Socratic Method

The Socratic Method is a teaching method where the teacher gets students to answer questions in class. Learn how it works and how to approach this type of class.
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Today I want to discuss the Socratic method. The method is named after Socrates, the Greek Philosopher who lived in Athens in the 5th Century B.C. Though Socrates never wrote anything, his student Plato captured his teachings in a series of books we call the dialogues. In the dialogues, Socrates asks questions to others in the story, trying to get the other person to get to the truth of some issue. His most famous dialogue is called Phaedo, where Socrates asks questions to his students on the immortality of the soul. It’s a wonderful short book if you’ve never read a dialogue before.
The Socratic method is a great teaching tool because it helps keep students engaged, which is in stark contrast to the traditional lecture. Some questions are designed to elicit lower level thinking answers. For example: “in what year did the American revolution begin?” A simple 1776 is all that is needed. But the Socratic method, used by a seasoned professor, is used to engage higher level thinking, as when the professor asks “why did the American colonies revolt in 1776.”
Now let’s examine how professors use it in the classroom. Approach #1 is the boot camp approach. The professor’s sole goal is to break the student by asking question after question until the student can’t answer a question. This establishes the professor’s dominance, and humbles the student so that the student will be willing to learn. You will be glad to hear that this approach isn’t used much today.
Approach #2 is the accountability approach. The professor asks questions to a few dozen students during a class session, but most of these questions require very little thought. The professor does this to ensure that students read the material.
Approach #3 is the thinking approach, and most closely resembles how Socrates interacted with others. During a class session, the professor will ask questions to a few students, usually no more than three or four. Each student will answer questions for 15 to 20 minutes, as the professor tries to get the student to explain the assigned material. For example, the professor may ask: “Mr. Smith, why do you believe that the court ruled in favor of the defendant?” The professor will also ask hypothetical questions, which requires the student to move beyond the assigned reading. For example: “Mr. Smith, that is a correct understanding of the material. Now, let’ change the facts. Assume that the victim was holding a gun instead of a baseball. How does that change your answer?”
Let’s now look at how you can survive and thrive in this type of environment. One, prepare for class. If you didn’t read or only skimmed the reading, you won’t do well. Two, as the professor asks questions of others, pretend the professor is asking you the question. This means you should answer the question in your mind, and jot down a few notes. If you don’t do this, you won’t engage with the material and miss the main benefit of the Socratic method. Third, look at the professor when answering the question.
Often, the answers are no where to be found in your notes or reading, so don’t look at them. Stop, think, and answer. If it’s taking you some time to think of the words you want to use, it’s okay to tell the professor something like this: “I know the answer, but I just need a few seconds to gather my thoughts.” Fourth, if you don’t understand the question, ask the professor to rephrase it. Fifth, try to answer the question. This method is not about giving a perfect answer. In fact, by trying you very well could get to the right answer, and if you don’t you at least tried. Also, a skilled professor will help you get to an answer. What I tell my students is that I would rather see them try and get it completely wrong, rather than for them to never have tried at all. Remember, this is a learning experience. You should learn not only from your successes, but also from your failures.
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[@izzywilson6265]

Protect this man at all costs.

[@lordlightning2339]

Yes, especially in the modern age. Socrates was a gold mine of knowledge that is being endangered.

[@heartpenpoon1508]

Just to clarify, Socrates never accepted any students nor does he view himself as a teacher of some sorts. Even Plato was not considered a student to Socrates, rather as a friend for discussion.

[@Learnlawbetter]

Socrates never charged for what he did. But he mainly attracted wealthy young men who had time to follow him.

[@CobraAquinas]

@@Learnlawbetter Allegedly.

[@lordlightning2339]

@@Learnlawbetter he was a teacher of different walks of life: be it poor or rich. He did not discriminate based on status.

[@leelad.408]

@@lordlightning2339 He may not have discriminated, but the system did.

