What is the Thayer Method at West Point Army?

I've read a bit about some teaching methods at West Point and came across the Thayer Method. How does this teaching approach work, and is it something that could help me if I'm considering West Point?

The Thayer Method is a specific teaching approach that is implemented at the United States Military Academy at West Point - it was created by Colonel Sylvanus Thayer, often known as the "Father of West Point", to ensure the academy was following an effective and rigorous academic curriculum.

This method primarily focuses on self-teaching and preparation. Before attending classes, students are expected to study material independently, learning the new concepts, theories, and ideas on their own. This means students would need to read textbooks, review study guides, complete problems, and fully wrap their heads around new information before they step a foot into the classroom.

The classroom time is primarily used to solidify their understanding. The professor uses this time to address any questions or points of confusion and facilitate discussions rather than introduce fresh concepts. This often takes the form of working through complex questions related to the material, fostering a "group-learning" environment where students help each other.

This academic approach fosters independent learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. It's designed to ensure that students truly understand the material, and can apply the concepts in real-world situations, rather than just memorizing the information.

If you enjoy self-study and thrive in collaborative work environments, the Thayer Method might be quite beneficial to you. It helps you take the onus of your education, which can be a valuable skillset not only in the military but in any future career.