At Concordia, all of our social science classes use the Harkness method or other structured discussion protocols to help students grow as both thinkers and communicators. In a Harkness discussion, students sit in a circle and take ownership of the conversation; They listen, question, and build on one another’s ideas, drawing evidence from sources to support their points. The teacher becomes a facilitator rather than a lecturer, guiding students toward deeper inquiry and collaboration.
This approach aligns closely with the goals of social science education. Understanding history, politics, and society requires more than memorizing facts; it demands interpreting evidence, weighing perspectives, and constructing arguments. All of these skills thrive in good dialogue. Through open-ended discussions, students learn to articulate their reasoning clearly, respond respectfully to differing views, and refine their ideas through feedback from peers.
Beginning this process in 9th grade takes a lot of work. However, this work pays huge dividends by the time students are in their junior and senior courses and are able to go deeper into the material as a result. These methods help students move from simply having opinions to defending them with clarity and evidence.
The result is not just stronger communication skills, but a deeper sense of intellectual curiosity and empathy. Students learn that academic discourse is a shared pursuit of understanding, not a competition to be right. Whether exploring ancient civilizations, modern global issues, or ethical dilemmas, the conversation-driven classroom prepares them to think critically, listen thoughtfully, and engage meaningfully with the world around them. This is just one way we are preparing student for college and life beyond.
Written by Shane Twaddell, Curriculum Lead for the Social Sciences