[@sn8323]

And cautionary tale for all who aspire to employ the method: Socrates was ultimately forced to drink poison hemlock. Food for thought.

[@samdividina4517]

A learning experience. "You should not only learn from your successes but also from all of your failures."

[@Learnlawbetter]

Colonel Sanders, before he states Kentucky Fried Chicken, had failed at numerous businesses. He finally found a business that worked.

[@samdividina4517]

@@Learnlawbetter Thank you sir! For your passionate approach. God bless! Your contents means a lot!

[@lyndiss.2017]

I just learned the term from some KZbin comment and I found your amazing video! This is like picking up a cool ass item from somewhere while running around in a game!

[@epkrass]

I love the last statement that you said at the end of the video! 4:50

[@superflame107]

I wish I know about this term growing up. It seems like I had been unknowingly using this against my teachers and in every day conversations from an early age and it pissed them off. Nice video. I think you are a great teacher.

[@AlenoOliveira]

Wonderful video! Thanks for clarifying! I will use it. PS: I need those cushions! haha

[@martini87c]

this is a great explanation. Usually when you hear about people talking about the "socratic method" in law school they use it to express extreme stress of being called on, or fear, anxiety, etc. However, it's a learning experience that requires thinking and analyzing rather than being fearful of the professor and conversation. I think there is no wrong answer here (except if you are unprepared and dont know the material for class). Thank you!

[@Loiyaboy]

I'm nearly 30 years into practice and, although I had an inkling, this truly explains how my professors turned my mind of mush into a critical thinking, questioning mind. Also why I never accept the easy answer (those scare me to death, even if true). ;-)

[@named161]

I appreciate every single one of your videos. Thank you for your insights and quality content. I am hoping to get into Law School after I finish my degrees. Your videos motivate me daily and I am very Thankful. God Bless you!

[@Learnlawbetter]

Thank you. I’m glad that these videos are helping you on your path to law school.

[@user-fi4mh9re9c]

Hello from Athens Greece lam so happy that Socrates inspire so many people out of my country. We learn Socrates in Greece since primary school

[@clan1320]

Ελένη Σαμακλή lucky

[@freepagan]

There's nothing to be proud of, your country is a sh*t hole now.

[@sapereaude6339]

Sarvam Jagadidam Looks like you’re a Hindu. How ironic.

[@luvsuneja]

​@@freepagan That is very rude. Why are you acting like an asshole for no reason and bringing disrepute to your country?

[@fitnesspaaji]

Wow your schools are awesome!

[@jackiepyzocha7380]

i ask "why' a lot. My SPED teachers(some) did not like this. I was not challenging them, just asking questions. I really wanted to know why something was that way, or a work-around. I still ask why. Same for math.

[@andiemorgan961]

A good teacher encourages an enquiring mind and a good teacher is not afraid to admit they haven't all the "answers". Never shrink your natural curiosity to placate others. In many ways the best "teacher" is YOURSELF! 😁 Best Wishes during these hard times from 🇬🇧.

[@rikardotsamsiyu]

Technically, if you are asking questions, then you are challenging them. Nothing wrong with challenging them, however.

[@evah787]

Sometime that approach is about attention and dominance of the conversation

[@luismanueldelvallemarcanos1110]

Extraordinary way of teaching the Socratic method. Congratulations.

[@epkrass]

I find the Socratic Method and Devil's Advocacy to be fun. I love the 'Why' questions, because it makes you think critically and establishes your credibility on the subject.

[@StuffOffYouStuff]

I hope those pillows get more use than just flashing them on screen. Anyway. This is one of the best short videos on the method. Thanks for comparison against what the alternatives would be

[@marcvincentapatan5302]

Thank you! This is helpful!

[@unknownangel111]

your words are so catchy!! your video will help me to prepare myself on our online class and also in my daily life! thankyou for sharing your knowledge!!

[@Learnlawbetter]

Glad I can help.

