Humanistic Pedagogy supported by FeedbackFruits

Foster student agency, personal growth, and deeper engagement by centering learning around individual experiences, self-reflection, and intrinsic motivation—empowering students to take ownership of their education.
Author: Natalie Berkman, Quest Education Group
Natalie Berkman, Ph.D. is a higher education professional currently serving as the National Academic Director at Quest Education Group. In her current role, she pilots a unique project-based and active learning strategy, training future video game and cybersecurity professionals.
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What is humanistic pedagogy?

Humanistic pedagogy is a student-centered approach that emphasizes personal growth, self-directed learning, and meaningful engagement with knowledge. This approach prioritizes intrinsic motivation, autonomy, and emotional well-being in learning environments. Students are encouraged to take ownership of their education, reflect on their progress, and develop a lifelong love of learning.

Why humanistic pedagogy?

By fostering intrinsic motivation, self-reflection, and autonomy, humanistic pedagogy encourages students to take ownership of their learning. Research demonstrates that students who engage in self-directed learning and student-centered classrooms develop greater critical thinking skills, long-term retention, and emotional resilience. The studies below highlight the benefits of humanistic approaches in education.
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31% improvement in student outcomes

A meta-analysis of 119 studies found that learner-centered teacher-student relationships are linked to a 31% improvement in student outcomes, including academic performance and motivation.
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Cornelius-White, J. (2007).
Learner-Centered Teacher-Student Relationships Are Effective: A Meta-Analysis. Review of Educational Research, 77(1), 113–143.

15% increase in participation

Boost student participation significantly through implementing humanistic pedagogy, as addressing emotional and psychological needs enhances motivation and language proficiency.
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Khatib, M., Sarem, S. N., & Hamidi, H. (2013).
Humanistic Education: Concerns, Implications, and Applications. Journal of Language Teaching and Research, 4(1), 45–51.

20% increase in retention

Boost student retention rates and enhance self-efficacy with humanistic pedagogy.|



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Sheperis, D., & Perjessy, C. (2023).
Humanistic Pedagogy in Online Counselor Education. Journal of Technology in Counselor Education and Supervision, 3(1), Article 1.
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How does FeedbackFruits support humanistic pedagogy?

Humanistic pedagogy thrives in reflective, student-driven environments, where intrinsic motivation and personal growth take center stage. FeedbackFruits supports this by allowing educators to design self-paced, feedback-driven activities that promote autonomy, collaboration, and self-reflection.

With learning activities like Peer Review, students engage in meaningful feedback exchanges, fostering social-emotional development and self-awareness. Interactive Document enables reflective learning, while Discussions provide structured spaces for open-ended, student-led dialogue. By embedding these activities into the LMS, instructors create a more personalized and student-centered learning journey.

Get started with humanistic pedagogy using our pre-made learning templates

These templates—designed by experienced educators—offer proven structures for implementing humanistic pedagogy. Simply select a template, customize it, and launch engaging activities in minutes.
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Intermediate (10-30 min)

Developing critical writing skills through peer review and reflection

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Intermediate (10-30 min)

Building your own team structure with interactive document

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Intermediate (10-30 min)

Collaborative audio task: the power of emphasis

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Intermediate (10-30 min)

Group member evaluation and reflection

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Intermediate (10-30 min)

Exploring active and technology enhanced learning through interactive document

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Intermediate (10-30 min)

Real-time group member evaluation during group presentation

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Intermediate (10-30 min)

Self-assessment of values, learning, and skills for future career decisions

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Low (<10 min)

Reading and annotating sample place narratives

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Intermediate (10-30 min)

Analyzing leadership and emotional intelligence through social annotation

Knowledge uptake
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Intermediate (10-30 min)

Case study analysis and peer feedback

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Intermediate (10-30 min)

Peer review for policy analysis and evaluation

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Low (<10 min)

Reflection on learning objectives with the SOLO rubric

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Intermediate (10-30 min)

Analyzing a topic through interactive video

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Low (<10 min)

Reflecting on intersectionality with interactive document

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Intermediate (10-30 min)

Providing feedback on learning portfolio presentations

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Intermediate (10-30 min)

Group peer feedback: Let’s keep it fair & fun!

