Developed and named after Greek Philosopher Socrates, the Socratic Method stands as a refreshing and necessary approach to cultivating critical thinking in the classroom. Schools today often prioritize standardized testing and memorization. By breaking students away from the monotony of passive learning, seminars—when properly executed—allow for students to properly examine their logic and further their understanding of the themes being discussed in the classroom.
One of the primary benefits of the Socratic Method is its ability to promote active engagement in learning. Active learning is defined as “a method of learning in which students are actively or experientially involved in the learning process.” Conversely, passive learning is “a method of learning or instruction where students receive information from the instructor and internalize it.” This is otherwise known as silently watching and reflecting which is not very immersive. In socratic seminars, learning processes, such as active recall, are unconsciously practiced because students are thinking on their feet.
Not only is active learning more engaging, but it is significantly more effective. Additionally, the Socratic Method encourages intellectual humility and adaptability. By encouraging open-ended discussions that expose students to multiple viewpoints, it forces them to acknowledge the complexity and uncertainty inherent in many topics. This way, instead of memorizing facts for an exam and immediately forgetting them, the concept stays in a student’s head. This is particularly useful for AP classes where at the end of the year there is a stimulus based exam, and critical thinking skills and the ability to properly infer is a more effective way to score well.
The most common criticism seminars receive is that many students with social anxiety or who struggle with public speaking can feel discomfort. However, this challenge can be mitigated by fostering a supportive classroom environment where students feel safe expressing their thoughts. A balanced approach ensures that discussions remain constructive rather than combative. Additionally, learning to navigate discomfort is itself an important skill; intellectual growth often requires stepping outside one’s comfort zone. Furthermore, there are modifications that can be made to the seminar that keep the integrity of the assignment while accommodating for more introverted students.
To summarize, Socratic seminars should continue to be implemented in school curriculum in order to push students and force them to apply what they have already memorized. In the future, the skills these seminars promote is crucial to career success.
