ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Harkness table

Have you ever sat at a big table with your friends or classmates? A Harkness table is kind of like that, but a little bit special.

First, imagine a big round or oval table, like a giant donut. Instead of there being one person at the front of the class and everyone else facing them, everyone sits around the table together. This makes it easier for everyone to talk to each other and share ideas.

But what makes a Harkness table really special is how the conversation happens. During class, instead of the teacher telling you what to think or asking specific questions, everyone is encouraged to share their thoughts and opinions. You might be asked to read a book or article beforehand, and then during the class you get to talk about what you thought about it, what parts you liked, and what parts you didn't understand.

The whole idea behind the Harkness table is to create a space where everyone's opinions matter and everyone has the chance to be heard. It's a place where people can learn from each other and share their ideas in a respectful way.