Critical thinking
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Intermediate (10-30 min)

Gamified team based concept defence

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Intermediate (10-30 min)

Gamified peer feedback: Leveling up through constructive critique

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Intermediate (10-30 min)

CBE skill review with a Mastery Check rubric

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Low (<10 min)

Deepening critical understanding through discussion

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Intermediate (10-30 min)

Gamified quiz for competition, debate, and learning

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Low (<10 min)

Cultural reflection discussion

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Intermediate (10-30 min)

Social-emotional learning based Peer Review

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Intermediate (10-30 min)

Strengthening research quality through structured peer feedback

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Low (<10 min)

Unpacking misconceptions through discussions

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Low (<10 min)

Exploring intersectionality through interactive Video

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Low (<10 min)

Self-reflection: Connecting learning to personal growth

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Low (<10 min)

Co-designing the course: Interactive syllabus feedback

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Low (<10 min)

Designing personalized learning through student choice

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Low (<10 min)

Reflection on socratic discussions with guided rubric

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Intermediate (10-30 min)

Reflection and peer exchange around an ethical dilemma

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Intermediate (10-30 min)

Using critical discussion to build upon arguments

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Intermediate (10-30 min)

Interactive case study discussion around an ethical dilemma

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Intermediate (10-30 min)

Showcasing evolving perspectives through revision, peer critique, and reflection

Critical thinking
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Intermediate (10-30 min)

Transformative learning: Group discussion and self-reflection

Critical thinking
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Intermediate (10-30 min)

Challenging cognitive biases through reflection and peer feedback

Critical thinking
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Intermediate (10-30 min)

Exploring Hofstede's dimensions of culture through discussion

Critical thinking
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Intermediate (10-30 min)

Holistic team collaboration evaluation

Collaboration
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Low (<10 min)

Interactive course syllabus

Collaboration
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Intermediate (10-30 min)

Peer workshop: Personal essay for creative writing

Collaboration
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Intermediate (10-30 min)

Role play self-assessment using SPIN Selling methodology

Critical thinking
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Intermediate (10-30 min)

Peer Review: Role play self assessment

Critical thinking
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Intermediate (10-30 min)

Create final assessment instructions using GRASPS framework

Critical thinking
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Intermediate (10-30 min)

Real-world problem-solving lab

Critical thinking
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Intermediate (10-30 min)

Social annotation of diverse perspectives

Critical thinking
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Intermediate (10-30 min)

Peer-learning: Discuss your Frayer Frame

Collaboration
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Low (<10 min)

Critical analysis of GenAI content

Problem-solving
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Low (<10 min)

Peer review of AI-generated content

Problem-solving
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Low (<10 min)

CBE peer review: Skills in action (Video or podcast-based)

Knowledge uptake
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Intermediate (10-30 min)

Share and discuss solutions for TBL (with AI reflection coach)

Problem-solving
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Intermediate (10-30 min)

Application exercise for TBL (with AI Discussion Coach)

Problem-solving
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Intermediate (10-30 min)

Team formation for TBL

Collaboration
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Low (<10 min)

Strengthening soft skills through peer feedback

Problem-solving
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Low (<10 min)

Perspective swap discussion

Collaboration
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Low (<10 min)

Getting organized! Selecting the topic for the project

Collaboration
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Low (<10 min)

Interdisciplinary project: Group member assessment & reflection

Collaboration
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Low (<10 min)

Self Reflection of AI-generated Content

Critical thinking
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Low (<10 min)

Creating effective student groups

Critical thinking
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Low (<10 min)

Individual and group quiz in team-based learning

Collaboration
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Low (<10 min)

Creating effective student groups

Collaboration
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Intermediate (10-30 min)

Prompt-based open discussion

Critical thinking
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Low (<10 min)

Low-stakes knowledge check

Problem-solving
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Low (<10 min)

Instructor feedback on oral presentations

Collaboration
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Low (<10 min)

Self-assessment on skills | Reflection moments

Critical thinking
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Intermediate (10-30 min)

Interactive lecture presentation

Problem-solving
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Intermediate (10-30 min)

Guided reading comprehension

Knowledge uptake
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Intermediate (10-30 min)

Individual and group quiz in team-based learning

Problem-solving
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High (>30 min)

Self-assessment on deliverables

Knowledge uptake
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High (>30 min)

Pre-class preparation on a document

Collaboration
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High (>30 min)

Pre-class preparation on a video

Collaboration
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High (>30 min)

Pre-class preparation on an audio file

Collaboration
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Low (<10 min)

Instant AI feedback on students' essays

Knowledge uptake
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Low (<10 min)

Instant AI feedback on research paper

Knowledge uptake
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Low (<10 min)

