Interactive Learning the Harkness Way

Published May 10, 2008
Students sitting in rows of desks listening to a teacher lecture? You are not likely to find this scenario in a school which uses Harkness Tables. The brainchild of wealthy industrialist Edward Harkness, an Exeter alumnus, Harkness Tables are oval tables which seat 12-18 students together with their teacher. You cannot hide in the back of the classroom which uses Harkness Tables.
 
In ancient times teaching was collaborative - think Socrates and Quintillian - but somewhere in our Victorian-Edwardian past we got off the rails and began lining children up in regimented rows of chairs and desks. Maria Montessori and Rudolph Steiner rebelled against this sort of regimentation, of course, but they were considered early education specialists not to be treated seriously at the high school level.
 
High school lab courses such as chemistry and physics have always been interactive and hands on. Discussion of findings and research are encouraged in that collaborative environment. Every member of the class has an opinion and a finding. Every member of the class is encouraged to be an active participant. Because eye contact is a critical element of this style of learning, the Harkness Table's oval shape is ideal. It allows everybody around the table to see and be seen. Students and teacher interact. The teacher facilitates without dominating the lesson. He guides and steers the learning process. Maria Montessori would be thrilled!
 
Harkness Tables are widely used in prep schools here and abroad. Does the school you are looking at use them? Find out.
 
Resources

Read Related Teaching Articles:

  • Cellphones In School
    Cellphones are leading the wave of the future. Convergence is here. It is changing the way students learn and how teachers teach.
  • Are You a 21st Century Teacher?
    21st century schools need 21st century teachers. Are you a 21st century teacher?
  • Froebel, Montessori and Steiner: Champions of Children
    Friedrich Froebel, Maria Montessori and Rudolf Steiner were trail blazers in early education.
  • Don't Leave Any Evidence!
    Future and current employers can find out all sorts of things about you these days. Make sure that you don't leave behind any damning electronic evidence.
  • Gay Teachers
    Several prep schools have pushed the envelope of diversity by allowing committed same sex couples to live on campus in school housing.
  • What's In A Grade?
    The letter grade at one school may or may not be the same as the letter grade scheme at another school. Some answers to the inconsistencies here.
  • A Teacher's Influence
    Never underestimate the influence you have on your students. You may not think that you are getting through, but you are! This little bit of fiction shows the influence teachers had on some famous people.

Humor

Teacher Training

  • Becoming A Teacher Later
    Many people have successful careers only to realize that something is missing. Teaching can satisfy that missing 'something'. Explore the possibilities of becoming a teacher in your 30's, 40's and even your 50's.
  • How Do You Become a Private School Teacher?
    How do you become a private school teacher? We look at internships, licensing and more.
  • The Pros and Cons of Teaching Overseas
    Hundreds of private schools (and for that matter, public schools) outside the United States will be happy to have you as a teacher for a few years.
  • What Is Praxis?
    Praxis is part of the teacher licensing process many states require.

All Categories:

Featured Partners:

Featured Partner