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Stanford FG11.1 Socratic Method PowerPoint Slides
Stanford FG11.1 Socratic Method PowerPoint Slides
Socratic Method
Definition
Key Points
Advantages
Disadvantages
Using the Socratic Method
General Guidelines
Forming Questions
“Techie” Classroom Settings
What is the Socratic Method?
General: Foundation of Western Pedagogical Tradition.
A controlled debate used as a method of inquiry for the examination of
conceptual, philosophical, and moral ideas.
Lecturer
Does not lecture
Poses a question, but does not answer
Fosters the analysis through Socratic Questions
Students
Must listen and actively engage
Focus on the underlying principles
Account for beliefs in class
Ask questions of Lecturer and fellow students
Disadvantages
Difficult to apply in certain classroom settings
Not as suited for imparting worldly facts and standard lecture
Not optimal for imparting logical facts, theorems, and
knowledge generated by conventional lectures.
Method in Practice
Silence is productive
Be reasonable (10 seconds)
Do not answer questions, rephrase instead
Environment for the Method
Encouraging Thought
Alternative positions are acceptable
Follow-up on responses
Emphasize active participation
Forming the Question
Application Classes
Seminars for theoretical understanding
Substitute for pure lecture may be undesirable
Possibility: Schedule “Socratic Seminar” periods with
standard lecture
Theoretical Classes
Seminars can be used to advance the class
Teaches required critical thought with the concepts
involved
Possibility: Focus on extending concepts learned
In “Techie” Environments