Allie Bernstein, '27
One of the things that sets Ensworth apart from other schools is the extensive use of the Harkness method. There are many reasons as to why Ensworth implements Harkness in almost every class, but one specifically is that through the harkness discussions, students learn how to participate in a productive conversation. This gives students a head start outside of high school, when it comes to the need to be able to conduct a productive conversation in a college setting or even with any other person you collaborate with who may have an opposing view. But outside of Ensworth’s controlled Harkness discussions, there are many other reasons as to why productive conversations are a necessity in this day in age.
There are many instances in any person's life where someone will disagree with a view that another person heartfully believes. This may take place over a presidential debate, a classroom discussion, or even Thanksgiving dinner with relatives. In the Harkness philosophy, every voice carries equal weight, no matter if you think one’s opinion is crazy. That seems to be the hardest part for people when attempting to participate in productive conversations, because respecting the fact that someone has an opinion can be difficult when you are so opposed to what the opinion may be. Productive conversations take a turn for the worse when someone’s voice becomes weakened or invalidated, and the other person turns the collaborative discussion into a dictatorship.
While teachers aren’t leaders of the Harkness discussions, they supervise and have witnessed many positive and negative conversations. Mrs. Towle, an English teacher at Ensworth High School, commented on the outcomes of productive conversations by the harkness method. “Most people think that a class can’t understand or make sense of a text without the teacher, but when they collaborate with each other, their understanding becomes more organic.” When asked what would turn a Harkness discussion into a counterproductive conversation, Mrs. Towle mentioned how sometimes people would either monopolize the conversation, or go onto an unrelated tangent. Lastly, she was asked in what way she implements the use of productive conversations outside of school. Her answer was having productive conversation at home when it comes to conflict between family and friends, so she could be a role model for her children, in order for them to also learn the value of a productive conversation.
Not only is focusing on the benefits of the Harkness method good for yourself, but also contributes to a more positive environment around you. If you are someone who struggles or dreads participating in Harkness discussions, moving forward you may want to focus on not just what will happen to you, but how you can affect the overall people and conversation surrounding you.
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