Socratic Teaching Method

1340 Words6 Pages
Option D The Socratic teaching method made its way into America sometime during the Enlightenment period, replacing traditional teaching methods of lecture and routine memorization (Schneider 27). Replicating the method that Socrates used to interrogate Athenians in the agora, this method of teaching offered a way for teachers to get their students to participate in learning (Schneider 26). Though the Socratic method has been altered throughout the years, it can be described as a teaching style used to force students to participate in learning through individualized questioning, discussions, and debates. Some educators believe that this form of teaching is much too intimidating and embarrassing for students today. Others believe that the Socratic method teaches valuable skills such as independent thinking and open-mindedness. Over time, the Socratic method has proved to have both strengths and weaknesses in education. Certain aspects of the Socratic method have proved to be efficient in education. One of the greatest strengths of this method is that it forces students to prepare for class. In a typical Socratic classroom, students are called on without forewarning to discuss topics in an individual dialogue with the professor. With the risk of being questioned, students in these classrooms tend to actually study and do their homework in preparation for answering questions and engaging in class discussions. This method of teaching pressures students to become independent thinkers, which is an important part of most professions. According to Kerr, in regards to law school, “With the Socratic reasoning process internalized, students become experts at critiquing their own prejudgments, leading to open-minded, bifocal, and sophisticated understandings of law.” All of these effects that the Socratic method has creates developed, well-rounded students. “The
Open Document