Role of the Teacher

During Socratic questioning, the teacher is a model of critical thinking who respects students' viewpoints, probes their understanding, and shows genuine interest in their thinking. The teacher poses questions that are more meaningful than those a novice of a given topic might develop on his or her own. The teacher creates and sustains an intellectually stimulating classroom environment and acknowledges the value of the student in that environment. In an intellectually open, safe, and demanding learning environment, students will be challenged, yet comfortable in answering questions honestly and fully in front of their peers.

Tips for the Teacher

Further information on developing and guiding questioning.

Role of the Student

Before an exercise in thoughtful questioning, it is helpful if the teacher tells students that they are expected to do the following:

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