The Harkness Method
The Harkness Method is a teaching and learning method involving students seated in a large, oval shape in order to discuss ideas in an encouraging, open-minded environment with only occasional or minimal teacher intervention.
The Harkness method of teaching is a kind of socratic, discussion-based approach, mainly used in high school classes. The method is content-focused and teacher-led, but student-centered; that is, the students carry the load of discussing (and learning how to ask) the questions raised by the content they are studying in class, whether this is Milton’s Paradise Lost, a topic in ancient history, or a problem in mathematics. Students discuss arranged in an oval and all are expected to be able to articulate their understanding, and to ask questions both of the text and of each other. There is no hiding in a Harkness discussion-careful preparation and a thoughtful search for truth are critical. Ideally, these discussion s occur around an oval-shaped table where all students can see and interact with each other. Since the architecture of a place (and a classroom is no exception) significantly impacts what goes on it in, we have purchased some of these tables for our humanities classrooms, and hope to add more as we’re able. As McLuhan pointed out, the medium is the message. A seminar-style seating arrangement encourages engagement and participation, in contrast to the standardized rows of students focused on the front which is typical in many classrooms.
Veritas doesn’t approach Harkness discussions as a kind of free-for-all sharing time. Rather, teachers guide students to discuss carefully and thoughtfully, applying both their content knowledge and their biblical worldview to the problems raised. But the bulk of the work in the discussion is placed squarely where it should be: on the students.
The Trivium
At Veritas, we seek to challenge children individually at all levels and teach them how to learn by using the centuries-old and well-proven classical method.
By adopting an updated version of the Trivium, the name given to the first three of these Seven Liberal Arts, the teachers at Veritas are better able to pass on the invaluable tools of learning that built the foundation of education throughout this amazing period of history.
The three parts of the Trivium are:
- Grammar – memorizing the basic facts of a subject
- Logic – understanding the relationship of those facts to each other; and
- Rhetoric – knowing how to effectively communicate this knowledge to others
At Veritas, we seek to challenge children individually at all levels and teach them how to learn by using the centuries-old and well-proven classical method.
Much of Western Civilization – our culture, laws, history, and language – has been built on the heritage of the ancient Hebrews, Greeks, and Romans. For an education to have depth, certain aspects of this heritage need to be studied, understood, and appreciated.
Early Christians developed the classical teaching method, which revolved around what were called the Seven Liberal Arts. This method was utilized through the Middle Ages and into the early 1900s, proving to be remarkably successful.
By adopting an updated version of the Trivium, the name given to the first three of these Seven Liberal Arts, the teachers at Veritas are better able to pass on the invaluable tools of learning that built the foundation of education throughout this amazing period of history.
The Trivium Model is applied to every academic subject through various teaching techniques and activities carefully related to a child’s age and stage of development.
To learn more about what we mean by classical and Christian education at Veritas, browse through the following articles:
Education is Not Neutral: Why Christian Children Need Classical Christian Schooling