[@phillaserna9718]

Thank You! So very much, Sir!!! You are anything but an “ambulance chaser” or simply a “Paid Sophist”...I truly am grateful for your desire to freely share your knowledge and wisdom!!! I must learn and teach the Socratic Method to my daughters...and I simply cannot teach what I do not know... Very Respectfully, Phil Laserna, CPO, USN(Ret)

[@Learnlawbetter]

Thank you kindly

[@justiceacheampong3556]

Great video!

[@aristotle3345]

Great video and explanation.

[@lilking27]

My good man, you are a fantastic teacher. Thank you.

[@lavampire100]

i LOVE THIS MAN. THANK YOU, THANK YOU FOR YOUR GREAT WORK, YOUR GREAT PRESENTATIONS OF INFORMATION.

[@Learnlawbetter]

I appreciate that!

[@pabloluciano3504]

very nice video, subbed

[@cappuccinocoffee9734]

The approach number 1 reminded me of our 1st day of our 11th grade philosophy subject. The philo. prof.bombarded us individually with questions, some even started to cry. The rest of the semester was actually lit. He only did that to baptise us by fire about Socratic method. Not really a fun first impression lol.

[@Learnlawbetter]

Interesting that he did that on day 1, especially as students might complain.

[@TheIkaraCult]

I'm so glad my dad taught me how to do this when I was growing up, not by rote but by example.

[@Learnlawbetter]

I did the same with my children.

[@badongdejoestar1861]

I hope to be a lawyer in the future. I appreciate your channel sir😊

[@ChristianRoland7]

I don't know how you feel about this, but my excellent English professor asks a lower thinking question and then follows it up with a higher thinking question. Using your example, it goes something like this: "when was the American Revolution?"and follows it up with the "why" question :)

[@Learnlawbetter]

That is a common tactic, and one that I use as well. To get the conversation started, I'll ask some knowledge questions, and then once the student is into the groove of answering questions, move to higher level thinking questions.

[@AL-rv3jz]

Every culture have use from philosopher to general understand these approaches extensively they are not well known in the mainstream or widely understood in the public

[@johnlloydc.semilla1666]

Helps a lot

[@ECO473]

You are so right about being prepared, sir!!! There's no substitute!!!

[@JokerPoker5RP]

the Socratic Method sounds like any level of education in Poland. The teachers ask a lot of questions to students, asking them to elaborate, tell them to come to the front and answer questions in front of the class etc.

[@Hunter-ef4ch]

Listening to Legally Blond the Musical’s song ‘Blood in the Water’ helped me understand the Socratic method lol

[@grimaldus1967]

My friend used the Socratic method of questioning on me then explained what he did & I became kind of obsessed.

[@Learnlawbetter]

I use it with my children. They are much more critical thinkers now.

[@grimaldus1967]

@@Learnlawbetter Can you recommend any books on the topic?

[@Learnlawbetter]

I don’t think I’ve ever seen a book on the subject-just snippets in books on preparing for law school.

[@ruththeo8309]

I wish it's being used in my country....This method is excellent

[@Learnlawbetter]

What country are you watching from? Is it only lecture in your country?

[@jaiscream7618]

Socratic method is used in law schools here in the Philippines, and it's tormenting the students.😱😢 Well, said the students. 😂

[@Learnlawbetter]

Instilling fear around the world! 😏

[@dannycobbin]

crystal clear

[@zackpersson7350]

This guy is going places. *slow nod of approval*

[@ZeleKaregaa]

Learn about Imhotep! Psychology has been around for over thousands of years from scholars like the African named Imhotep (2700 B.C) who taught the later Socrates and other greeks (470 B.C).

[@philipperossel967]

I can use this with my kids. I love it

[@Learnlawbetter]

That’s great! Glad it was useful.

