The Harkness Method: Leveraging International School Discussion Tactics to Elevate DSE Speaking Scores

For many HKDSE candidates, English Paper 4 (Speaking) is the most unpredictable component of the exam. Unlike the reading or writing papers, where you have total control over your output, the speaking exam relies heavily on group dynamics. You might be prepared, but if your group is silent, aggressive, or disjointed, your performance can suffer. Here is a common scenario in Hong Kong exam rooms: Student A makes a point. Student B says, "I agree with you," and starts a totally new topic. Student C repeats Student A’s point using different words. The examiner hears a series of monologues, not a discussion. To break this cycle and secure a Level 5** in Communication Strategies, smart students are looking toward elite international schools for a solution: The Harkness Method. Originating from Phillips Exeter Academy and widely adopted by top-tier international schools in Hong Kong, the Harkness Method changes the philosophy of learning from "lecture" to "collaborative discussion." By adopting this mindset, you can transform a chaotic DSE group discussion into a high-scoring, cohesive conversation. Here is how you can leverage these elite discussion tactics to dominate your HKDSE speaking exam.

What is the Harkness Method?

The Harkness Method centers around an oval table where the teacher acts merely as an observer, and students lead the discussion. The goal isn't to be the loudest or to "win" the argument, but to explore the topic deeply together. In the context of Hong Kong education, this is the exact opposite of the "spoon-feeding" culture many students are used to. However, it is exactly what the HKEAA implies when they assess "Interaction." The Harkness Philosophy for DSE:

• Listen to understand, not just to reply.
• Link ideas rather than listing them.
• Include others to build a stronger collective answer.

Tactic 1: The "Web of Conversation" Visualization

In a typical low-scoring DSE group, the conversation pattern looks like a ping-pong match or a firing squad: everyone aiming their answers at the examiner. In a Harkness discussion, the conversation looks like a web, connecting student to student. How to apply this: Don't just look at your notecard. Look at the candidate speaking. When it is your turn, explicitly visualize drawing a line from their idea to yours. The "Yes, And..." Technique: Instead of the robotic "I agree with you," try these transition phrases that signal a "Web" connection:

• "Building on Candidate A's point about budget constraints, I think we need to consider..."
• "While I see Candidate B's logic regarding the venue, have we considered the impact on..."
• "That ties back to what Candidate C mentioned earlier about student safety..."

Pro Tip: DSE examiners award high marks for Communication Strategies to candidates who can synthesize the group's thoughts. If you can summarize two conflicting points and propose a middle ground, you have effectively "won" the Harkness game.

Tactic 2: Invite, Don't Interrogate

One of the biggest fears in exam preparation is the "dominating candidate" or the "silent candidate." The Harkness Method solves this through "invitational inquiry." In elite classrooms, students are trained to notice who hasn't spoken. In the DSE, simply asking "What do you think?" is a Level 3 tactic. It puts pressure on a nervous student without giving them a foothold. The Level 5** Harkness Approach: Provide a scaffold for the other candidate. This shows the examiner you are managing the discussion flow (a leadership trait). Example: "Candidate C, I know you mentioned earlier that we should focus on outdoor activities. Do you think that idea would work better in the morning session or the afternoon session?" By referencing their previous contribution and giving them a specific choice (morning vs. afternoon), you are being a supportive collaborator. You are leveraging the educational guidance principles used in top universities, which value bringing out the best in team members.

Tactic 3: Quality Over Quantity (The Contribution Formula)

A common misconception in HKDSE practice is that speaking more equals a higher score. However, interrupting others to say nothing of substance will lower your score in Delivery and Interaction. In Harkness discussions, students are taught that silence is active. You are thinking. When you speak, it must add value. We can visualize the value of your turn-taking with a simple conceptual formula: $$ \text{Score Impact} = \frac{\text{Relevance} \times \text{Extension}}{\text{Interruption Factor}} $$ If you interrupt (high denominator) and only repeat a point (low relevance), your impact is low. If you wait for a natural pause (low denominator) and extend the idea with a new example (high extension), your score skyrockets. Actionable Advice: If you find yourself panicking because you haven't spoken in 2 minutes, do not just jump in. Wait for the current speaker to finish, then say: "I'd like to take a moment to summarize where we are. We seem to agree on the venue, but we have different views on the budget. Shall we resolve the budget issue first?" This is a "Meta-Comment"—a comment about the discussion itself—and it is highly rewarded.

How AI-Powered Learning Can Simulate the Harkness Table

The biggest challenge for DSE students is that you cannot practice the Harkness Method alone—or at least, you couldn't before the rise of AI-powered learning. Traditional revision involves memorizing vocabulary lists. However, modern study platforms like Thinka allow you to simulate the dynamic nature of a group discussion. Using Thinka to Master Discussion Skills:

1. Simulated Interaction: You can use AI tools to generate "counter-arguments" or "unanticipated responses" to your points. This trains your brain to react flexibly rather than reciting a script.
2. Transcript Analysis: In a personalized learning environment, AI can analyze the transcript of a spoken response. It can identify if you are using enough connective words or if your sentence structures are too repetitive.
3. Idea Expansion: If you struggle with generating ideas on the spot (a core Harkness skill), you can use Start Practicing in AI-Powered Practice Platform to challenge yourself with random DSE topics, asking the AI to give you a "starter thought" that you must extend.

By treating the AI as your "discussion partner," you can practice the "Web of Conversation" skills in a safe, low-pressure environment before stepping into the exam room.

Practical Drill: The "devil’s Advocate"

To prepare for the unexpected nature of the DSE, try this exercise used in international school debate clubs: 1. Take a past paper topic (e.g., "Organizing a School Fair"). 2. Form an opinion (e.g., "We should hold it on a Saturday"). 3. Immediately force yourself to argue the opposite view using the phrase: "On the other hand, holding it on a weekday might ensure higher student attendance." This mental flexibility is crucial. In a Harkness discussion (and the DSE), you might realize your initial idea is flawed. Being able to pivot gracefully—"Actually, listening to Candidate B, I realize a weekday might be better..."—shows intellectual maturity that examiners love. For more resources on building your argument vocabulary, check out our HKDSE Study Notes.

Conclusion: From Competition to Collaboration

The secret to acing the DSE Speaking exam isn't to defeat the other candidates; it's to elevate them. The Harkness Method teaches us that the best discussions happen when everyone contributes to a central "pool of meaning." By adopting these tactics—visualizing the conversation web, inviting others with specific questions, and prioritizing synthesis over repetition—you stop being just another candidate fighting for airtime. You become the conductor of the orchestra. As you prepare, remember that Hong Kong education is evolving. The skills you learn from this method—active listening, collaboration, and critical thinking—are not just for the exam. They are the exact skills universities and future employers are looking for. Ready to refine your speaking skills? Don't leave your group dynamics to chance. Start Practicing in AI-Powered Practice Platform today and turn your speaking anxiety into your greatest asset.