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Socratic Teaching: Engaging Students Through Dialogue

The document discusses Socratic teaching, which is based on the dialogic method of Socrates. It aims to engage students through questioning rather than providing answers directly, in order to encourage critical thinking and make learning participatory. The teacher poses probing questions to stimulate discussion while keeping it focused, applying logic and ethics without embarrassing students. While an effective teaching tool, it requires moderation to prevent discomfort from unpredictability or digression.

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Zaini Ali
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40 views7 pages

Socratic Teaching: Engaging Students Through Dialogue

The document discusses Socratic teaching, which is based on the dialogic method of Socrates. It aims to engage students through questioning rather than providing answers directly, in order to encourage critical thinking and make learning participatory. The teacher poses probing questions to stimulate discussion while keeping it focused, applying logic and ethics without embarrassing students. While an effective teaching tool, it requires moderation to prevent discomfort from unpredictability or digression.

Uploaded by

Zaini Ali
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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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.
based on Bloom (1956)

Create
Remember
Understand
Apply
Analyze
Evaluate
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 teachings strengths is its
unpredictability. This can also present
unexpected and occasionally uncomfortable
moments.
Discussions can digress drastically if not reined
in by teacher/moderator.
Teaching students to think for themselves is not
always a welcome development.

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