[@theworldforgot4857]

Thank you for all of your videos may God bless you❤

[@Learnlawbetter]

You are so welcome

[@theworldforgot4857]

@@Learnlawbetter 🙏🏽🤲🏾❤️

[@jackiepyzocha7380]

I am thorough.

[@dannyhardesty3692]

How would the holding of this case be different if we applied Section [x] of the Uniform Commercial Code? Ah, remember those days well. :)

[@Learnlawbetter]

Yes, keep changing the facts!

[@KVMusicPH]

Please be our professor, we need more of you here in my College lol.

[@YourStudyBuddyChannel]

I did not know that Socrates is still alive until now!!! And he is teaching us the Socratic Method!!

[@Teller3448]

I first read the Socratic Dialogues when I was a teenager (a thousand centuries ago) and it seemed that the method revolved around the word 'therefore'. Principles are built up in layers like a wedding cake with a final 'a-ha' moment forming the crown of the cake. Each new principle relies on the previous one agreed on by the participants. We can imagine how this method was used by Jurists in Scotland when they established their 'three verdict' trial system. 1. If there is sufficient proof of guilt the verdict is 'guilty'. 2. If there is sufficient proof of innocence the verdict is 'not guilty'. 3. If there is no sufficient proof of either the verdict is 'not proven'.

[@Learnlawbetter]

I encountered the dialogues in college-the most interesting books I read.

[@siyaindagulag.]

logical ,analytical deduction . -therefore-

[@Alberts_Stuff]

I'm completely green when it comes to philosophy, I could listen to this guy for ages 👍🏻

[@homeschooledaroundtheworld4660]

Do you consider to be a good idea to use the Socratic method with middle school children?

[@Learnlawbetter]

My kids are homeschooled and I regularly use the Socratic method with them. They are critical thinkers because of it. I began using it with them when they were young.

[@homeschooledaroundtheworld4660]

My kids are homeschooled as well and I am planning to start the classical historian next year. That curriculum teaches the Socratic method. I’m more motivated now after your response. Thank you for a great video!

[@Learnlawbetter]

We have used Sonlight, which follows a great books approach. Our goal was to get them to think independently-the approach has worked well.

[@Learnlawbetter]

Share your funny, sad, or bad stories on the socratic method.

[@mrrasul6524]

Is the earth a globe? Oh my...entertaining much...wow!!!

[@Learnlawbetter]

Sounds like an interesting discussion.

[@Learnlawbetter]

The answer is no to most of the questions.

[@Learnlawbetter]

The last question is not a yes or no question.

[@Learnlawbetter]

I’m not sure how that would change anything. In any event, I was thinking in terms of property.

[@sukhveerkaur2199]

Brillent

[@SuperEarthLiberator]

I actually wish my professors would use this. It actually does sound very engaging, and i honestly dont like how some of my professors act like college students themselves but with a degree and with the fact that they have to be there.

[@TheKittengoddess]

Law school sounds incredible. I wish I had gone. I'm too old to being a career, and too poor to get that far into debt and die in a debtor's prison, and there are far too many lawyers out there to compete. How sad. It sounds challenging and colorful. I know I would have made an excellent lawyer.

[@Learnlawbetter]

I am reminded of Robert Frost’s poem The Road Less Traveled. Many lawyers regret their decision and wish they had taken the other road.

[@susanarsoniadou3588]

John F Kennedy never wanted to become President. He wanted to teach and write books...

[@brianbertram4198]

So im not here for law. Sure several of is here arent. Im here to learn more about the socratic method. Im huge on philosophy and its cool to see the first video is from a law channel.

[@Learnlawbetter]

Make sure to read the Socratic Dialogues by Plato. He demonstrates how the method was used.

[@starbury64]

I prefer this method than the case method because it stretches the mind.

[@Learnlawbetter]

Used properly, it can help students to think. Unfortunately, I’ve seen professors ask questions that don’t stretch the mind, and they think they are using the Socratic method.

