Harkness-based discussion puts students at the center of the learning process based on the belief that “who does the work does the learning.” When students are expected to drive the conversation, they develop initiative, take ownership of their ideas, and engage more deeply with what we are learning. The approach also recognizes that students bring prior knowledge and perspective to the table, making them genuine collaborators rather than passive recipients of the curriculum. Harkness also builds so-called “soft skills” (or “core skills”): intentional listening, confident articulation of their ideas, responding to disagreement, etc., that students carry well beyond the classroom.

As a teacher, I’ve also found that Harkness offers a chance for meaningful collaboration with students that keeps ideas fresh and provides me insights that encourages my own ongoing learning.

More coming soon.