How the Socratic Method Engenders Authentic Educational Experiences

Socratic Moments: How the Socratic Method Engenders Authentic Educational Encounters offers educators theoretical and practical ways to implement the Socratic Method in educational settings. This book begins with a working definition of the Socratic Method that includes a serious look at elements of Socrates’ ancient method in modern day teaching and learning situations. The book reaffirms the logical connection between the Socratic method and critical thinking, but also offers new explorations on how the Socratic method can enhance self-directed learning, leadership development, and learning styles. Lastly, the book elucidates the beneficial qualities of teachers growing into Socratic teaching and enjoying the process of mastering an instructional strategy that assists with human flourishing.

Table of Contents:
Introduction – Why Did I Write this Book? Chapter 1 - In Search of a Definition Chapter 2 - Learning to be a Socratic Educator Chapter 3 – Looking at the Elenchus Chapter 4 – Socratic Method and Critical Thinking Chapter 5 – Socratic Learning and the Self-Directed Learner Chapter 6 – Socratic Method and Leadership Chapter 7 – Socratic Method and Diverse Learning Classrooms Chapter 8 – Socratic Method and Social Emotional Learning Chapter 9 – Socratic Method and Evaluation Chapter 10 – Striving Toward Socratic Teaching

About the Author :
Frank Giuseffi is assistant professor of education and online program manager in the Doctor of Education program at William Woods University.

Review :
Dr. Frank Giuseffi has written a timely, informative, and important book that focuses on the most important skill in education: critical thinking. His focus on the Socratic Method is a much-needed contribution to pedagogy for university and secondary-level faculty and teachers. Among the areas Dr. Giuseffi examines are the Socratic Method and leadership, social emotional learning, diverse classroom learning with the Socratic Method, and Socratic teaching. The connections between modern and ancient provide rich contexts as the Socratic Method comes to life. Dr. Giuseffi has written a work that will improve the quality of teaching and learning and is highly recommended for all who wish to understand critical thinking skills in themselves and their students. Dr. Frank Giuseffi is a scholar of Socrates and brings accessible insights to the foundations of his method. Dr. Giuseffi offers a detailed look at the Socratic Method, its practice and applicability, as well as its importance for critical thinking in the classroom. This book is of great use and importance to teachers of various content and levels seeking to increase students’ critical thinking skills and achievement levels. Professor Giuseffi artfully presents the timeless utility of Socratic teaching in the 21st century. During an era of standardized testing and continuous hypertech integration within schools, Dr. Giuseffi demonstrates how a method derived over twenty-four hundred years ago can be our answer to increasing school equity and student voice within education. His book provides a connection between Socrates and the Socratic method with modern theorists like Ira Shor and contemporary pedagogical movements such as culturally and linguistically responsive teaching. The Socratic method focuses on individual knowledge and context through student expression rather than rote memorization and authoritarian knowledge.