[@starbury64]

Learn Law Better That is so sad, but I really enjoyed you video on how you explained the method, and you actually look like a law professor..

[@jackiepyzocha7380]

You sound more like John Jay Osborn, as he is the professor, rather than Kingfield.

[@drwadkins]

Does Socrates mean social rule as written by Plato? All names have meanings. If so, what does the word plato mean? Could Socrates be Plato's main the character in some of his plays? Riddles, odes, and epic adventures were the entertainments of the day. His writings were inspired by his God (Sophia). In the beginning was Logos. I, like everyone that has read Plato, I am in awe of his genius. It appears that during the period that Plato lived many religions had their roots throughout the world. Seek and ye shall find. (Pro 2:2)　 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;

[@khartog01]

The point of breaking down a student in Basic training is to rebuild them as a trained soldier, ready to learn further. I think that's what meant and I'm just being clear. I'm just simple soldier though and not a professor. So I may have misunderstood you.

[@Learnlawbetter]

Yes, same idea. Under the traditional method, which few professors use today, you break the student so that they can lean the law better. I’m not sure if that ever really worked.

[@jantumo1425]

the point is to mold you into a mindless killing machine, ready to carry out the imperialist will of the ruling classes without a second thought. have fun killing innocents.

[@dori10]

The socratic method works well and gives best results ... when the teacher is good at playing his/her role. The socratic method needs a well trained teacher and as the teacher should guide the conversation, not terorize the students. It's like guiding the student through the law's labyrinth and.. in the end, it's about gaining and developing the basics and obtaining the necessary set of skills to ,,learn and guide yourselft to the answer". Years passed, after I've finished law university and.. most often I find out that you're on your own when it comes to the legal field. In university, had a teacher that once said: use the chance that university offers to you, to be able to ask questions, after you finish it, in very few cases you'll find someone willing to do so. Law is a human concept, a human product, it works with abstract notions, those who are about and for humans. I'm not talking about the law meaning (as a set of universal principles), but about law as a rule that's needed for human's society to work. So, in fact, law regulates the connection (put in abstract words) between at least two people. For example, X and Y make contact, that contact is what law can regulate, if law's needed. Law is closely related with a legal sanction (punishment from a legal point of view). Law's closely related to morals, but it's not equal to morals. Law works with human behaviour done in society, with intent. For example, I can destroy the car that I own, but law doesn't allow me to destroy my car if I didn't fully pay it and it's a guarantee for the credit that I own or by setting it on fire as that fire may spread and affect others/... From my point of view, the socratic method is one of the hardest methods that can be applied by a teacher. The teacher should be trusted by his/her students and for the teacher to know how to develop at his/her students the necessary skills: how to study, how to think, how to manage the necessary resources, to sum up: how to develop. Most legal cases have a red line, the basic steps that can be identified and applies in all cases, be them civil or criminal cases. That stars from: who is subjected to the law, where's the law appliable (country/area) and the time moment (which law is appliable, time wise). What's after that is where things develop. Most laws are a continuation of others, an evolutions of social needs and understanding. Though, as I've learned late, law also has some things that you should memorize: like dates & terms. You can avoid forcefull memorizing by using the information, the content. You note down the date and revize it often enough for it to imprint in your memory, you can memorize it by working with it. Most students learn how to learn. Most often, students make first contact with law in it's final form, in university. Though, in practice, they need to go before and after the actual law. To see if the law is appliable or if it can be/should be changed to properly fit the actual social conditions.

[@FISHH00KS]

I used this in criminal interviews of subjects and witnesses. This allows for a foundation in subsequent interviews or to confront the subject with inconsistencies and lies.

[@patrickisles4570]

To me, at least, I don't think there's anything wrong with being honest to your professor and saying that you didn't "understand" what you read. Now, if you didn't take responsibility and didn't seek help prior to class, then that's a problem. BUT if you went to office hours, asked questions and tried your best, I don't see a problem with saying that you didn't understand the readings. Trust me, a professor is more than willing to help you out when you're showing that you care about doing well :D

[@navneetkaushik2482]

At the start of the video push the left arrow key on you keyboard to go back 5 seconds , do it again and again and you will see the professor's chin moving up and down , it looks funny XD.