Introduction to course syllabus – Comprehension exercise

Knowledge uptake
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Low (<10 min)

Group collaboration evaluation for graduates

Collaboration
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Low (<10 min)

Undergraduate group evaluation

Collaboration
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Intermediate (10-30 min)

Instructor feedback on student research paper

Knowledge uptake

Humanistic pedagogy, directly within your LMS

FeedbackFruits integrates seamlessly with your Learning Management System, making it simple to incorporate active learning activities into your existing courses. Whether you teach online, hybrid, or face-to-face, FeedbackFruits ensures that activating student participation is just a few clicks away—no additional overhead, no steep learning curve.
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Explore our free resources about humanistic pedagogy

How to individualize group project grades in a transparent, reasonable, and responsible way

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50 inclusive teaching strategies: A comprehensive list

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Finding the balance: How can AI enhance, not replace learning?

This use case shares how instructors at John Brown University leveraged active learning and technology to enhance feedback skills and critical thinking.
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A Self-Determination Theory Approach to Learner Motivation

A 7-step journey to cultivate learners’ intrinsic motivation, academic engagement and personal growth.
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Enhancing Learner Autonomy and Growth with Metacognitive Strategies

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Experiential Learning for real-world sustainability solutions

A template to empower students to develop collaboration and feedback skills
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From passive to active: Learning through student inquiry

From passive to active: Learning through student inquiry
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5E Model of Instruction

A template to design activities that encourage engagement, feedback skills, and teamwork
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Developmental portfolio for lifelong learning

Using developmental portfolio to ensure competency development and student autonomy
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Student-centered syllabus

A framework to create an interactive, inclusive, and student-centered learning experience
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Self-assessment for learner engagement

A framework to design effective peer and self-assessment that promotes reflective, collaborative, and meaningful learning
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Gamified peer review

A framework to integrate game design elements into peer review for enhanced engagement and critical thinking
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Self-generated feedback for critical thinking

A 4-step journey to empower critical thinking through comparisons and self-generated feedback
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Social Learning through feedback

A 10-step journey to nurture interactions and collaboration
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Self assessment

A 7-step journey to help students develop self-regulation and autonomy
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Collaborative thesis writing

A 10-step journey to help students write a quality thesis through the use of multi-layer feedback, AI technology, and interactive presentation.
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Boost student engagement

A learning journey to help create activities that stimulate deeper understanding, meaningful interactions and feedback opportunities
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Asynchronous discussion

A 4-step journey to foster asynchronous collaboration and problem-solving
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Multi-layer feedback on collaborative writing

A 4-step journey to promote collaboration and writing skills
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Stimulate discussions

A learning journey to help create a learning community that stimulates meaningful interactions and dialogues
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Deepen understanding

A learning journey to stimulate deeper understanding and comprehension of the course content
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Skills development

Nurture lifelong skills and a growth mindset with a 6-step learning journey
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Collaborative problem-solving

A 4-step journey to leverage group discussions for developing transferable skills
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Authentic group project

A 5-step journey to empower students to solve a real-world problem collaboratively
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ChatGPT and digital literacy

The ChatGPT journey details how to incorporate generative AI tools for digital literacy development
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Authentic assessment

A 7-step journey detailing how to facilitate a quality authentic assessment activity with technology support.
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Flipped feedback

The flipped feedback journey outlines how faculties can develop feedback skills with technology support
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Critical reading

Stimulater deeper understanding and critical reading skills with technological tools
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AI-assisted writing assignment

Facilitate a quality writing assignment in 4 steps with technology support
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Regular and substantive interaction (RSI)

A framework to help faculties design courses compliant with the RSI regulations on teacher engagement.
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Feedback literacy

The feedback literacy journey outlines how faculties can incorporate multi-layer, holistic feedback throughout a writing activity.
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Writing with ChatGPT

The ChatGPT journey details in 6 steps how to incorporate AI generative tools in writing assignments.
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Collaborative learning

The collaborative learning journey outlines how faculties can develop activities that nurture collaboration and engagement.
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Flipped classroom

The flipped learning journey details in 10 steps how to increase engagement and active learning with technological aids.
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Team-based learning

A 9-step framework on how to optimize the team-based learning process with technology
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See what FeedbackFruits learning activities can be used to support
‍humanistic pedagogy

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Teacher Feedback

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Self-Assessment

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AI Feedback

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Quiz

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Peer Review

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Group Evaluations

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Humanistic pedagogy is hard. FeedbackFruits makes
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