Harkness Learning at Pacific Ridge School

HARKNESS

Where learning is a conversation

Harkness learning and what it does to a young mind - helping you understand how to communicate and participate in large group conversations; it’s one of the most unbelievable life skills that I’ve gained.

- Alex R. ‘11

Traditional

Harkness

WHAT IS HARKNESS? Instead of sitting in rows of desks, Pacific Ridge students sit with their teacher around a large, oval table, called a Harkness table. Students speak, listen, ask questions and learn from the teacher and from one another.

Harkness fosters critical thinking and essential communication skills, while encouraging students to respectfully express their ideas and appreciate different perspectives.

WHAT DOES THE TEACHER DO IN A HARKNESS DISCUSSION? Teachers masterfully guide the conversation by posing the topic, asking guiding and clarifying questions and facilitating the participation of all students, even those quieter in nature.

WHAT ABOUT SUBJECTS OTHER THAN ENGLISH AND HISTORY? Harkness is used in various ways in all academic disciplines. In math, for example, Harkness encourages students to develop problem-solving skills, rather than relying on rote memorization techniques.

DO STUDENTS HAVE HARKNESS DISCUSSIONS ALL DAY LONG? Classes at Pacific Ridge also involve group projects, traditional lectures and other styles of lesson plans.

However, the teaching and learning dynamic is always influenced by the face-to-face orientation of the students to the teacher and to each other. Harkness skills are always being developed.

6269 El Fuerte, Carlsbad, CA 92009 | 760.579.4901 | pacificridge.org