FAQ | thinkersmeetup

TMU is built around the Oxford tutorial system where an expert guides a small group of keen thinkers in a journey of discovery through rich conversations. Each conversation is shaped by those in the meeting. In each meeting, we learn new material and also work on developing the skills young people need to succeed: critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, and more.

For our small group classes to work we need to keep our numbers very small, with Thinkers of roughly similar ages (particularly for literature, philosophy, and politics), and of similar abilities and interests. If you are uncertain whether a class is the right fit, we encourage you to contact us to discuss.

NB While these classes are designed to allow rich interaction with those attending, we never force students to interact. We have had many brilliant young people struggling with anxiety join us and we work hard to create a welcoming space where they can join when they are ready, and in a way they feel safe.

2. Fun meet-ups covering a plethora of topics.

Several times a week we host fun meet-ups for only £3 per Thinker. These are hosted in a 'webinar' style, where fun, engaging, information is presented and ideas for further exploration are given. These meet-ups allow larger numbers of Thinkers to join us.

3. International workshops.

Every term we hold interdisciplinary seminars where a group of Thinkers discusses a topic such as 'War and Peace' or 'Nature: Potential and Challenges' in depth, meeting with a different scholar each week to learn about the topic from a different disciplinary perspective - from philosophy to science. At the end of the term Thinkers submit a project they have created to reflect their learning.

We also host free discussion on educational philosophy, and organise a series of events with young people from around the world, to foment international and intercultural understanding and empathy. To be kept informed about new events, please sign up to our newsletter.

4. Self paced classes

We are slowly adding self-paced classes, which allow you to download our material and learn at home in your own schedule.

What are TMU's fees?

Our live Socratic seminars and interdisciplinary seminars are priced between £10-£20 per session, depending on topic, level, and class size.

Our £3 Meet-Ups are, well, £3 per session, per child :)

Our workshops vary, but are often FREE or request a donation to a relevant charity (not to us).

What is your cancellation policy?

Our cancellation policy is explained in our Terms of Service.

Does TMU offer bursaries?

Since its inception TMU has given over 500 hours of free teaching. We work on a case-by-case model to help families access our classes. Many TMU families have made donations to support others in need and we are very grateful.

How do I sign up for a class?

Briefly, you choose your Thinkers' classes based on their interest and age, and register via our booking system (www.thinkersmeetup.com/classes). You will receive a Zoom link for the class 24-48 hours before the class is due to start. If the class does not have enough Thinkers to take place, we will let you know at least 72 hours in advance and work with you to find a solution. If the class cannot run you will receive a full refund (minus £1 booking fee). Details on using our booking system are here.

Does my child need to have their camera on/speak in class?

Our goal is to make our classes as welcoming and safe as possible. To do this we treat each Thinker as an individual. No one is forced to have their camera on or to speak. We will do our best to encourage participation and are delighted when we see our Thinkers grow in confidence.

How does TMU fit into my child's overall education?

We believe education in a holistic education: we are only healthy when we look after our body and mind, as much as our intellect. Our classes support children's emotional wellbeing by providing joyful, inspiring, and safe learning spaces, where we strive to build confidence and self-esteem. Our classes also support our children's wellbeing by engaging and challenging them intellectually, avoiding the boredom and tedium that comes with busy work and mass-education.

We believe in community. Our classes are conversation based. We want kids to come and discuss, laugh, enjoy. We are not here to provide a set of lectures or videos - you can get those on YouTube. Come here for the human connection. The learning that happens in fun conversations between friends.

We believe our classes should only be a small part of a child's education. We are online. We know our Thinkers also participate in local sports and clubs, join local co-ops, work with peers on projects, play in bands, volunteer for charities, look after pets, take walks, spend time with friends, and just relax. All these are KEY parts of their education and we never wish to replace them.

Why was Thinkers Meet Up set up?

Thinkers Meet Up was set up to address a set of problems:

* Outdated education that does not prepare children to solve the challenges of the 21st century.

* Education suffocated by schedules and exams.

* Classes that did not address individual students' needs and abilities.

* Bored, anxious, children, whose curiosity and joy was being asphyxiated.

* Educators frustrated by administrative duties and unfair pay.

* Online schools that simply replicate conventional schools, online.

How is Thinkers Meet Up different?

* Learning beyond the curriculum:

Our classes follow students' interest and Scholars' (teachers') passions: we are not limited by a curriculum. We will follow questions, go deeper, go slower, adapt as needed to facilitate deep, true learning.

* Small group sizes:

Our classes are SMALL. We keep classes between 3 and 7 students so each student can get the attention they need and deserve.

* Our Scholars are experts:

Our classes are led by experts in their field with years of experience teaching young people and, in particular, teaching online. All Scholars are DBS checked. We pay Scholars fairly. We value their time and expertise.

Bursaries

Cancellation

Interaction

Fit overall edu

Why TMU set up

How different