Socratic Method

Summary

The video script from LearnLawBetter introduces the Socratic method, a teaching approach named after the Greek philosopher Socrates. It emphasizes engaging students in higher-level thinking through questioning, contrasting with traditional lectures. The script outlines three professorial approaches: the boot camp, accountability, and thinking approaches. It also offers strategies for students to excel in this interactive learning environment, such as preparation, active mental engagement, and effective communication with the professor.

Takeaways

• 📚 The Socratic method is a teaching approach named after the Greek philosopher Socrates, who used questions to help others reach the truth on various issues.
• 🗝️ Socrates' teachings were documented by his student Plato in the form of dialogues, where questions were central to the learning process.
• 🔍 The method is designed to engage students at a higher level of thinking, as opposed to traditional lectures that might only require lower level thinking.
• 👨‍🏫 There are three main approaches to using the Socratic method in the classroom: the boot camp approach, the accountability approach, and the thinking approach.
• 🚫 The boot camp approach, which was more about breaking students, is not commonly used today.
• 📚 The accountability approach uses questions to ensure students have read the material, though these questions typically require little thought.
• 🤔 The thinking approach is the most Socratic, involving in-depth questioning of a few students to explore the material and encourage critical thinking.
• 🧐 Students are advised to prepare for class, engaging with the material by answering questions in their mind and taking notes, even when not directly being asked.
• 👀 When answering, students should look at the professor and think before responding, rather than searching for the answer in their notes.
• 🗣️ If a student doesn't understand a question, they should ask for clarification before attempting to answer.
• 💪 The method encourages students to try to answer, even if they might be wrong, as the process is more about learning and engaging with the material than providing a perfect answer.
• 📈 The Socratic method is not just about success but also learning from failures, emphasizing the importance of the learning experience.

Q & A

What is the Socratic method?

The Socratic method is a teaching technique named after Socrates, a Greek philosopher. It involves asking questions to stimulate critical thinking and to help students arrive at the truth of an issue through discussion.

Why is the Socratic method considered a great teaching tool?

The Socratic method is a great teaching tool because it keeps students engaged, unlike traditional lectures, and encourages higher-level thinking by asking questions that require more than simple factual answers.

What are some examples of lower level thinking questions?

Lower level thinking questions are those that require simple, direct answers, such as 'In what year did the American Revolution begin?' where '1776' is sufficient.

How does the Socratic method differ from a traditional lecture in terms of student engagement?

In a traditional lecture, the professor delivers information to passive students. The Socratic method, however, actively involves students in the learning process by asking them questions and prompting them to think critically about the subject matter.

What is the 'boot camp approach' to using the Socratic method in the classroom?

The 'boot camp approach' involves the professor asking a series of questions to a student until they cannot answer, with the aim of establishing the professor's dominance and humbling the student, making them more willing to learn. This approach is not commonly used today.

What is the purpose of the 'accountability approach' in the Socratic method?

The 'accountability approach' is used by professors to ensure that students have read the assigned material by asking them questions that require little thought, thus holding them accountable for their preparation.

Can you describe the 'thinking approach' to using the Socratic method?

The 'thinking approach' is similar to how Socrates interacted with others. The professor asks questions to a few students during a class session, each answering for about 15 to 20 minutes, with the aim of getting the student to explain and critically analyze the assigned material.

How can students prepare for class if their professor uses the Socratic method?

Students should read the assigned material thoroughly and consider the questions they think might be asked. They should also mentally answer questions as if they were being asked by the professor, which helps them engage with the material and be ready for class discussions.

What should a student do when they are asked a question by the professor using the Socratic method?

The student should look at the professor when answering, think carefully about the question, and provide an answer even if it's not perfect. It's okay to ask for a few more seconds to gather thoughts, and if the question is unclear, the student should ask for clarification.

Why is it important for students to attempt to answer questions in the Socratic method, even if they might be wrong?

Attempting to answer questions is important because the Socratic method is about the learning process. Even if the answer is wrong, the student can learn from the experience and the professor's guidance, which is more valuable than not trying at all.

What resources are available for students to learn more about the Socratic method and improve their understanding?

Students can visit LearnLawBetter.com for additional resources, including a blog and newsletter, to further enhance their understanding of the Socratic method and other learning techniques.