How to Teach by Socratic Method
- 1). Consider the subject you are teaching. While the fundamentals of the Socratic method never change, how these fundamentals are applied from subject to subject do. Teaching certain subjects, such as math, requires providing basic guidelines that students can apply toward the problem. The Socratic method applied to the sciences and history allows for discussion and debates among students.
- 2). Ask leading questions to help your students find the true answer. This may be necessary, especially if the Socratic method is a new concept for your students. Ask a question such as, "Why do tigers have stripes?" Encourage your students to come up with as many possible answers as they can, and then systematically discuss each one. Ask them probing questions and encourage other students to do so as well in an attempt to find flaws in their theories.
- 3). Encourage students to ask questions. One way to do this is to base at least part of their final grade on their participation in the class. Make it clear from the first day that they will be expected to be prepared for class and participate in the discussions.
- 4). Point out opposing theories to help your students think of new theories. Students may need some help developing their critical and creative thinking skills. Help them out by mentioning theories that oppose the ones they've put forth, and encourage them to discuss the details of each theory.
- 5). Welcome stupid questions. If a student is ridiculed for asking a question someone deems stupid, it discourages that student from speaking up and thinking critically for himself in the future. Rather than dismissing a question, ask the student questions that will lead him in the right direction and help him determine the answer to the question himself.
- 6). Encourage your students to apply the Socratic method to all their classes to further develop their critical thinking skills and improve their retention of the material.