A totally unique high school in Mexico

Harkness Institute is a bilingual and bicultural preparatory high school that employs a unique peer-to-peer approach to education, rather than the traditional method of teacher lecture ––the “seer on stage.” While this style of learning was introduced by Phillips Exeter Academy in the United States almost a century ago, it is still new to Mexico *.

The difference is perceptible immediately.  You notice as soon as you enter the classroom that instead of desks lined up in front of the teacher, there is a conference table…a place to discuss ideas!

Why it works

Critical Thinking

You can witness the development begin with their first class discussion. Students are not just eager to supply some fundamental insight they have gleaned from their study, but also apply critical thinking to others’ comments. Then from critical thinking something new emerges –- wisdom.

Wisdom

Wisdom is an ability to use knowledge acquired and apply it in a given circumstance. What blooms from class discussion, is a fuller understanding of people, things, events, situations and history. And from that knowledge develops the ability as well as the willingness to use all intellectual capabilities (perception, judgment, and intuition) to achieve an optimal course of action.

Collaborative skills

Discernments from subjects being discussed are often startling and occasionally result in applause when unique ideas are uncovered. What is the role of the teacher in these discussions? Basically as the facilitator; the students are the drivers of the learning process. Critical thinking and presentation skills are practiced and honed. Collaborative skills and team play are developed.

Learning conference style

The Harkness approach

Most of all, respect for differing ideas and thoughtful, objective analysis become de facto character traits in students, as topics ranging from classical literature to even math become fodder for intellectual scrutiny.

This approach allows for a more active and student involved education process. The Harkness approach is successful in engaging the student, allowing him/her to understand the material to be able to explain it to the other students at the discussion table, and lastly it allows for learning to be an experience that can be transferred to long-term memory.

A new system

Harkness students not only learn deeper, they get a much better grasp of why they are learning what they are learning. This results in a growing interest to investigate and learn all kinds of things and a willingness to apply that knowledge to action. They approach new material with enhanced understanding and in a manner that they feel works best for them.  In short, they apply knowledge to decide what actions should be taken in order to deliver successful outcomes. This is exciting.  This is wisdom.

4 step learning process

  • Independent study and research

  • Collaborative discussions in small classes around the conference table to gain insights on the material studied

  • Projects, presentations and papers:  Formal expression of what they have learned

  • Testing to assure the material has been retained