount available through April 21, 2026!

Date: August 5-7, 9 AM – 4 PM

Location: Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Dearborn MI

Preparing young people for a world of constant change is both exciting and complex. This 3-day workshop supports educators in meeting that challenge by introducing design thinking as a practical, student-centered approach that builds critical thinking, creativity, and real-world problem-solving into everyday learning.

In this immersive experience, participants step into the role of learners—working individually and in small teams on a meaningful, community-connected challenge. Along the way, educators gain firsthand insight into what students experience, while building the tools, confidence, and mindset to bring this approach into their own classrooms.

Participants will leave not only with new ideas, but with concrete plans and resources they can use right away.

What you’ll do
Engage in a hands-on design challenge that includes fieldwork and real-world connection
Collaborate with peers in small teams and topic-based “table talks”
Explore practical tools, strategies, and ready-to-use resources
Work one-on-one with HFLI coaches to shape lessons, projects, or initiatives
Develop a personalized plan to implement design thinking in your school or classroom
What you’ll gain
By the end of the workshop, educators will:

Experience and reflect on learning through a student lens in a design thinking environment
Build confidence to use design thinking to create engaging, meaningful learning experiences
Strengthen instructional skills that support student success in:

• Critical thinking and evidence-based decision-making
• Creative problem solving
• Project-based learning design
• Collaboration and communication
• Persistence through challenge
• Leave with a draft of a lesson, project, or plan ready to implement in the coming school year
• Anticipate potential challenges and develop strategies to navigate them
• Join a network of educators committed to equitable, student-centered learning

Our approach
HFLI’s Deeper Learning By Doing® brings together design thinking, high-impact instructional practices, and culturally restorative principles. The result is an approach to teaching, learning and leading that supports equity, agency, and meaningful student engagement.

What to expect
This workshop is designed to be a space where educators feel supported, valued, and inspired. You’ll be part of a collaborative community grounded in shared purpose, shared work, and shared joy.

We prioritize accessibility and care for participants by keeping fees manageable, providing daily meals (breakfast and lunch) and snacks, and offering continued access to workshop materials and resources beyond the experience.