Sacred Heart educators continually explore innovative approaches to empower students and foster deeper learning. Middle School English Teachers Meg Mosier and Sally Ingram have introduced the Harkness method, a discussion-based teaching strategy, to achieve just that. Their efforts are transforming classrooms into spaces of collaborative inquiry and intellectual growth.

The Harkness method, developed at Phillips Exeter Academy, places students in a circular arrangement where they discuss, question, and build understanding together. Students lead the conversation, encouraging active listening, critical thinking, and mutual respect.

“It’s not just a method—it’s a mindset—a way of learning together that celebrates every voice.” 

- Ms. Meg Mosier, Middle School English Teacher

Ms. Mosier and Mrs. Ingram encountered the method at the Exeter Humanities Institute in 2023, where they spent six days immersed in its practice. “The experience deepened our understanding of how to implement this technique effectively,” Ms. Mosier explains. “I could immediately envision our students thriving with this approach,” Mrs. Ingram says. Following the training, they have maintained contact with peers from the institute and meet regularly, fostering ongoing collaboration and refinement of their practice.

The benefits of the Harkness method have been profound. Ms. Mosier notes that her students are growing more confident in their ability to reason independently. “I’ve seen students begin to listen more actively and self-monitor their contributions to avoid repeating ideas,” she says. Middle School students also develop advanced questioning techniques that lead to richer, more meaningful discourse.

Mrs. Ingram has similarly observed impressive growth in her students. “The Harkness method encourages students to express their thoughts clearly, listen actively, and adapt their perspectives based on new insights,” she says. The collaborative nature of the discussions fosters greater insight into texts and ideas independent of individual viewpoints.

Additionally, the Harkness method aligns seamlessly with the Sacred Heart Goals and Criteria, particularly Goals II, IV, and V, which emphasize intellectual values, building community, and cultivating personal growth. “The teacher becomes one of many minds sitting together as equals in exploration,” Ms. Mosier says. This egalitarian dynamic honors the dignity of each participant while promoting inclusion and mutual respect. For Mrs. Ingram, the Harkness method strongly supports Goal III as well. These discussions “inspire students to think critically about different communities and embrace their responsibility as compassionate global citizens,” she says.

For communities increasingly needing compassionate, critical thinkers, the Harkness method gives students a space to practice empathy, resilience, and courage. “It’s not just a method,” Mrs. Ingram concludes. “It’s a mindset—a way of learning together that celebrates every voice.”