Socratic+Questioning

The Critical Thinking Company [|Classroom Questions]

Socratic questioning gets its name from Socrates who used series of questions to teach his students. The purpose of using this type of questioning is to promote more thoughtful discussion among the students. There is no predetermination of what is to be learned from the text. "You're not putting a question out there to get the answer you are looking for--you put a question out there to see what happens." (ASCD Video)

Many of us use this teaching strategy in our classes all of the time. However, even if you are comfortable with this strategy, it is healthy and useful to get feedback from your peers. I want you to think of what questions you might be able to use with students with Alfred Kropp.

Here are some that will hopefully get you started.

Socratic Questions for The Extraordinary Adventures of Alfred Kropp

1. What would make an adventure extraordinary? 2. What would make a person extraordinary? 3. In this story, Alfred faced an ethical dilemma. Is there a time when the ends justify the means?

Notes from ASCD:

Many teachers are using socratic questioning in actual Socratic seminars. In these seminars, teachers lead these student conversations based on a text that was assigned 1-2 days before the discussion occurs.

According to the video from ASCD, there are 6 aspects of Socratic seminars that make them work or fail. Climate and Expectations Room Arrangement Opening Question Ground in Text Teacher as Facilitator Role of Students Have you used this strategy in your classrooms? What are the advantages and disadvantages of using it? Can it work for all students?