[@jaumebricolajeyconstruccion]

waou...

[@jackiepyzocha7380]

I speak English, understand French a little Spanish. Maybe Latin may help me in learning Law? I could begin on my own.

[@jackiepyzocha7380]

I did that with French before my Sophomore year of high school, that summer, also to keep my mind busy.

[@Learnlawbetter]

Latin is not necessary these days to study law.

[@themistersmith]

Great beard!

[@TheFrontyer]

What heppens if you object to the proffessors question?

[@Learnlawbetter]

That has never happened in my classroom. The student is expected to answer. But if the student is confused, it is okay to ask the professor to clarify the question.

[@jackiepyzocha7380]

I enjoy learning, the process. I am not interested in the law career. Just the experiences. Be flexible. Don't be intimidated. I need a few more seconds, I would ask the prof to rephrase.

[@berdeski1965]

The Greek statue that you use in your video holding a scroll is Aristotle not Socrates...

[@lostintime519]

He studied Law These people genuinely do not care about anything but Boobs and Ass

[@sixteenstringjack]

Great explanation but the camera switching from time to time to a completely unnecessary side angle was really frustrating. This device started some time in the 80s. I remember seeing it on trendy music shows. It’s a postmodern thing, a kind of deconstruction that says hey look, you’re watching a guy talking, it’s in a studio, I’m filming it on a camera. It basically says forget the content and focus on the form. It’s not big and it’s not clever!

[@Learnlawbetter]

I’ve moved away from that in my most recent videos. Thanks for explaining why it wasn’t a good approach for a modern audience.

[@sixteenstringjack]

@@Learnlawbetter I hope it didn't seem like too much of a dig. It was because your talk was so good that I raised it. Thank you for your reply

[@Learnlawbetter]

No, I really did appreciate the comment. I’m not a video expert.

[@clrguitar]

tried to ask for a moment to formulate my thoughts (i knew the answer) but the professor didnt let me lol

[@halfbroadcaster2582]

Learn Law Better = LLB LLB = Bachelor of Law

[@Learnlawbetter]

I only noticed that months after I created the name.

[@mcm4269]

If he is going to be my professor I won't feel any nervousness at all

[@Learnlawbetter]

Most law professors today follow the kind-Socratic approach. The days of intentionally embarrass students are basically over.

[@kerul448]

How many methods are there in Socrates method

[@Learnlawbetter]

They are all variations on a theme. The basic idea is that you ask someone a series of questions, leading them to some conclusion.

[@charingchannel4589]

👍

[@marijoadibacsa6211]

❤❤

[@marissa_haque_channel]

Masya Allah

[@rareword]

Why do people always claim that Socrates never wrote anything when those who have read Plato know that he put some of Aesop's fables into verse?

[@Green-zw9pv]

I wish I was happy

[@mohammedanees4410]

wow

[@asfiashakeel7047]

Plzz Urdu me bhe bnaya kray study videos

[@sn8323]

And cautionary tale for all who aspire to employ the method: Socrates was ultimately forced to drink poison hemlock. Food for thought.

[@Learnlawbetter]

LOL!

[@lwmaynard5180]

Socrates was murdered in the 1st degree ? ? PhD. Poisoned hemlock Dosage ? ?

[@zyansheep]

Here from TED Ed

[@L0veisl1ght]

Here because of Ed and thanks to Ted Ed.

[@All_Together_Now]

me too

[@bobmenat3361]

Thanks ed !

[@THEMATT222]

Same lol

[@jackiepyzocha7380]

Does the Socratic Method have to be intimidating?

