"Wisdom begins in wonder"-Socrates
He wrote no papers. He made no concrete statements. He claimed to know nothing. So how did a self-described ignorant man become the world's most revered philosopher and teacher?
Socrates' timeless lessons on intellectual humility provide a foundation for critical thinking education. With the Socratic Method of teaching, the challenge is in the questions, not in the answers. The teacher must be able to draw on the collective experience in the room, to listen, and to know when to ask the right question, to whom, and at what time. He must challenge the students to question their knowledge and their assumptions, to consider alternative positions, and to support realistic action plans.
An early commitment to the Socratic Method will set you on a fast path to successful teaching. You will spark more knowledge and learning in your first class than a lecturer is able to during his or her entire semester. Paired with a structured questioning framework, your classroom will hum with a lively and intelligent discussion; the sense of accomplishment, true learning, and new ideas will be your students' and your own. There simply is not a more rewarding way to teach.
