Socratic method

[ryanrab1]

Hi, I'm a long time listener, but this is my first time on the forums. I am 16 and one of the few atheist that hails from the "great" state of Louisiana.

I was wondering, if just for one episode, if Emery and Pastor Scott wouldn't mind trying to form a dialogue instead of the routine debate form of the show? Almost like a Socratic Seminar but only between two people.

(Or, you could just think my idea is ridiculous and never try it)

*edit

Sorry, I meant for this to go in the "Requests and Complaints Section."

[Emery]

Welcome Ryan. Could you describe your Socratic method more? Would it be like a more formal debate, or more conversational? We lean to the conversational, so maybe you want me to whup up on Scott in a more formalized manner?

[ryanrab1]

Welcome Ryan. Could you describe your Socratic method more? Would it be like a more formal debate, or more conversational? We lean to the conversational, so maybe you want me to whup up on Scott in a more formalized manner?

In a Socratic Seminar the group uses dialogue to convey a point and no debating.

This is something our teacher gave us (English IV AP, not to brag or anything, and I understand it wouldn't quite work with two people, but it would be fun to here you guys try to do it with an article you both read or something of that nature).

The Socratic method of teaching is based on Socrates' theory that it is more important to enable students to think for themselves than to merely fill their heads with "right" answers. Therefore, he regularly engaged his pupils in dialogues by responding to their questions with questions, instead of answers. This process encourages divergent thinking rather than convergent.

Students are given opportunities to "examine" a common piece of text, whether it is in the form of a novel, poem, art print, or piece of music. After "reading" the common text "like a love letter", open-ended questions are posed.

Open-ended questions allow students to think critically, analyze multiple meanings in text, and express ideas with clarity and confidence. After all, a certain degree of emotional safety is felt by participants when they understand that this format is based on dialogue and not discussion/debate.

Dialogue is exploratory and involves the suspension of biases and prejudices. Discussion/debate is a transfer of information designed to win an argument and bring closure. Americans are great at discussion/debate. We do not dialogue well. However, once teachers and students learn to dialogue, they find that the ability to ask meaningful questions that stimulate thoughtful interchanges of ideas is more important than "the answer."

Participants in a Socratic Seminar respond to one another with respect by carefully listening instead of interrupting. Students are encouraged to "paraphrase" essential elements of another's ideas before responding, either in support of or in disagreement. Members of the dialogue look each other in the "eyes" and use each other names. This simple act of socialization reinforces appropriate behaviors and promotes team building.

[ryanrab1]

Welcome Ryan. Could you describe your Socratic method more? Would it be like a more formal debate, or more conversational? We lean to the conversational, so maybe you want me to whup up on Scott in a more formalized manner?

In a Socratic Seminar the group uses dialogue to convey a point and not by debating.

This is something our teacher gave us (English IV AP, not to brag or anything, and I understand it wouldn't quite work with two people, but it would be fun to here you guys try)

The Socratic method of teaching is based on Socrates' theory that it is more important to enable students to think for themselves than to merely fill their heads with "right" answers. Therefore, he regularly engaged his pupils in dialogues by responding to their questions with questions, instead of answers. This process encourages divergent thinking rather than convergent.

Students are given opportunities to "examine" a common piece of text, whether it is in the form of a novel, poem, art print, or piece of music. After "reading" the common text "like a love letter", open-ended questions are posed.

Open-ended questions allow students to think critically, analyze multiple meanings in text, and express ideas with clarity and confidence. After all, a certain degree of emotional safety is felt by participants when they understand that this format is based on dialogue and not discussion/debate.

Dialogue is exploratory and involves the suspension of biases and prejudices. Discussion/debate is a transfer of information designed to win an argument and bring closure. Americans are great at discussion/debate. We do not dialogue well. However, once teachers and students learn to dialogue, they find that the ability to ask meaningful questions that stimulate thoughtful interchanges of ideas is more important than "the answer."

Participants in a Socratic Seminar respond to one another with respect by carefully listening instead of interrupting. Students are encouraged to "paraphrase" essential elements of another's ideas before responding, either in support of or in disagreement. Members of the dialogue look each other in the "eyes" and use each other names. This simple act of socialization reinforces appropriate behaviors and promotes team building.

[JustJim]

This is something are (sic) teacher gave us (English IV AP, not to brag or anything,

ARE??? I think you meant "our".... I see what you mean about not bragging, though.

(Sorry, but I just couldn't resist.)

Jim

[ryanrab1]

This is something are (sic) teacher gave us (English IV AP, not to brag or anything,

ARE??? I think you meant "our".... I see what you mean about not bragging, though.

(Sorry, but I just couldn't resist.)

Jim

Nice job!

[Emery]

So I get to preach to the preacher. Hmm, seems like he'd have me at a disadvantage.

Interesting idea, we'll keep it in mind!

[NH Baritone]

Socratic method discussions where I have participated specifically do not allow anyone to preach. The primary method of encouraging thought is to simply ask questions. In our staff meetings at work, during the question period, no one is even allowed to offer feedback, and "yes-or-no" questions are really discouraged.

[Rian]

This is something are (sic) teacher gave us (English IV AP, not to brag or anything,

ARE??? I think you meant "our".... I see what you mean about not bragging, though.

(Sorry, but I just couldn't resist.)

Jim

Nice catch, Jim, and nice response, Ryan - good sport!