[@Learnlawbetter]

It depends on the professor and the student. Some students don’t like being called, under any circumstance. Most professors are fairly gentle these days, so it comes down to student perception.

[@nicholaswheeler507]

Why should I use the socratic method?

[@Learnlawbetter]

The Socratic method is a superior way to learn information. Rather than being given information, the questioner gets the listener to get to an answer. In other words, it is a way to get a person to figure an answer out with some help. You learn at a deeper level when you figure it out, rather than someone just telling you the answer.

[@nicholaswheeler507]

Didn't you just tell me the answer?

[@Learnlawbetter]

LOL

[@pretzel5880]

Just here cause my teacher like to do class using socratic method

[@jeffreymorris2673]

If you were ask me why the court ruled in favor of the Defendant, I would say, "People go to law school because they're too dumb to do anything else." You're book smart. So am I.

[@MysticFiddler1]

My only question is this: does Socrates ask questions "to" a student or "of" a student? --Grammar Police

[@Learnlawbetter]

Lawyer’s answer: English is ever evolving, unconstrained by yesterday’s conventions. 😉

[@MysticFiddler1]

@@Learnlawbetter As are morals and ethics?

[@Learnlawbetter]

Touché

[@jackiepyzocha7380]

I thought the Socratic method was critical thinking, but not intimidating. I want to be "James T. Hart type" without becoming shrouded by Kingsfield. I want to be clear. I could use religion(Catholic) "to separate the wheat from the chaff" thinking. I like why questions. I did not do military. I am already humble. I need to be built up, not torn down, thank you.

[@jackiepyzocha7380]

I don't choke up easily.

[@jacobnorwood4454]

The boot camp methods should be used all the time there’s too many kids that think they know everything

[@elizabetholiviaclark]

They sound like normal kids to me.

[@mrrasul6524]

Using this method...is the earth a globe?

[@poplarxd1439]

how the heck did this video get 2 dislikes???

[@Learnlawbetter]

I don’t even try to guess anymore why people dislike a video. Thanks for the vote of confidence.

[@wessside77]

I wasn’t a video game tutorial

[@GRAYgauss]

Boot camp approach backfires when student's knowledge extends far past the professor's (STEM here). Students who have a true passion for a field are often despised despite their dispostion, I have tried all ranges, from courteous and cordial to pure vicious deconstruction of logic to make a teacher look stupid. (Because frankly if a student can do that in every aspect of your field, you should be fired) It isn't hard to be more prepared than the teacher/prof when you put more time into research and studies than they have, simply because you have that passion. Ergo, I expect teachers should be required to have that passion, otherwise they will snuff out any they see. Even courteous corrections, desiring truthful and accurate descriptions, often seem to trigger an egocentric response. It nearly always you sh*t-listed but also he can't look you in the eye for the rest of the semester and so far administrative action has worked to my favor. From my own anecdotal experience and critical analysis of their skills, knowledge, reasoning abilities, patience, willingness to admit error, etc....80% of teachers and professors have no business in their respective professions. It also seems vital to be a good teacher, he needs to have the desire to propel the students beyond your understanding must be the core motivation. The remaining 20% are all teachers who demonstrated that desire and empathy towards their students. There are also just issues with the curriculums, making teachers victims to them, but they should not be unthinking sheep and become the embodiment of the systems problems. Obviously critical thinking needs to be the primary motivation in education...Force a man to memorize to cage him, teach him to learn to free him. Then the students become weak minded and the next generation of teachers and professors become even more stubborn, ignorance, arrogant... Another problem is many teachers refuse to answer some of the harder questions, the more abstract engaging ones, particularly if they can't answer it or just intimidates them because they need to consider it. That refusal alone often seems to, in younger and older settings alike, discourage a curious and inquisitive nature. I'd charge it as a primary factor to blame for the many people who do not love to learn. It feels like you have to protect that love with all your heart from the institutional system, and it seems in doing so you become a target because you do not drone as expected. I'm sure many have watched as someone's curiosity was murdered in class to never revive again.

