INTRODUCING THE HARKNESS DISCUSSION Using assessment methods to

INTRODUCING THE HARKNESS DISCUSSION Using assessment methods to improve group participation

Class Objectives • To understand what the Harkness method of discussion is and why it is used • To understand what is expected of students participating in a Harkness discussion • To practice a typical Harkness Table Discussion using an article • To be able to reflect upon our individual and team efforts during the discussion • To understand what assessment methods will be used during the Harkness process

What is a Harkness? • A discussion method developed by Edward L. Harkness at Phillips Exeter school. • A student-led form of discussion • Teacher acts as little as possible; students are responsible for the team’s success • Everyone is expected to participate: the goal is to keep the discussion moving forward and working as a team to come to a conclusion and/or solve a problem.

The Harkness Table

Assessment • Review the following documents to understand assessment… • 1) Discussion Expectations • 2) The Harkness Discussion: skills and grading • 3) Fishbowl Observation sheet • 4) Record of discussion contributions • 5) Goal and progress tracker

How will this count for marks? • Harkness contribution is worth 25% of your Human Geography course grade. The 25% is divided amongst the following items: • Completion of annotations (completion mark) • Discussion mark (class grade based on success) • Reflection activity (completion mark)