What is the Socratic Method of teaching?

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 What is the Socratic Method?


    The Socratic method was derived from the Greek philosopher, Socrates. In order to delve into his students’ view, he would ask them questions until any contradictions were exposed. Socrates also used this method of questioning to encourage people to question the things they were told and to look beyond the obvious.

    Under the Socratic method, there are various ways that professors can question their students.

    For example, a professor might pick a student at random and question them (rapid-fire) for the entire duration of the class. The ultimate goal is to trip the student up and cause holes in their argument.

Example of a Socratic Method Lesson

    This type of lesson begins when the professor calls a student randomly and asks for a summary of the case from the previously assigned reading. The student will be required to recite a brief summary, including the facts of the case, the issues involved in the case, and the court’s holding and rationale on the case.

    Based on the answers the professor gets, he or she may ask follow-up questions. The goal of these questions is to reveal some of the many possible arguments that can be made against the student’s argument. The professor may also ask questions in order to reveal the different ways that an argument can be framed.

    Next, the student could be asked whether they agree or disagree with the court’s holding. Typically, they will also be asked to explain why. Professors may also theorize different facts that could change the given case. At the same time, the student will often be asked to apply the court’s rationale and their own thinking to these new facts.

Why Use the Socratic Method?

  1. It helps develop critical thinking skills.

  2. It gets students ready to think quickly.

  3. It forces students to be prepared and attentive.

Advantages 

  • Gaining active learning and listening skills

  • Promotion of critical thinking skills

  • Learning how to be challenged and what to do when challenged

  • Discovering how to examine issues in-depth

Disadvantages

  • Easy failure rate without student participation

  • A fear of public speaking is common

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