[@paulwalters5943]

Your reasoning is flawed. You speak about teachers and teaching from a student’s perspective. Until you’ve become a teacher, you are unable to make those claims with any degree of accuracy. You may be smarter than your teachers about whatever subject they teach. But you’ll never know why those teachers are who they are until you’ve lived in their shoes. Teaching chews you up and spits you out. It is an unforgiving, unappreciated profession. And unless someone starts a school of their own, you are always pigeonholed into doing things a way you would never choose to.

[@GRAYgauss]

Meh, accidentally erased my comment. I understand where you come from, but I have more experience than you know of. You're right that I used rhetoric based on ignoring the system's limitations and abilities. However, it's still true there are teachers who don't have the passion and shouldn't be teachers. Whose pride and ego suppresses kid's will to learn. I've first-hand undone this in the master/apprentice private setting, which they don't have the opportunity of. However the good teachers don't jade students like that even in school. There's just not enough of them to keep the students from feeling stupid/whatever. You're right, I really don't know what it is to be a teacher in that enviro, but I was thinking of those bad teachers, not the ones who have a love for students/pride in teaching. Also, none-the-less, the developed method based on those observations produced results which are enough for me; so I shouldn't have spoken as I did. The short of it is basd around the feedback loop of the teacher first learns the student's style of learning such that you can encourage them/teach them the topic while honing their learning method. So, apologies, I was wrong to assault, but I was really targetting the system that seems to enable these bad teachers to be standard. And those bad teacher's own lack of consideration when entering the profession. (Simpler things, like the ego, this that..Not maybe the unappreciation turning someone to hopeless pain or something) Let's discuss more, it's sounds lke I can learn from you. I'll do my best to be reasonable, continue to call me out if I didn't adequately consider my wrongs of my first comment. (Or the new wrongs I made here :s)

[@stephan2796]

Whether or not the Socratic method is good is highly debatable. There appears to be no middle ground: It is either the best, or directly harmful.

[@Learnlawbetter]

The method, used correctly, does help develop critical thinking skills. Why do you think that’s debatable?

[@danieldd1804]

The books in the background are very threatening!

[@itsyagelefunk7544]

The way his beard is shaped makes his jaw bigger on one side

[@ryza2859]

Dammit! Now I can't unsee it...

[@missshannonsunshine]

Ryza I was gonna say the same thing lol. I never noticed until now

[@elizabethblane201]

The Socratic method is also the best way to help your own children understand the world.

[@Learnlawbetter]

Yes, I used it with my kids.

[@hoytevanhoytema2660]

Why should you learn the Socratic method? Can you learn the Socratic method?

[@Learnlawbetter]

The Socratic Method is a great technique for learning critical thinking skills. I use it with my children, helping them get to the right answer.

[@hodor9851]

Socrates has a point. It's better to let educated people that have learned about a subject at hand to vote for something/someone then to just let any random person do so

[@Learnlawbetter]

But how do you verify that someone has learned something about a subject?

[@hodor9851]

@@Learnlawbetter the government teaches them. I'm not talking about the citizens in general but normal everyday people that studied well enough about politics to actually become a politician.

[@hodor9851]

@@Learnlawbetter being taught kind of like kings in absolute monarchies. But that's just how I believe these people would be taught. Socretes? Not sure. I should go look

[@Learnlawbetter]

I should add that I don’t like it when voters are uninformed. One person told me that she was voting for Bill Clinton because she liked his hair. That should not be the basis for a vote.

[@hodor9851]

@@Learnlawbetter exactly

[@PKMNFan4664]

1:30 Didn't it technically start in 1775? Lexington and Concord, after all.

[@owlguidemapps1958]

The pillow

[@mansoor7571]

U are reading and U should know it by heart than to read...

[@syedmahmudulhuda8227]

Here from Legally Blonde