subject: Socratic Questioning For College Instructors [print this page] Everyone has to have a first day on the job even college instructors. Youve heard the tips from the pros. Youve probably heard the story about the professor who was locked out of his own classroom. Embarrassed in front of his students, he vowed to buy one of those teacher lanyards so hed never be caught without his keys again.
In addition to the little tricks of the trade, there are some really important things to know about teaching at the college level. One of the things every college instructor should know is how to employ the Socratic Method for questioning.
Some people think that Socrates was the greatest teacher who ever lived. He taught by asking questions and pulling the information out of his students. There are six types of questions he asked in order to challenge his students. The goal of his method was to challenge the completeness of thinking in order to move students toward their overall goal.
Questions to clarify: These questions get students to go deeper into the subject at hand.
What makes you say that?
What does that mean?
Can you rephrase that for us?
Can you give the class an example?
Questions to probe assumptions: This will stir up the classroom because it challenges students to think about their own presuppositions and beliefs.
Doesnt your argument assume that?
How can you prove that assumption?
So do you disagree with?
Questions to probe evidence and reason: When a student presents a rationale for her argument, dig deeper. Do not take it as a given. Make students think more critically about the evidence they provide for their arguments.
Can you share an example of that with us?
How can we be certain what you are saying is correct?
How might someone refute your claim?
Why?
What causes?
Can you show me?
Are these explanations sound enough to stand up in court?
What evidence do we have that backs up your claim?
Questioning for exploring viewpoints and perspectives: When a student offers and argument, it comes from a certain perspective. Attack that position and illustrate other valid viewpoints.
Couldnt someone reasonable approach the situation this way?
What other ways are there to look at this?
Why is this better than?
How would you explain?
What would someone with another perspective have to say about this?
What if you comparedwith?
Questions to probe implications and consequences: What are the implications of the argument? Do they even make sense?
Then what happens?
What are the implications of that assumption?
How does this affect?
How does this change what we learned earlier?
Questions about questions: Go back to the beginning, putting the ball back in their court.
