How Touchstones Works

A teacher from New Jersey explores discussion dynamics and the Touchstones method in an Open Enrollment Workshop.

Touchstones discussions are unique. They are part of a highly structured program designed to build fundamental learning skills, including improved listening, speaking, reasoning, comprehension, collaborative problem solving, and shared leadership in students of all ages and backgrounds. These skills emerge from structured activities integrated into our programs.

Touchstones programs feature primary-source texts selected and edited from works of philosophy, science, the social sciences, literature, history, mathematics, and art. Every text offers themes to which all participants can relate. Each Touchstones lesson specifically includes:

• A text for discussion specifically selected to support the group’s continuous development
• Individual work to connect prior knowledge with specific goals in each lesson
• Small group work for practice sharing ideas and building trust
• Full group discussions
• Discussion evaluation that includes individual and group assessment of participation, cooperation, listening, and shared leadership

Touchstones discussions are open-ended, sparking curiosity and active thinking about foundational concepts of humanity and what it means to be a citizen. There is no closure. Instead, participants end class with heightened sense of interest, a deepening appreciation for differing viewpoints, and a growing experience solving problems collaboratively. Touchstones programs develop vital skillsets through these weekly discussions over the course of an academic year. These include the ability to:

• Teach themselves and other, as needed to address gaps in skills, experience, and knowledge
• Work with others regardless of perceived similarities or differences
• Listen actively and read closely to glean intended rather than expected meaning and consider the implications
• Share leadership such that each person in a group or class acts both as participant and leader

Touchstones consistently yields measurable and significant improvement in communication, inclusion, respect, critical thinking, and collaboration. In addition, these outcomes are highly replicated in classrooms in grades 2-12, undergraduate and post-graduate education, adult continuing education, and executive leadership programs:

A 6th grade class examines their initial ideas about a text during their small group work.

• Increased self-confidence sharing ideas publicly
• Improved self-moderation
• More accurate self-perception
• Willingness to change one’s mind and greater comfort with uncertainty
• Greater respect for diverse perspectives and opinions
• Improved civility
• More inclusive, responsive, and collaborative leadership