Harkness Seminars

History of Harkness Seminars

In 1930, Yale graduate Edward Harkness approved a plan that in no small way intended to revolutionize education. At St. Paul's School and Phillips Exeter Academy, East Coast boarding schools (for boys only at the time), philanthropist Edward Harkness encouraged the administration team to devise a plan to make a transformative education more attainable for all learners. By designing and installing oval shaped tables in each classroom, Harkness sought to focus on conversation as a driver for learning in all subject areas. When educators place importance on providing space for authentic and meaningful conversations, the responsibility for learning is given to the students as they not only learn from each other, but they learn about themselves as well. Currently, The Harkness Philosophy is foundational at Exeter, as well as public and private schools around the country and across the globe.

"I believe that our own experience dictates that the secret of education lies in respecting the pupil." -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Harkness Seminars in English Language Arts Classes at Seaholm

*We seek to provide students with an additional opportunity to demonstrate strength in the content area through facilitated dialogue.

*We seek to provide students with an opportunity to have voice and agency in the classroom.

*We seek to provide students with an opportunity to practice civil discourse.

*We seek to provide students with an opportunity to strengthen their speaking and listening skills.

*We seek to provide students with an opportunity to participate in the creation of a classroom community.

*We understand no two Harkness-based seminars will look the same, but they will share and honor the same goals.

For more information on Harkness, please click the following links found below.

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