This is a site aimed at educators who are interested in Harkness teaching. Exeter has given me the opportunity to spend a portion of my time trying to support others who want to bring Harkness to their classrooms. This is an endeavor to offer some sources online for the teacher who is looking for a spark, particularly when that search is happening at midnight, or from a distant corner of the world! I hope you find something you can use. Don’t hesitate to share your ideas back with me. I’d love to hear them.
I want to mention that the time I have to work on this project is in large part due to the Bates-Russell Distinguished Professorship, an endowed, rotating faculty position at Phillips Exeter Academy. My five-year term began in July 2016 with the charge to focus on Harkness initiatives and outreach and, particularly, the collaboration between Exeter and the Noble Academy in Chicago. The Bates-Russell Professorship honors beloved former Academy math teacher and renowned mountaineer, Bob Bates. Since 1999 the Bates-Russell chair has worked with the principal on new initiatives and educational innovations within and beyond the Academy.
Teaching Around the Oval 