70 likes | 197 Views
Socratic Teaching. Engaging students through dialogue. Socratic Method--Origins. Based on ideas of Socrates (469-399 B.C.E.). Socrates’ actual method was an extended public dialogue/debate between teacher and a student (aka “dialectic”). This can be rather harsh.
E N D
Socratic Teaching Engaging students through dialogue
Socratic Method--Origins • Based on ideas of Socrates (469-399 B.C.E.). • Socrates’ actual method was an extended public dialogue/debate between teacher and a student (aka “dialectic”). This can be rather harsh. • Therefore, we use a moderated version, consisting mostly of group discussion. • Teacher poses questions rather than providing answers. • Considered one of the most powerful teaching tools.
Purposes • To engage students by arousing their curiosity. • To make learning a participatory--not passive--experience. • To encourage critical (i.e., higher-order) thinking and problem-solving skills.
Anderson & Krathwohl (2001)based on Bloom (1956) Create Evaluate Analyze Apply Understand Remember
Technique • Stimulate discussion with probing questions. • Draw as many students as possible into the discussion. • Keep discussion focused. • Apply rigorous logic--and ethics. • Allow students to disagree with instructor. • Never embarrass, mock or denigrate a student. • Periodically summarize what has and has not been dealt with and/or resolved.
Cautions • One of Socratic teaching’s strengths is its unpredictability. This can also present unexpected and occasionally uncomfortable moments. • Discussions can digress drastically if not reined in by teacher/moderator (don’t’ make me do it). • Teaching students to think for themselves is not always a welcome development.