<p>SMS(St Mark's School) uses Hockness for some classes, and does not use
for some other classes. In general I guess pretty much every schools uses
the round table somehow even if not for all the classes.</p>
<p>itsren; where did you hear that st. andrews in delaware used the harkness method? it was also my (very long) list.</p>
<p>The majority of my classes at Mercersburg were conducted using the Harkness method, especially English, history, and religion, where all classes are conducted in that way by the teachers and students. These classes all spent the first 20-30 minutes in discussion: it makes a considerable difference because it improves participation and the openness of the discussion allows the topics to reflect the students interests and touch on the things that they need clarified. </p>
<p>In other classes like natural sciences and mathematics, there really isn't as much of a need for the Harkness method, but in these classes tables of four are often employed that help with group activities. Foreign language can go either way, with Harkness being more common for the upper-level classes.</p>
<p>In the words of an alumni for some boarding school (forgot, I think someone posted it here or I saw it somewhere else)</p>
<p>"You just sit around a damn table"</p>
<p>Haha, I remember that guy. Well, it sounds to me like he had preconceptions about the method in the first place and didn't even /want to try it out. There <em>are</em> people here who don't talk during Harkness discussions, and of course it would be easy for them to see it as "just a damn table." I was like that for a lot of my prep year at Exeter, as in "Why can't they just tell us the damn facts already?" My winter term English class changed all that for me, though. Many people think that in Harkness, teachers don't matter, but I would argue that teachers are the integral element to any class discussion. My teacher winter term was brilliant, kind, funny, and really knew how to inspire us (sounds lame, but it's true). Even kids that I always thought were kind of ditzy were making awesome observations and comments (which just goes to show you, that even the most idiotic-<em>seeming</em>kids here are usually really smart and perceptive on the inside). Harkness science is basically taught lecture-style anyway, Harkness math is kind of "eh" for me but that's because I don't like math in the first place, but I wouldn't trade Harkness English/Religion/History/French Lit for anything.</p>
<p>keep in mind, too, that the shape of the table doesn't necessarily indicate harkness teaching. i went to one revisit (not exeter) english class where the kids sat around a table, teacher sat at one side and students responded directly to the teacher rather than interacting/conversing with each other. good teacher, interesting discussion, but a very different from the exeter english class i visited.</p>
<p>I think there is is a huge difference between conducting a seminar-style class which generally includes both lecture and discussion around a table, and conducting a Harkness-style class. Most independent schools with small class sizes will conduct Humanities classes in a seminar style. As I understand it, in a Harkness class
[quote]
The main goal is to encourage students to come up with ideas of their own and learn good reasoning and discussion skills. Depending on his or her style, the teacher may interact very little, interjecting only to guide the discussion.
[/quote]
I took this quote from here Harkness</a> table - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</p>
<p>At the humanities class I have visited at NMH, the teacher acts as the facilitator and encourages an active give and take of ideas amongst the students. The classes were quite lively! I imagine this is in the spirit of the Harkness method.</p>
<p>NMH does not employ a Harkness table in any class. At most, teachers rearrange furniture to mimic a Harkness table.</p>
<p>lego8...I do not think you need to have the actual table. I believe it is the method that is important (the original thread asked which schools employ the "method", and, yes....they do employ that method. I have sat in on many classes and people do sit in the round and there is a vigorous exchange of ideas back and forth.</p>
<p>Keylyme is right, the "Harkness" table is just a nice piece of oak furniture (they cost upwards of $10K a piece I'm told). One class of mine used a square of 12 desks rather than the H-table to provide room for audiovisual equipment and space to operate it. Made no difference in the teaching style whatsoever.</p>
<p>lego8....haven't you found that most (if not all) of your humanities/english/language courses at NMH are taught in that style? I've yet to encounter one that's not, but I suppose individual teachers can do as they please.</p>
<p>They are...but not using actual Harkness tables which is why all I said was "NMH does not employ a Harkness table in any class."</p>
<p>It’s an old post, I know, but I was curious. Don’t they offer you to sit in on classes during interviews? If so, how was the Harkness Table style of learning like? Better or worse?</p>
<p>No, you don’t get to sit in on discussions during the interview. We did on Parent’s Week-end though. Harkness is fabulous, I think–but I’m a Harkness style learner. If you like to work things out for yourself, even if it takes longer that way; if you have a more active rather than passive learning style; if you tend to talk a lot in class you’ll probably like Harkness. If you prefer to listen and absorb; if you’re a super-organized and linear thinker who likes having things laid out clearly; if you tend to be reserved or shy in class Harkness might not be a great fit (though I think it can be a great growth experience for some).</p>
<p>Math is the most unusual class for Harkness, so maybe it’s the best illustration of the difference between styles. In an Exeter class, students are assigned a limited number of word problems each night (maybe 8 max). They puzzle through the problems on their own, then come in to class and present their answers on the board. As they present, the other students ask questions or offer other ways of approaching the problem. The teacher will sometimes intervene with a comment or reminder of a math concept they’re working on. My kid, who always hated math at home, has flourished doing math problems Harkness style. </p>
<p>The downside of Harkness is that it can often take longer to get to the point or the right or best answer than it would in an ordinary classroom. Discussion can sometimes get off track. If students don’t come to class prepared or awake, the class can really founder.</p>
<p>That said, I was blown away by the maturity and engagement of the students around the table.</p>
<p>My husband taught English with a Harkness table in the 1980s (at The Hill School, and later, he found a real Harkness table, abandoned in the basement of Wooster School, which he quickly claimed.) I asked him, is there really any difference between using a real Harkness table and putting a bunch of desks in a circle? He said yes - first, it physically limits the number of students in the class - you can’t squeeze in one more kid; and second, it allows everybody spread their work out on the table, which you can’t do nearly as easily with individual desks in a circle.</p>