Videos of Harkness: Math and Science

Geometry in the Harkness classroom

Students and their teacher discuss the geometry classroom experience in a short reflections video (2:37 minutes).

Watch a complete geometry class in the longer video below (42:09 minutes). 

Watch a geometry class

This geometry class is typical within Exeter’s integrated math program: Students present their ideas for solutions to homework problems on the board and work with one another to discover and evaluate different pathways to a solution. The instructor nudges her students to access material from previous lessons and make connections with current problem sets. Exeter’s problem sets are designed to enable students to discover new concepts, eliminating the dependence on teachers to introduce ideas. Each class is a time to collaborate, share ideas and strengthen understanding. Watch below:

Physics in the Harkness classroom

Students and their teacher discuss the physics classroom experience in a short reflections video (3:41 minutes).

Watch a complete physics class in the longer video below (1:01:24 hours). 

Watch a physics class

Launching new material can alter the structure of a typical Harkness class. Here, the start of a new physics unit requires increased teacher direction and demonstration. As a unit progresses, students participate more, develop dexterity with the material and assume ownership of the group work. Watch below:

More to Explore

Videos of Harkness: Humanities

Watch more videos from the Harkness classroom with a focus on the humanities. 

Go to the page titled Videos of Harkness: Humanities

Harkness Tracking Tools

Check out tools designed to help teachers everywhere enhance student-centered learning in the classroom.

Go to the page titled Harkness Tracking Tools

What Teachers Say

Learning from practitioners can help. Read these essays from faculty and students at Exeter. 

Go to the page titled What Teachers Say