Re: MARCH TPT, The Socratic Method (in law schools)

[Ludwik Kowalski <KowalskiL@MAIL.MONTCLAIR.EDU>]

Everything can be abused, and often is. Probably more often
than not. Why should the Socratic Method be different? It is
a difficult way of teaching, especially if one wants to be sure
that students learn what is expected within a limited number
of contact hours.

But it can be very productive in open-ended situations, for
example, in enrichment classes taken by gifted kids outside
high schools. Many colleges offer such classes during the
weekends and parents pay for them. Nobody tells teachers
what to teach there; they teach what they want.
Ludwik Kowalski

Jack Uretsky wrote:

>         As generally practiced at the U. of Chicago (1972-5),
> I regarded it as a form of swindle.
>         Professor asks question of class of about 150 students.
> Professor takes answers until he gets the one he wants.  Then
> on to the next question.  There are refinements.