* Walking and talking: The name "Peripatetic" comes from the Greek word "peripatos," meaning "walk about." Aristotle famously taught while walking in the Lyceum, a covered walkway in Athens. The lessons were delivered while strolling, engaging students in discussion and observation.
* Emphasis on dialogue and inquiry: Unlike rote learning, the Peripatetic method prioritized active participation from students. Learning was collaborative, with discussions and debates forming a central part of the educational experience.
* Observation of the natural world: Aristotle's philosophy emphasized empirical observation. His students were encouraged to study the natural world directly, making observations and drawing conclusions based on evidence. This experiential learning was a significant part of the Peripatetic approach.
* Holistic approach: The curriculum was broad, encompassing areas like logic, metaphysics, ethics, politics, physics, biology, and more. It wasn't specialized in a single subject area but aimed for a comprehensive understanding of the world.
In essence, the Peripatetic system was a highly interactive, inquiry-based, and experiential approach to learning that emphasized discussion, observation, and a holistic understanding of knowledge. It differed significantly from the more structured and lecture-based methods that became more common later in the history of education.